The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 promises increased capacity for a pistol that’s often criticized for its lower round count. For years, the Glock 36 has been a reliable, slim .45 ACP option, but its standard 6-round magazine leaves some users wanting more. The promise of ten rounds from a ProMag magazine piqued my interest, offering a potential boost in firepower without significantly impacting concealability.
I was looking for a way to enhance my Glock 36’s capabilities for personal defense. The standard 6-round magazines felt limiting. A larger capacity magazine that maintains reliability was my goal.
My initial impressions were a mix of curiosity and skepticism upon receiving the ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36. The polymer body felt similar to the factory magazine, but the added length was immediately noticeable. The weight difference was negligible, which was a positive sign.
Compared to factory Glock magazines, the ProMag felt a bit less refined initially, but the price point was significantly lower. I’ve also used ETS magazines in other Glock platforms, and the ProMag seemed to bridge the gap between those and the factory mags in terms of overall feel. I ultimately chose the ProMag due to its promise of a higher capacity without sacrificing too much in terms of size and reliability based on online reviews.
I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of increased capacity was appealing, but I was also aware of ProMag’s reputation for sometimes inconsistent quality. I hoped this magazine would perform reliably and provide the extra rounds I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 primarily at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for a late summer afternoon – warm and slightly humid. I ran several drills focusing on reloading speed and malfunction clearance.
The magazine functioned relatively well, but I experienced two failures to feed within the first 50 rounds. The slide failed to lock back on empty once. These issues were concerning, considering the importance of reliability in a defensive firearm.
I noticed a slight learning curve when inserting the magazine. The added length required a more deliberate and forceful insertion to ensure it locked correctly. It wasn’t a major issue, but something I had to consciously adjust to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 300 rounds, the ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 showed some improvement, but the reliability wasn’t perfect. I experienced a few more failures to feed, although less frequently than during the initial range session. There were no additional failures to lock back.
The polymer body held up well. There were no visible cracks or signs of significant wear. The spring seemed to maintain its tension, although I made sure to clean and lubricate it regularly.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward. I disassembled it easily and used a standard gun cleaning solvent to remove any residue. Reassembly was equally simple.
Compared to my experiences with factory Glock magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of reliability. Factory mags have always performed flawlessly, while the ProMag occasionally exhibited malfunctions. I wouldn’t trust it as my primary magazine for self-defense at this point.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36
Specifications
The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 is designed for Glock 36 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It boasts a 10-round capacity, significantly increasing the firearm’s potential firepower.
The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary Dupont Zytel based polymer. This provides a lightweight and durable housing for the ammunition.
It features a full-length steel internal insert that is stamped and welded, mimicking the factory magazine design. This is intended to enhance durability and ensure proper fit within the pistol’s magazine well.
The magazine utilizes an injection-molded follower. This ensures smooth and consistent feeding of rounds.
The spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. This provides reliable spring tension and long-term durability.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. The increased capacity is desirable for many users, but it’s crucial that the magazine functions flawlessly to ensure reliable feeding and cycling of rounds. The quality of the materials and construction determine how well the magazine will withstand repeated use and potential abuse.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 aims to provide increased capacity and reliable feeding, but it doesn’t fully deliver on the latter. While the added rounds are a definite plus, the occasional failures to feed and the initial failure to lock back negatively impact its overall performance.
Its strength is obviously the extended capacity; its main weakness is the occasional failure to feed issues. With further break-in, it might become more reliable, but it’s not at that level yet.
The magazine meets the expectation of increased capacity, but it doesn’t exceed expectations due to its occasional unreliability. It’s an upgrade in round count, but a downgrade in confidence compared to factory mags.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s polymer construction keeps the weight down, which is a positive design feature. The added length doesn’t significantly impact concealability for most users carrying IWB (Inside Waistband).
The insertion of the ProMag magazine, due to its length, takes a bit more effort and deliberate action to fully lock in. There’s a slight learning curve, but it’s not overly complicated.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 appears to be relatively durable. The polymer body shows no signs of cracking or significant wear after several range sessions.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine is simple. Disassembly and reassembly are easy, and standard gun cleaning solvents can be used to remove residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It’s a self-contained unit designed to function as a direct replacement for the factory magazine.
There are no real customization options for a magazine beyond potential aftermarket baseplates. Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited, as it’s primarily designed for the Glock 36.
Pros and Cons of ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36
Pros
- Increased capacity (10 rounds vs. 6).
- Relatively lightweight.
- Durable polymer construction.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed.
- Initial failures to lock back.
- Slightly more difficult magazine insertion compared to factory mags.
Who Should Buy ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36?
This magazine is perfect for Glock 36 owners looking for increased capacity at an affordable price. It’s suitable for range use and recreational shooting, where occasional malfunctions aren’t critical.
Those who prioritize absolute reliability for self-defense should skip this product and stick with factory Glock magazines. It may be suitable for backup/secondary magazines, but I would not recommend it as a primary magazine.
A must-have accessory is a magazine loader to assist with loading all 10 rounds. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also recommended to maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion on ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36
The ProMag 45 ACP 10 Round Magazine for Glock 36 offers a tempting upgrade in capacity for Glock 36 owners. The lower price point is attractive, but the occasional reliability issues are a significant drawback.
The value proposition is questionable. While the price is lower than factory magazines, the decreased reliability makes it a less desirable option for serious use.
I would cautiously recommend it for range use or as a backup magazine, but not as a primary magazine for self-defense. Potential buyers should be aware of the potential for malfunctions and weigh the risks accordingly. If you’re seeking purely for peace of mind, the Glock factory magazines are the way to go despite their cost.