First Impressions of ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine enters a crowded market, promising reliable feeding for AR-308 platforms at a reasonable price. As someone who’s run everything from bolt-actions to AR-10s in demanding environments for over a decade, I approached this magazine with a healthy dose of skepticism, tempered by the hope of finding a dependable, cost-effective option. The promise of a DuPont Zytel polymer construction and a chrome silicone spring piqued my interest, especially considering the notorious reliability issues that can plague .308 AR magazines.
I was looking for a cost-effective and durable magazine for my AR-308 that I could use for range training and potentially for hog hunting. Factory magazines are often expensive, so a reliable aftermarket option is always welcome. I have had mixed experiences with aftermarket magazines in the past and that is why I was looking for an affordable magazine that would perform in a way that I expected it to.
Upon receiving the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine, the first thing I noticed was its weight; it felt reassuringly solid without being overly heavy. The polymer construction appeared robust, and the molding was clean, free of any obvious defects. Compared to some cheaper polymer magazines I’ve handled, this one felt more rigid and less likely to flex under pressure. I’ve used Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L7 AWM magazines extensively, and while those set the gold standard in terms of durability and reliability, they also come at a premium. I hoped the ProMag could offer a decent balance of performance and affordability.
I picked the ProMag because of its price point and the generally positive (though sometimes mixed) reviews I had read. It seemed like a gamble worth taking, especially for a magazine intended for training and recreational use. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the magazine felt well-made for the price, and I was eager to see how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine took place at my local shooting range, a dusty, outdoor facility where conditions can vary wildly. I ran it through my AR-308, firing both standard FMJ rounds and some hunting-grade soft points. I paid close attention to how smoothly the magazine seated, how easily the bolt locked back on an empty magazine, and whether there were any feeding issues.
Initially, the magazine seated a little tighter than my factory mags, requiring a firmer push to lock into place. Once seated, however, it fed the rounds without any noticeable issues. I experienced one failure to feed within the first 40 rounds, where the bolt overrode the cartridge, but after that, it ran flawlessly for the rest of the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and approximately 500 rounds, the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine has proven to be surprisingly reliable. I’ve subjected it to varying conditions, including leaving it loaded for extended periods to test spring tension. While it doesn’t quite match the unwavering consistency of my Magpul PMAGs, it has performed admirably for the price.
There are some minor signs of wear and tear, mainly some scuffing on the polymer body from being inserted and removed from the magwell. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to some of the bargain-bin magazines I’ve used in the past, the ProMag has significantly outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine holds 20 rounds of .308 Winchester ammunition. This capacity offers a good balance between firepower and manageable weight in an AR-308 platform.
It is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, a durable and impact-resistant material. This contributes to the magazine’s ability to withstand rough handling and repeated use.
The magazine utilizes an injection-molded magazine follower designed for smooth and consistent feeding. This is crucial for minimizing malfunctions and ensuring reliable cycling.
The magazine spring is formed from chrome silicone wire. This material is known for its resistance to fatigue, maintaining consistent spring tension over extended periods and ensuring proper feeding.
It is compatible with AR-308/308 Cal AR type rifles using LR-308 (DPMS) or SR-25 pattern mags. It is important to note that this magazine is NOT compatible with rifles using Armalite pattern magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine performs its primary job – feeding ammunition – reasonably well. It had a single failure to feed early on, but after that, it performed well during live fire exercises. Its reliability is good, but not exceptional compared to more expensive options, and for a magazine at its price point, the performance is very good.
The primary strength of this magazine is its affordability coupled with acceptable reliability. Its weakness is a slightly tighter fit in some magwells compared to factory magazines, which may require a bit more force to seat properly. It generally meets expectations for a budget-friendly AR-308 magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine has a straightforward, functional design. The polymer construction is relatively lightweight, and the magazine fits comfortably in the hand.
The texturing on the magazine body provides a decent grip, even with wet or gloved hands. There is a slight learning curve associated with seating the magazine firmly, but overall, it is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel polymer construction suggests that the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. I haven’t observed any cracks or significant damage after several months of use, but long-term durability remains to be seen.
Maintenance is simple; disassembling the magazine for cleaning is easy, and it requires no special tools. Keeping the interior clean and free from debris will help ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available directly from ProMag for this magazine.
It is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for SR-25 pattern magazines. Aftermarket magazine baseplates may be compatible, but this has not been tested.
Pros and Cons of ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option for AR-308 owners.
- DuPont Zytel polymer construction provides good durability for the price.
- 20-round capacity offers a good balance between firepower and weight.
- Reliable feeding after an initial break-in period.
- Compatible with LR-308 (DPMS) and SR-25 pattern rifles.
Cons
- May require a firmer push to seat fully in some magwells.
- Initial failure to feed experienced during the first use.
- Not compatible with Armalite pattern rifles.
Who Should Buy ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for AR-308 owners looking for affordable magazines for range training or recreational shooting. It is also a decent option for hog hunters or those who need additional magazines for their AR-308 without breaking the bank.
Those who demand absolute, unwavering reliability and are willing to pay a premium for it should skip this product. If you require magazines that are guaranteed to function flawlessly in any conditions, consider investing in higher-end options like Magpul PMAGs or Lancer L7 AWM magazines.
A must-have accessory is a good-quality magazine pouch to protect the magazine from damage and ensure easy access.
Conclusion on ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for AR-308 owners on a budget. While it may not be the most refined or bombproof magazine on the market, it provides acceptable reliability and durability for its price point.
The price is definitely justified, especially if you need multiple magazines for training or competition. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable AR-308 magazine, with the caveat that they should test it thoroughly before relying on it for critical applications.
If you’re looking to expand your AR-308 magazine collection without emptying your wallet, give the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 20-Round Rifle Magazine a try. Just be sure to put it through its paces at the range to ensure it meets your needs.