ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine promises to boost the fun factor of the already enjoyable Ruger 10/22 platform. With its increased capacity over standard magazines, it begs the question: does it deliver reliable performance, or is it just a range toy prone to malfunctions? After years of relying on factory mags and a few hit-or-miss aftermarket options, I was eager to see if this ProMag offering could hold its own.

I was looking for a higher capacity magazine that didn’t break the bank, and would reliably feed rounds. Factory Ruger 10/22 magazines are great, but they are often expensive and have relatively low capacity.

Upon unboxing, the ProMag magazine felt surprisingly sturdy. The smoke-colored polycarbonate gave it a somewhat tactical look, and the weight suggested a decent build quality, but the plastic material also left a slight sense of cheapness. Compared to the steel-lipped Butler Creek magazines and the factory Ruger rotary mags, the ProMag sat somewhere in the middle in terms of perceived quality.

I considered the high-capacity magazines from BX series, but the ProMag was significantly cheaper. Ultimately, the price point of $28.89 was the deciding factor, especially for a magazine I intended to use primarily for recreational shooting. I was cautiously optimistic.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at an outdoor shooting range on a crisp autumn afternoon. I loaded the ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine with CCI Mini-Mags, a round known for its reliability in various .22 LR firearms. The magazine inserted into my Ruger 10/22 Charger with a satisfying click, and the first few rounds cycled without issue.

However, by the tenth round, I experienced my first failure to feed. After clearing the jam, I continued shooting, only to encounter another failure a few rounds later, this time a double feed. These issues arose intermittently throughout my first session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the ProMag magazine’s performance remained inconsistent. While it often ran through entire magazines without a hitch, jams and failures to feed were still a regular occurrence, especially when the magazine was fully loaded. There were no obvious signs of wear and tear, and the polycarbonate body seemed reasonably durable.

Cleaning the ProMag magazine was relatively straightforward. The magazine easily disassembled, allowing me to remove debris and apply a light coat of lubricant. Compared to my experience with the factory Ruger magazines, which have been flawless for years, the ProMag was a clear step down in terms of reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine is designed as a high-capacity replacement or spare magazine for the Ruger 10/22 rifle and Charger pistol. Its key specifications include:

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Magazine Capacity: 32 Rounds
• Material: Impact-resistant Polycarbonate, Polymer follower
• Spring: Heat treated chrome silicone wire
• Color: Smoke
• Gun Make: Ruger
• Gun Model: Ruger 10/22

The high capacity is the primary selling point, offering significantly more firepower than the standard 10-round rotary magazine. The choice of polycarbonate aims to balance durability with affordability, while the chrome silicone wire spring should ensure consistent feeding pressure.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine’s core function is to reliably feed .22 LR rounds into a Ruger 10/22 platform. In terms of accuracy, the magazine itself doesn’t directly impact accuracy, but its reliability (or lack thereof) certainly affects the shooter’s ability to maintain a consistent rhythm and focus. The intermittent feeding issues make it difficult to rely on for serious applications.

The main weakness is its inconsistent reliability. While it performs adequately, the magazine is prone to malfunctions that detract from the overall shooting experience. It meets expectations for price, but falls short on expectations for reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine features a simple, functional design. The polycarbonate body feels reasonably solid, although not as premium as steel magazines. The smoke color gives it a modern, tactical appearance.

The magazine is relatively easy to load, although the last few rounds can be a bit challenging to insert. There’s no significant learning curve associated with using this magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The polycarbonate construction suggests decent durability, and after several range trips, there are no signs of cracking or significant wear. The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning, allowing for quick removal of debris and lubrication of the spring and follower. With proper care, it should last a reasonable amount of time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any included accessories. There aren’t many customization options available for magazines in general, apart from aftermarket followers or springs. Given that it’s designed for the ubiquitous Ruger 10/22, it’s compatible with any aftermarket accessories designed for the firearm itself, such as upgraded charging handles or triggers.

Pros and Cons of ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

Who Should Buy ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine?

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters looking for increased capacity at an affordable price. It is also good for those who want to spend extended range time without having to reload as often.

Those who require absolute reliability for hunting, competition, or tactical applications should probably skip this product. Instead, they should invest in factory Ruger magazines or other higher-end aftermarket options.

A must-have accessory would be a magazine loader. While not essential, it would greatly simplify the loading process, especially when filling the magazine to its full 32-round capacity.

Conclusion on ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine offers a compelling proposition: high capacity at a low price. While it delivers on the first count, the inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback. The price of just under $30 is certainly justified, but potential buyers should be aware of the trade-offs.

I would cautiously recommend it, primarily for casual range use where occasional malfunctions aren’t a deal-breaker. If flawless performance is critical, look elsewhere. For those willing to accept some quirks in exchange for a higher round count, the ProMag can be a fun addition to the Ruger 10/22 platform. But be prepared to clear the occasional jam.