ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model Review

First Thoughts on the ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model

The AK-47, a symbol of rugged reliability and firepower, has always held a special place in the hearts (and arsenals) of shooters worldwide. Now, imagine extending its already impressive capabilities with a 40-round magazine that won’t break the bank. Enter the ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model. This isn’t some fancy, high-end upgrade; it’s a practical, affordable solution from ProMag designed to enhance the AK platform’s core function: delivering rounds downrange.

For years, I’ve been a staunch believer in sticking with factory magazines, especially when it comes to something as critical as the AK’s feeding system. However, I was seeking increased capacity for range days and potential emergency situations, but without the insane price tag of some military-grade options. When I stumbled upon the ProMag AK-A19, the promise of a budget-friendly 40-rounder intrigued me enough to give it a try.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was its weight. It’s surprisingly light, due to the polymer construction. The finish is a basic, no-frills black, and the build quality seems decent for the price point. Compared to my standard steel AK magazines, this felt like a feather. I also had a Bulgarian polymer magazine on hand; the ProMag felt slightly less robust, but the crucial difference was price. The Bulgarian mag was significantly more expensive.

My initial reaction? Cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the ProMag AK-A19 could live up to its promise, or if it was just another cheap aftermarket accessory destined to cause headaches. My excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism – after all, reliability trumps capacity any day.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, a dusty, sun-baked landscape that puts any firearm and its components through their paces. I brought along my trusty WASR-10, a notoriously picky AK variant, and several hundred rounds of mixed 7.62x39mm ammunition, from cheap steel-cased stuff to some higher-quality brass. I wanted to see how the ProMag handled it all.

The first few magazines went off without a hitch. Loading was relatively easy, though the spring tension felt a bit stiff towards the end. The magazine locked into the AK with a solid click, and the rounds fed smoothly into the chamber. I ran several rapid-fire drills, simulating a more intense scenario, and the ProMag kept up. No failures to feed, no jams, nothing.

However, after about 100 rounds, I started noticing a slight stickiness when seating the magazine, especially when fully loaded. It wasn’t a major issue, but it was noticeable. Also, in the dusty environment, I found that the polymer exterior seemed to attract and hold onto more dirt than my steel magazines.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a weekend survival course, the ProMag AK-A19 has held up surprisingly well. There are some minor scratches and scuff marks on the polymer body, but nothing that affects its function.

The stickiness I initially experienced when seating the magazine has lessened over time, likely due to the magazine breaking in. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, though the polymer body requires a bit more attention to remove embedded dirt and grime.

Compared to my experience with other aftermarket AK magazines, the ProMag has definitely outperformed my expectations. I’ve had several other polymer magazines from different manufacturers fail prematurely, either due to cracking or feeding issues. While I still trust my steel magazines more, the ProMag has proven to be a reliable backup. It doesn’t quite match the rock-solid performance of original ComBloc steel magazines, but it’s a close second for significantly less money.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model

Specifications

• Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm. This is the standard caliber for most AK-47 rifles, ensuring broad compatibility.

• Capacity: 40 Rounds. This significantly increases the firepower compared to standard 30-round magazines, offering extended shooting sessions.

• Finish: Black. A standard, non-reflective finish that blends in well with most AK-47 rifles.

• Model: AK-47. Specifically designed for AK-47 pattern rifles, ensuring proper fit and function.

• Origin: Aftermarket. Meaning it’s not a factory magazine, but made by a third-party manufacturer (ProMag).

• Construction: The magazine body and follower are constructed of a proprietary DuPont® Zytel™ based polymer. This polymer construction offers durability and resistance to impacts and harsh environments.

• Spring: The spring is made from heat treated Chrome-silicon wire. The Chrome-silicon wire provides increased reliability and smooth feeding.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and reliability. The 40-round capacity offers a clear advantage in terms of firepower. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, but it’s a trade-off with the durability of steel. The quality of the polymer and the spring are crucial for ensuring consistent feeding.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag AK-A19 performs its primary job – feeding ammunition into the AK-47 – reasonably well. Reliability is generally good, with few failures to feed or jams after the initial break-in period.

The key strengths are its increased capacity and affordable price. The weaknesses lie in the polymer construction, which is not as durable as steel, and the occasional stickiness when seating a fully loaded magazine.

Overall, it meets my expectations for a budget-friendly, high-capacity AK magazine. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid performer for the price.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The polymer feels relatively sturdy, but it lacks the solid, confidence-inspiring feel of steel. The weight is noticeably lighter than steel magazines, which can be an advantage during extended shooting sessions or tactical scenarios.

The ProMag AK-A19 is generally user-friendly, though the stiff spring can make loading a bit challenging. There’s no significant learning curve involved – it functions just like any other AK magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The lifespan of the ProMag AK-A19 will likely be shorter than that of a steel magazine. The polymer is susceptible to cracking and deformation under extreme conditions.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is straightforward, and the polymer body is easy to wipe down. However, care must be taken to avoid harsh solvents that could damage the polymer.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag AK-A19 doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available beyond potentially painting or stippling the polymer body for improved grip.

The magazine is compatible with standard AK-47 magazine pouches and carriers. It should also function with most AK-47 accessories, such as magazine loaders and speed loaders.

Pros and Cons of ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model

Who Should Buy ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model?

The ProMag AK-A19 is perfect for recreational shooters who want to increase their AK’s firepower without spending a fortune. It’s also a good option for preppers and survivalists looking to stockpile high-capacity magazines on a budget.

This product isn’t ideal for those who demand absolute reliability in all situations. If your life depends on your AK, stick with factory steel magazines. It’s also not the best choice for those who prioritize durability over price and weight.

A must-have accessory for the ProMag AK-A19 is a good magazine loader. This will make loading the stiff spring much easier.

Conclusion on ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model

The ProMag AK-A19 AK-47 Magazine 40RD 7.62X39mm Black Polymer – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 40 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model offers a compelling value proposition: increased firepower at an affordable price. It’s not without its flaws, primarily the polymer construction and the occasionally stiff spring. However, for recreational shooters and budget-conscious preppers, it’s a solid option.

The price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s considerably cheaper than most steel or higher-end polymer alternatives.

Would I personally recommend it? Yes, with caveats. If you understand its limitations and are willing to accept the trade-offs, it can be a valuable addition to your AK arsenal.

So, if you’re looking to extend your AK’s capabilities without emptying your wallet, give the ProMag AK-A19 a try. Just remember to test it thoroughly and understand its limitations before relying on it in a critical situation. Go out and put some rounds downrange!