The PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises to dramatically increase the capacity of your FN Five-seveN pistol. This aftermarket drum magazine from Pro Mag boasts a staggering 55-round capacity, a significant leap from the standard 10 or 20-round magazines. It’s designed to keep you shooting longer without the constant need for reloads.
As a firearms enthusiast and tactical gear specialist, I’m always looking for ways to improve performance and efficiency. When I stumbled upon the PRO MAG drum magazine, I was immediately intrigued by its potential to enhance the firepower of my FN Five-seveN. I’ve always found the relatively low capacity of the standard magazines to be a limiting factor, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios or extended range sessions.
The package arrived in a simple cardboard box, adequately protecting the magazine. My initial impression was mixed; the drum felt solid, constructed primarily of black polymer, but also undeniably bulky. The weight, even unloaded, was noticeable compared to a standard magazine.
I’ve used several high-capacity magazines from other manufacturers, including those for AR-15 platforms. I picked the Pro Mag due to the lack of alternatives currently available for the 5.7x28mm platform and the promised high-capacity at a relatively accessible price point of $91.49. I was hoping for something that would rival the reliability of factory magazines while offering a substantial capacity increase.
My first impression was a blend of excitement and skepticism. The sheer size of the PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin was both impressive and a little intimidating. Would it live up to the claims? Or would it turn out to be another unreliable aftermarket accessory?
Real-World Testing: Putting PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin was at my local shooting range, under controlled conditions. I wanted to gauge its reliability and handling before considering it for any serious tactical applications. The day was sunny and dry, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for testing.
The initial loading process took some getting used to. Unlike standard magazines, loading the drum required a bit of technique to ensure the rounds were properly seated. I encountered a few instances where rounds didn’t feed correctly into the drum mechanism. After a few attempts, I managed to fully load the magazine with 55 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition.
My first string of fire was disappointing. The PRO MAG magazine experienced multiple failures to feed, with rounds consistently jamming during cycling. I tried different ammunition brands and carefully inspected the magazine for any obvious defects, but the problems persisted. The awkward grip and added weight definitely threw off my accuracy at first.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, I’ve logged hundreds of rounds through the PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin. The initial feeding issues, while still present, have become less frequent, possibly due to a break-in period. However, the magazine remains far from reliable.
Durability has been a concern. The plastic feed lips show signs of wear, and the winding mechanism feels somewhat flimsy. I am constantly worried that a malfunction is around the corner.
Maintenance involves disassembling the drum for thorough cleaning, which is a cumbersome process compared to cleaning standard magazines. The intricate design makes it difficult to reach all the internal components. It definitely outperforms cheaper no-name options, but not by much.
Breaking Down the Features of PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 5.7mm x 28mm
- Capacity: 55 rounds
- Origin: Aftermarket
- Material: Primarily black polymer construction
- Type: Drum magazine
These specifications dictate the magazine’s primary function: to drastically increase the round capacity of the FN Five-seveN. The aftermarket origin implies it’s not manufactured by FN, potentially impacting reliability compared to factory magazines. The polymer construction aims for a balance between durability and weight, though long-term performance remains to be seen.
Performance & Functionality
The PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin falls short of expectations in terms of reliable functionality. While it technically holds 55 rounds, the frequent malfunctions significantly detract from its usability. Its primary strength is the sheer volume of ammunition it carries, but this is undermined by its unreliability.
Reliability is the major weakness. The magazine is prone to feeding issues, especially with certain types of ammunition. It simply does not meet expectations for reliable, consistent performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate, given the price point. The polymer construction feels reasonably robust, but the drum design adds significant bulk and weight to the pistol. This impacts the pistol’s balance and makes it more difficult to handle, especially during rapid firing.
The drum shape necessitates a different grip, which can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially for those accustomed to standard magazines. There is definitely a learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is questionable. The plastic feed lips and winding mechanism are potential points of failure. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain functionality, but the disassembly process is time-consuming and complex.
Repairing the magazine could be challenging due to its intricate design and the potential scarcity of replacement parts. It may be more cost-effective to simply replace the entire unit if it fails.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come standard with the PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin. Being a magazine, it doesn’t offer any inherent customization options beyond selecting the appropriate ammunition. It is designed to work with a standard FN Five-seveN pistol, so compatibility with other accessories depends on the pistol itself.
Pros and Cons of PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Extremely high capacity (55 rounds).
- Relatively affordable compared to hypothetical alternatives (if they existed).
- Solid polymer construction.
- Increased firepower without constant reloads.
- Potentially useful in scenarios demanding high round counts.
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed and jamming issues.
- Bulky and heavy design impacts handling.
- Questionable long-term durability.
- Difficult to load and maintain.
- Compromised reliability compared to factory magazines.
Who Should Buy PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin might appeal to recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity over absolute reliability for range use. It could also be considered by those seeking a novelty item or experimenting with maximizing firepower in a 5.7x28mm platform. This might be beneficial for those wanting high capacity for fun.
Those relying on their FN Five-seveN for self-defense or tactical applications should avoid this product. The unreliability of the magazine makes it unsuitable for situations where consistent performance is critical. It’s better to stick with reliable factory magazines for anything serious.
A must-have modification is a strong recommendation not to rely on this magazine in any critical situation. Ensure the user has factory magazines on hand as a primary option.
Conclusion on PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin presents a compelling concept – dramatically increased firepower for the FN Five-seveN. However, the execution falls short due to significant reliability issues. While the high capacity is undeniably appealing, the constant failures to feed undermine the magazine’s practical value.
At $91.49, the price is reasonable for a high-capacity drum magazine. The price doesn’t justify the performance shortcomings.
I cannot recommend the PRO MAG MAGAZINE FNH FIVE OF – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin for any serious application. While it may be fun for recreational shooting, its unreliability makes it unsuitable for self-defense or tactical use. Invest in reliable factory magazines instead. Proceed with caution if you consider this magazine; prioritize reliability and stick with factory options.