Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine Review

Let’s Dive into Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine

The Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine is an 8-round, single-stack magazine designed for Smith & Wesson’s compact 9mm pistols. Pro Mag aims to provide a reliable and affordable magazine option for these classic firearms, utilizing heat-treated steel and a durable polymer base. Given the increasing scarcity of factory magazines for these older S&W models, a reliable aftermarket option like this becomes essential.

My search for this magazine stemmed from a need to enhance the reliability of my vintage S&W 3914. The original magazines are difficult to find and expensive when available. I hoped the Pro Mag would provide a cost-effective and dependable solution for range use and potentially even for carry, depending on its performance.

Upon unboxing, the Pro Mag magazine felt solid enough, though not quite as refined as the original S&W magazines. The steel body had a utilitarian, no-frills finish. The polymer baseplate seemed sturdy, and the overall weight felt appropriate for an 8-round single-stack magazine.

Compared to Mec-Gar magazines (renowned for their quality) and the original S&W magazines, the Pro Mag felt slightly less polished. I chose the Pro Mag, however, due to its significantly lower price point and availability. If it worked as advertised, the value proposition would be unbeatable.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine fit into the mag well of my S&W 3914 with a reassuring click. Whether this magazine would live up to its value claim was the immediate question, and it was definitely something I was keen to put to the test.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

The initial range test took place at an outdoor shooting range on a moderately humid day. I loaded the Pro Mag magazine with various 9mm ammunition types, including FMJ and JHP rounds. I wanted to assess its compatibility and feeding reliability with different bullet profiles.

Performance was mixed right from the start. While the first few rounds chambered and fired without issue, I soon experienced several failures to feed. The slide would occasionally fail to fully close, requiring a tap-rack-bang to get the pistol back into action.

The magazine was easy to load and insert into the pistol, but the feeding issues were concerning. I attributed some initial problems to the magazine perhaps needing a “break-in” period. Overall, the first use was characterized by a sense of cautious optimism tempered with noticeable reliability issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After approximately 200 rounds, the Pro Mag magazine’s performance remained inconsistent. While some range sessions were flawless, others were plagued by the same failures to feed. The magazine seemed particularly sensitive to variations in ammunition.

I observed some slight wear on the magazine’s feed lips after several weeks of use. Cleaning and lubricating the magazine regularly did not eliminate the feeding problems. The finish on the steel body also began to show some minor scratches and wear marks.

Compared to my experience with factory S&W magazines, the Pro Mag was significantly less reliable. While the original magazines consistently fed every round, the Pro Mag presented an unpredictable level of performance. Ultimately, the inconsistent performance relegated the Pro Mag magazine to range-only use, as I wouldn’t trust it for self-defense.

Breaking Down the Features of Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson 908, 3913, 3914, and 3953 series of pistols chambered in 9mm. Its primary function is to provide a reliable source of ammunition for these single-stack 9mm firearms. It features an 8-round capacity.

The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel, which enhances its strength and resistance to deformation. The finish is a blued steel, providing a degree of corrosion resistance. The magazine follower, lock-plate, and base-plate are molded from a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based black polymer.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the magazine’s functionality and durability. The steel body provides the necessary strength to withstand repeated use and pressure from the spring and cartridges. The polymer components contribute to lighter weight and smoother feeding. The 8-round capacity is standard for these compact S&W pistols, offering a balance between firepower and concealability.

Performance & Functionality

When the Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine functions correctly, it feeds ammunition smoothly and reliably. However, as noted in my testing, its reliability can be inconsistent. This is a significant drawback, as a magazine’s primary job is to deliver ammunition to the chamber without fail.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its affordability and availability. Its weaknesses revolve around its inconsistent feeding and potentially reduced lifespan compared to higher-quality magazines. While the Pro Mag magazine generally meets the basic expectations of a pistol magazine, its fluctuating performance leaves much to be desired.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is straightforward, mimicking the dimensions and form factor of the original S&W magazines. The steel body is robust, and the polymer baseplate is adequately textured for easy gripping during insertion and removal. It sits flush with the bottom of the grip.

The magazine is relatively user-friendly, with a simple design that requires no special tools or expertise for loading and unloading. It is easy to insert and remove from the pistol. However, the slightly rough finish on the steel body can make loading rounds a bit less smooth than with polished magazines.

Durability & Maintenance

The heat-treated steel construction suggests reasonable durability, but my testing revealed some potential weaknesses. The feed lips showed signs of wear after only a few hundred rounds. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintaining optimal performance.

Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, but the process can be slightly cumbersome compared to magazines with simpler designs. With proper care, the Pro Mag magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, its long-term durability remains a concern due to the observed wear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine does not offer significant customization options beyond its basic configuration. There are no readily available aftermarket baseplates or followers designed specifically for this magazine. It is primarily intended to function as a direct replacement for the original S&W magazines.

While it is compatible with standard 9mm ammunition, users should experiment with different bullet profiles to determine the best feeding characteristics for their specific pistol. Generally, FMJ rounds tend to feed more reliably than JHP rounds in these magazines. Compatibility with accessories is therefore largely limited to ammunition selection.

Pros and Cons of Pro Mag 908, 3913, 3914 / 3953 Series 9MM Pistol Magazine