Let’s Dive into Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine
The Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine offers Beretta 84 owners a readily available, higher-capacity magazine option compared to factory offerings. ProMag, known for its aftermarket magazines, promises enhanced firepower and reliability for a popular, albeit often overlooked, pistol. Having spent years advising customers on magazine choices, I was eager to see if this budget-friendly option could hold its own against more premium alternatives.
My need was simple: I wanted more rounds at the range. Standard magazines for the Beretta 84 have a limited capacity, and extended range sessions meant frequent reloads. I initially considered Mec-Gar magazines, renowned for their quality, but the Pro Mag‘s lower price point and readily available 13-round capacity swayed me.
Upon unboxing, the Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine felt substantial, thanks to its steel construction. The blued finish looked decent, although not as refined as factory magazines. I did notice some slight imperfections in the welding along the spine.
Compared to a factory Beretta 84 magazine and a Mec-Gar magazine (from another pistol, serving as a quality benchmark), the Pro Mag felt less polished. The Pro Mag had a noticeably stiffer spring action compared to the smooth operation of the Mec-Gar, but it was comparable to a well-used factory magazine. My initial excitement was tempered by a slight concern about potential feeding issues due to the spring tension.
I was cautiously optimistic. If it fed reliably, the increased capacity would be a significant benefit.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range on a relatively warm and dry day. I ran approximately 150 rounds of various .380 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ and JHP rounds from different manufacturers. The initial loading was stiff, requiring significant thumb pressure, particularly for the last few rounds.
During the first three magazines, I experienced two failures to feed. The slide failed to fully chamber the round, requiring a tap-rack-bang drill to correct. After those initial hiccups, the magazine seemed to “break in” and functioned without issue for the remainder of the session.
The initial failures were concerning, but the subsequent reliable performance gave me hope. I chalked it up to the stiff spring needing some initial cycling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine has become more consistent, but not flawless. I still experience an occasional failure to feed, roughly once every 50-75 rounds. This usually occurs with hollow-point ammunition.
The blued finish is showing some wear around the feed lips and along the sides where it contacts the magazine well. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a CLP-soaked cloth is sufficient. It’s easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning if necessary.
Compared to my experiences with Mec-Gar magazines in other platforms, the Pro Mag falls short in terms of unwavering reliability. However, considering the price difference, it’s an acceptable trade-off for range use.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine
Specifications
Manufacturer: ProMag.
Gun Make: Beretta.
Gun Model: Beretta Cheetah 84.
Caliber: .380 ACP.
Magazine Capacity: 13 Rounds. This is a significant increase over the standard capacity of the Beretta 84 magazine.
Color: Blue.
Fabric/Material: Steel. The steel construction contributes to the magazine’s durability.
These specifications make the Pro Mag an attractive option for those seeking more rounds without significant modifications to their Beretta 84. The steel body ensures reasonable durability, while the increased capacity provides a tactical advantage in certain situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine performs adequately for range use, but its reliability isn’t on par with factory magazines. It offers a higher capacity than the original magazines, allowing for extended shooting sessions with fewer reloads. The magazine functions well with FMJ ammunition, but can be finicky with JHP rounds.
The primary strength is its increased capacity at a budget-friendly price. The main weakness is the occasional failure to feed, especially with certain types of ammunition.
For recreational shooting, it meets expectations. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for self-defense without extensive testing and proven reliability with your chosen defensive ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for an aftermarket magazine. The steel construction feels robust, but the finish is somewhat lacking compared to factory magazines. The magazine loads into the Beretta 84 smoothly, though it may require a firm push to seat fully when loaded to capacity.
The magazine’s design is functional, although not aesthetically refined. It is easy enough to grip and manipulate during reloads.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction should ensure a reasonable lifespan. The blued finish will likely show wear over time, but this is mostly cosmetic.
Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help maintain its functionality and prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is designed to work with the standard Beretta 84 pistol without any modifications.
It is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack .380 ACP magazines. There are no specific customization options available for the magazine itself.
Pros and Cons of Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased 13-round capacity offers more firepower and less frequent reloads.
- Budget-friendly price point makes it an accessible option for Beretta 84 owners.
- Steel construction provides decent durability.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with standard .380 ACP magazine pouches.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed, especially with JHP ammunition.
- Blued finish is less refined than factory magazines and prone to wear.
- Stiff spring can make loading difficult, particularly when new.
Who Should Buy Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine?
The Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters and range enthusiasts who want a higher capacity magazine without breaking the bank. It’s a good option for those who primarily use FMJ ammunition and are willing to accept the occasional malfunction.
This product is NOT suitable for those who rely on their Beretta 84 for self-defense or concealed carry, unless it is thoroughly tested and proven reliable with their chosen defensive ammunition. Users prioritizing absolute reliability should stick to factory magazines or explore higher-end aftermarket options.
A must-have accessory would be a magazine loader to assist with loading the stiff spring. It is also vital to purchase and test a variety of ammunition to find the best performing type for this magazine.
Conclusion on Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine
The Pro Mag Beretta 84 .380 ACP Pistol Magazine offers a tempting combination of increased capacity and affordability. While it doesn’t match the flawless reliability of factory magazines, it provides a reasonable upgrade for range use.
The price is justified for recreational shooters who want more rounds downrange. However, the occasional feeding issues prevent me from wholeheartedly recommending it for defensive purposes without rigorous testing.
I would recommend this magazine with a strong caveat: test it extensively with your chosen ammunition before trusting it for anything beyond recreational shooting. It serves its purpose as a budget-friendly, higher-capacity option, but reliability should always be the top priority. If you’re comfortable with the occasional malfunction and prioritize price, the Pro Mag might be a worthwhile addition to your Beretta 84 kit.