First Thoughts on the ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine 25RD .22 LR Black Polymer w/ Nomad Sleeve – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine offers an interesting proposition: a high-capacity, 25-round .22 LR magazine for the iconic Ruger 10/22, complete with a Nomad sleeve for aesthetic compatibility with Archangel Nomad stocks. The promise of reliable feeding and increased firepower in a rimfire platform is certainly enticing, and the ProMag name, while not always associated with top-tier quality, is certainly recognizable and widely available. This magazine aims to bridge the gap between standard capacity and drum magazines, offering a more manageable option for those seeking increased round count.
As an avid Ruger 10/22 enthusiast and someone who enjoys tinkering with different setups, I was drawn to this magazine as a potential upgrade to my current collection of standard 10-round rotary magazines. I wanted a higher capacity option for range days and potential small game hunting without the bulk and potential reliability issues often associated with drum magazines. The Nomad sleeve was a bonus, as I’ve always liked the look of the Archangel Nomad stock but never wanted to commit fully to the AR-15 aesthetic on my 10/22.
Unboxing the ProMag AA922-A1, my initial impression was that it felt surprisingly solid for a polymer magazine. The black polymer construction appeared robust, and the Nomad sleeve, while obviously plastic, fit snugly and didn’t feel flimsy. The weight felt balanced, not too heavy but substantial enough to inspire confidence.
Compared to the Ruger BX-25 magazine, the ProMag felt slightly less refined in its finish, but it was also noticeably more affordable. I also considered the Butler Creek Steel Lips magazine, known for its durability, but ultimately chose the ProMag for its integrated Nomad sleeve and lower price point. I was hoping that the ProMag would provide similar performance to the BX-25 at a more wallet-friendly cost.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the magazine looked and felt promising, but I knew the real test would be on the range. I was eager to see if the ProMag AA922-A1 could live up to its claims of reliable feeding and smooth operation.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine 25RD .22 LR Black Polymer w/ Nomad Sleeve – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag AA922-A1 was at my local outdoor shooting range. I tested it with my standard Ruger 10/22, as well as a 10/22 equipped with the Archangel Nomad stock. I fired approximately 200 rounds of various .22 LR ammunition, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and Remington Golden Bullets.
The magazine performed reasonably well, although not flawlessly. In the standard 10/22, I experienced a few failures to feed, particularly with the Remington Golden Bullets. The magazine functioned best when loaded with CCI Mini-Mags.
With the Nomad stock, the magazine clicked into place securely and the overall aesthetic was definitely enhanced. I had no issues with the sleeve moving or feeling loose. The look of the Ruger 10/22 was considerably better when used with the Nomad stock.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the ProMag AA922-A1 has shown some signs of wear, particularly on the feed lips. While the polymer construction has held up well to repeated use, the feeding reliability hasn’t improved significantly. I continue to experience occasional failures to feed, especially with bulk ammunition.
Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward; the one-piece injected-molded housing allows for complete disassembly. This makes removing any debris or fouling that accumulates during use easy.
Compared to the factory Ruger 10-round rotary magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. The factory magazines consistently feed flawlessly, regardless of ammunition type. The ProMag, while offering a higher capacity, requires more careful ammunition selection and occasional troubleshooting.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine 25RD .22 LR Black Polymer w/ Nomad Sleeve – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
The ProMag AA922-A1 is a 25-round magazine designed for Ruger 10/22 rifles and carbines. It is chambered in .22 Long Rifle and features a black polymer construction.
The magazine is of aftermarket origin and designed specifically for the Ruger 10/22 platform. It also includes the Nomad sleeve, which offers the appearance of a 5.56mm box magazine when used with the Archangel Nomad 10/22 stock.
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is the standard rimfire cartridge for the Ruger 10/22.
- Capacity: 25 Rounds. This offers a significant increase over the standard 10-round rotary magazine.
- Construction: Black Polymer (DuPont® Zytel™ based). This provides a lightweight and durable housing.
- Feed Lips: Replaceable Nylon Insert. This is designed to eliminate rim lock and feeding issues.
- Spring: Heat-Treated Chrome Silicone Wire. This is intended for increased reliability and smooth feeding.
- Nomad Sleeve: Included, Removable. This enhances the aesthetic when used with the Archangel Nomad stock.
These specifications contribute to the overall performance and user experience by providing a high-capacity option with durable materials and features designed for reliable feeding. However, the effectiveness of these features ultimately determines the magazine’s value.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag AA922-A1 aims to provide a high-capacity, reliable feeding solution for the Ruger 10/22. In practice, the results are mixed. While it generally functions, it’s not as consistently reliable as the factory Ruger magazines.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and the aesthetic enhancement provided by the Nomad sleeve. The weaknesses include occasional failures to feed, particularly with certain types of ammunition.
The ProMag meets expectations in terms of capacity and aesthetics but falls short in terms of consistent reliability. It’s a decent option for casual range use, but may not be ideal for situations where absolute reliability is paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a polymer magazine, but not exceptional. The materials used feel relatively durable, and the magazine body is reasonably sturdy.
The magazine is easy to load and insert into the rifle. However, some users may find the high capacity makes it slightly more cumbersome to handle than standard magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag AA922-A1 appears to be reasonably durable, but long-term reliability remains to be seen. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is straightforward, which helps to maintain its performance.
With proper care and maintenance, the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, the polymer construction may be more susceptible to wear and tear compared to steel magazines.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag AA922-A1 comes with the Nomad sleeve, which is designed to enhance the aesthetic when used with the Archangel Nomad 10/22 stock.
The magazine itself is not directly customizable, but it is compatible with any Ruger 10/22 rifle or carbine. It is also compatible with the Archangel Nomad stock.
Pros and Cons of ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine 25RD .22 LR Black Polymer w/ Nomad Sleeve – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- High Capacity: 25 rounds provide significantly more firepower than standard magazines.
- Nomad Sleeve: Enhances the aesthetic when used with the Archangel Nomad stock.
- Affordable Price: Lower cost compared to some other high-capacity Ruger 10/22 magazines.
- Easy Disassembly: Allows for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Provides a lightweight and robust housing.
Cons
- Failures to Feed: Can be unreliable with certain types of ammunition.
- Polymer Feed Lips: May be less durable than steel feed lips.
Who Should Buy ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine 25RD .22 LR Black Polymer w/ Nomad Sleeve – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
The ProMag AA922-A1 is perfect for casual range shooters who want a higher capacity magazine for their Ruger 10/22 and appreciate the aesthetic of the Nomad sleeve. It’s also suitable for those who are building a budget-friendly tactical 10/22 setup.
This product might not be ideal for competitive shooters or small game hunters who require absolute reliability from their magazines. Those who prioritize flawless performance over aesthetics should consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable ammunition such as CCI Mini-Mags. Consider upgrading the magazine spring for more consistent feeding.
Conclusion on ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine 25RD .22 LR Black Polymer w/ Nomad Sleeve – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The ProMag AA922-A1 Ruger 10/22 Magazine is a decent option for those seeking a high-capacity magazine with a tactical aesthetic at an affordable price. However, its occasional reliability issues prevent it from being a top-tier choice.
The price is justified for what it offers, but buyers should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to experiment with different ammunition types to optimize its performance.
I would recommend it with reservations. If you are on a tight budget and primarily shoot at the range, it can be a fun addition to your Ruger 10/22 setup. However, if reliability is your primary concern, consider investing in a higher-quality magazine. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and priorities.