First Thoughts on the ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The allure of high-capacity magazines has always been strong in the shooting world. The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises just that: a whopping 50 rounds of 9mm fun for your Glock 17 or 19. It certainly conjures images of extended range sessions and a whole lot less reloading.
As someone with over a decade in the tactical gear world, I’ve seen my fair share of aftermarket magazines. I specifically sought out this drum to push my Glock’s capabilities to the limit, envisioning extended drills and seeing how it handled rapid-fire scenarios. Upon receiving it, the ProMag drum felt solid, though the plastic construction didn’t exactly scream premium.
Compared to standard Glock magazines, the ProMag drum is significantly larger and heavier, naturally. I was also considering a Glock factory 33-round magazine and ETS’s clear polymer magazines, but the allure of 50 rounds in a drum format was too strong to resist for the sake of testing its capabilities. Initial impressions were a mix of excitement and cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag drum at an outdoor shooting range, using a Glock 19 and a Ruger PC Carbine, simulating both pistol and carbine applications. Conditions were dry and sunny, a perfect day for some lead slinging. Loading the drum for the first time was a bit of a chore; it definitely requires some patience and technique, more on that later.
Initially, the drum fed reliably through the first 20 rounds or so. However, as the magazine emptied further, malfunctions began to surface, including failures to feed and stovepipes in both the Glock 19 and the Ruger PC Carbine. The pistol seemed to handle it slightly better than the carbine, but neither was flawless.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag drum, the reliability issues persisted. The drum requires constant attention to ensure proper seating and feeding. Wear and tear were evident in the form of scratches on the polymer body and noticeable friction during loading.
Cleaning the drum is relatively straightforward, but taking it apart for a deep clean is not recommended unless you’re comfortable with potentially damaging the spring mechanism. Compared to standard Glock magazines, which are virtually indestructible and require minimal maintenance, the ProMag drum falls short in terms of durability and ease of care. It definitely underperformed compared to the rock-solid reliability I expect from my Glock magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin boasts the following specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 50 rounds
- Compatibility: Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols
- Origin: Aftermarket, Made in USA
- Material: Polymer body with steel feed lips
The 50-round capacity is, of course, the headline feature. This dramatically increases the firepower available in a Glock platform. Polymer construction keeps the drum relatively lightweight, but the steel feed lips are crucial for reliable feeding. The fact that it’s made in the USA is a plus for some consumers.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the ProMag drum offers increased firepower and reduced reloading frequency. In practice, however, reliability is a significant concern. While some users report flawless operation, my experience, and the experiences of others online, suggest that malfunctions are common. The drum performs best with consistent pressure applied to the magazine well.
The ProMag drum’s main strength is its high capacity, offering a significant advantage in situations where volume of fire is needed. Its weaknesses, however, outweigh this benefit, with reliability issues and difficulty in loading being primary concerns. Ultimately, it does not meet the reliability expectations that experienced shooters demand.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag drum has a bulky, almost comical appearance, especially when paired with a Glock 19. The polymer construction keeps the weight manageable, but the drum is still considerably heavier than a standard magazine, which can affect handling. Loading the drum is not intuitive and requires a specific technique of rotating the loading assist lever.
The drum is relatively user-friendly once you get the hang of loading it. The ergonomics are inherently compromised by the sheer size of the drum.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction is durable enough for range use, but I wouldn’t trust it in a high-stress tactical situation. The internal spring mechanism is a potential point of failure, and disassembly for thorough cleaning is risky. Regular cleaning of the feed lips is essential to maintain reliable feeding.
With proper care, the ProMag might last for several years of range use. However, it’s unlikely to withstand the abuse that a factory Glock magazine can endure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t offer much in the way of accessories or customization. It’s a self-contained unit designed to be compatible with standard Glock 17 and 19 frames. While there are aftermarket loaders available that might assist in loading the drum, compatibility isn’t guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- High 50-round capacity dramatically increases firepower.
- Relatively affordable compared to other high-capacity options.
- Compatible with popular Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols.
- Made in the USA, which appeals to some buyers.
- Potentially fun for range use and novelty applications.
Cons
- Significant reliability issues, including failures to feed and stovepipes.
- Difficult and time-consuming to load, requiring a specific technique.
- Bulky and awkward design compromises handling.
- Polymer construction raises durability concerns.
Who Should Buy ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and novelty over absolute reliability. It could also appeal to those who use their firearms in competition settings. Specifically, I think that competitive shooters in divisions that allow drum magazines will enjoy the ProMag.
This product should be avoided by anyone who relies on their Glock for self-defense or tactical applications. The unreliability is simply too significant a risk. A must-have modification would be an extremely reliable magazine loader, if one exists.
Conclusion on ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G17, 19 50rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a mixed bag. The promise of 50 rounds of 9mm fun is tempting, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The price of $63.99 is relatively affordable, but the reliability issues undermine the value proposition.
Personally, I would not recommend this drum magazine for serious use. It’s more of a range toy than a reliable tool. If you’re looking for a high-capacity option for your Glock, I’d suggest exploring factory extended magazines or other aftermarket options with a proven track record of reliability.