First Thoughts on the PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The Sig Sauer P938 is a fantastic little pistol, ideal for concealed carry due to its compact size and reliable performance. The PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin promises to enhance that already impressive package by adding four rounds to the standard capacity. The promise of increased firepower in a small package is always appealing, but aftermarket magazines can be a gamble.
I’ve been a Sig P938 owner for years. I love the platform but have always wanted a little more capacity without drastically increasing the grip length. I started looking at aftermarket magazines to solve this “problem”.
Upon unboxing, the PROMAG magazine looked well-made. The blued steel finish seemed comparable to the factory magazine, and the spring tension felt appropriate. However, the fit into the magazine well was slightly tighter than the original Sig Sauer magazine. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the tighter fit wouldn’t translate to feeding issues. I definitely held some reservations though, knowing the reputation aftermarket magazines sometimes have for reliability. I have tested a few other aftermarket magazines for my P938, mostly from brands I wasn’t familiar with, and they were all total garbage. They didn’t feed correctly and were constantly causing malfunctions.
Compared to the factory Sig Sauer magazine and a couple of other aftermarket options I tried, the PROMAG felt sturdier than some, but not as refined as the Sig Sauer original. I chose this specific PROMAG offering hoping that the all-steel construction would translate to greater durability and reliability than some of the polymer-bodied magazines I had seen. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism.
Real-World Testing: Putting PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the PROMAG magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran a variety of 9mm ammunition through it, including standard 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain +P hollow points, and some 147-grain subsonic rounds. Initially, things seemed promising.
For the first two magazines, the PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin fed relatively well. It ejected with decent force, and there were no immediately apparent issues. Then, things started to degrade quickly. By the third magazine, I experienced multiple failures to feed, where the slide would fail to fully chamber a round.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the PROMAG magazine during various range sessions. I meticulously cleaned and lubricated both the magazine and my P938, hoping to resolve the feeding issues. Unfortunately, the problems persisted.
The durability seemed acceptable. I haven’t noticed any significant wear or damage to the magazine body itself. However, the reliability remained consistently poor. Cleaning the magazine was simple enough. It disassembled easily and could be wiped down quickly. Compared to my experience with factory Sig Sauer magazines, the PROMAG was a massive disappointment. I can run hundreds of rounds through my factory magazines without a single malfunction. The PROMAG, on the other hand, failed almost every time.
Breaking Down the Features of PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is designed to hold 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The magazine body is constructed from blued steel. It’s designed as an aftermarket alternative to the standard Sig Sauer P938 magazines.
The 10-round capacity is intended to provide increased firepower. The steel construction is supposed to ensure durability. But ultimately, the value of these specifications is undermined by the magazine’s poor performance.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm. In this regard, the PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin fails miserably. The magazine consistently exhibited failures to feed, double feeds, and other malfunctions.
The magazine’s only strength is its increased capacity when it works, which is very infrequent. Its weaknesses are plentiful, including unreliability, poor feeding, and a tendency to cause malfunctions. This magazine does not meet my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin appears well-built at first glance. The steel construction feels solid, but the fit and finish are not as refined as the factory magazines. It feels noticeably heavier than the factory 6-round magazine.
There isn’t a significant learning curve, as it functions similarly to any other pistol magazine. But the constant malfunctions make it incredibly frustrating to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine body appears to be durable. I haven’t observed any cracks, dents, or significant wear after several range trips. Maintenance is straightforward, involving disassembly and cleaning.
However, the magazine’s unreliability undermines its potential longevity. A durable magazine is useless if it doesn’t function properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options. This is a simple, straightforward magazine.
It’s supposed to be compatible with any Sig Sauer P938, but its unreliability makes any potential compatibility irrelevant.
Pros and Cons of PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Potentially increases magazine capacity to 10 rounds.
- Steel construction suggests durability.
- Simple to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Highly unreliable, with frequent failures to feed and double feeds.
- Questionable build quality compared to factory magazines.
- May cause damage to the firearm due to malfunctions.
Who Should Buy PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
Nobody should buy the PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin. It is unreliable. If you want higher capacity, I recommend looking at a different platform all together.
Conclusion on PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The PROMAG SIG P938 9MM 10RD BLUE STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin promises increased capacity for the Sig Sauer P938, but fails to deliver on its primary function: reliable feeding. The price may be tempting at $20.49, but the cost of malfunctions and potential damage to your firearm far outweighs any perceived savings.
I cannot recommend this magazine. Your money is better spent on factory Sig Sauer magazines or exploring other reliable aftermarket options. Save your money, avoid the frustration, and stick with magazines you can trust your life to.