First Thoughts on the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
The Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin promises increased capacity for a firearm that often gets a bad rap. It’s a seemingly simple upgrade for a pistol known more for its affordability than its reliability or ergonomics. Could this extended magazine be the key to making the HP25 a more practical tool?
I’ve spent countless hours on the range and in the field, evaluating gear from high-end optics to budget-friendly firearms. The search for a reliable and easily concealable option for my wife, who prefers something smaller and lighter, led me to consider the Phoenix Arms HP25. The standard magazine capacity felt limiting, so this extended 9-round version seemed like a worthwhile upgrade.
My initial impression upon receiving the magazine was underwhelming. The black finish appeared somewhat uneven, and the plastic base felt flimsy compared to the steel of the original magazine. It reminded me of cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered over the years.
I briefly considered a couple of other magazine options, including those from Promag, but the mixed reviews swayed me towards sticking with the OEM Origin of the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin. The hope was that sticking with a Phoenix Arms product would improve the odds of reliable function.
My initial reaction was a mix of hope and apprehension. Could this seemingly simple accessory address the perceived limitations of the HP25, or would it just add another potential point of failure to an already controversial firearm? Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
The first range trip with the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin was crucial. I tested it at my usual outdoor range, under fairly mild and dry conditions. The magazine loaded easily enough, though the spring felt noticeably weaker than the original.
The initial few magazines experienced several failures to feed. Rounds would nose-dive and jam against the feed ramp, a common complaint with the HP25 even with the standard magazine. After about 50 rounds, the magazine seemed to “break in” somewhat, and the feeding issues decreased but didn’t entirely disappear.
My wife tried the pistol with the extended magazine, and her experience mirrored the user feedback I had seen prior to purchase; she found the extended grip awkward and uncomfortable, especially with her smaller hands. This made the pistol even less appealing to her than it was with the standard magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use (approximately 500 rounds), the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin showed some improvement but remained less reliable than the original magazine. It still exhibited occasional feeding issues, especially when loaded to full capacity. The black finish began to show wear around the edges, revealing the plastic underneath.
Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward, though the magazine spring retained its “weak” feel. Compared to my experience with high-quality magazines from manufacturers like Sig Sauer or Glock, this one felt significantly less robust. It did not outperform my expectations based on the price and the general reputation of the HP25.
Breaking Down the Features of Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is designed specifically for the Phoenix Arms HP25 and HP25A pistols chambered in .25 ACP. It boasts an increased capacity of 9 rounds. This is a 60% increase over the standard 5-round magazine.
The magazine body is constructed from stamped steel with a black finish, and the baseplate is made from polymer. It is OEM Origin, implying it is made by or for Phoenix Arms. This should, in theory, guarantee better fit and function than aftermarket alternatives.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of performance, the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin offers a mixed bag. The increased capacity is undeniably a plus, providing more rounds before needing to reload. However, the reliability issues I experienced detract significantly from the overall functionality.
The feeding problems, especially with a fully loaded magazine, are a major weakness. The magazine spring feels weak, which likely contributes to the feeding issues. It only marginally meets the expectations one would have for an OEM magazine, considering the low price point and the HP25’s reputation.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is simple and functional, but not particularly refined. The build quality is acceptable, but not impressive. The steel construction of the magazine body feels reasonably sturdy, but the polymer baseplate feels cheap and flimsy.
The extended length of the magazine improves the grip for some users, but not for all. As noted earlier, my wife found the extended grip uncomfortable and difficult to manage, which is a consideration for shooters with smaller hands. There’s a bit of a learning curve getting used to loading and seating the magazine, but it’s not overly complicated.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is questionable. The black finish wears quickly, and the weak spring suggests a limited lifespan. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain functionality.
Disassembly for cleaning is fairly simple, requiring only a punch or similar tool to depress the baseplate retaining pin. Replacement springs are available online, though I have not yet tried replacing the spring in this magazine. Based on my experience, I would not expect this magazine to last for years of heavy use without requiring replacement parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin itself doesn’t offer any specific customization options. However, the magazine baseplate could potentially be replaced with aftermarket options if available. The HP25 platform as a whole is not particularly amenable to extensive customization. Most users focus on improving reliability and shootability rather than adding accessories.
Pros and Cons of Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased capacity over the standard magazine.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- OEM Origin, theoretically ensuring better fit.
- Extended grip improves ergonomics for some users.
Cons
- Feeding issues, especially when fully loaded.
- Weak magazine spring.
- Questionable durability and finish.
- May be uncomfortable for users with smaller hands.
Who Should Buy Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin?
The Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin might be suitable for HP25 owners seeking increased capacity and are willing to accept potential reliability issues. It could be a decent option for those who find the standard grip too short and are looking for a more substantial feel. It is also suitable for those on a tight budget looking to increase their round count.
This product is not ideal for individuals prioritizing reliability above all else. Those with smaller hands may find it uncomfortable. Those who rely on their HP25 for self-defense should thoroughly test this magazine before carrying it.
A must-have modification, if possible, would be a stronger magazine spring. Thoroughly testing with various ammunition types is also crucial before relying on this magazine for anything serious.
Conclusion on Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
The Phoenix Arms HP 25 ACP HP25,HP25A 9rd Black Extended – 25 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is a somewhat disappointing upgrade for the HP25. While it delivers on its promise of increased capacity, the associated reliability issues undermine its value. The magazine’s cheap feel and questionable durability further detract from its appeal.
At a price of $20.99, it is difficult to definitively say that the price is justified. It may provide a slight advantage in some situations. The low price makes it an easy impulse buy for HP25 owners.
I would only cautiously recommend it, and only to those fully aware of its potential limitations. It’s a gamble, but one that might pay off with some careful tuning and testing. However, given my experience, I will likely be sticking with the standard magazine for the sake of reliability. If you decide to take the plunge, be sure to thoroughly test it before relying on it.