First Thoughts on the ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine 7RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Bersa Model
The ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine is an aftermarket magazine designed for the popular Bersa Thunder .380 pistol. Known for its compact size and reliability, the Bersa Thunder .380 is a favorite for concealed carry. This magazine promises to provide a reliable, affordable alternative to factory magazines, but with aftermarket magazines, the proof is always in the pudding.
My need stemmed from a familiar problem: the ever-present desire for more magazines. Specifically, for extended range sessions without constant reloading, and as backups in case of damage or loss. I was looking for a cost-effective solution that didn’t compromise on function.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag magazine had a solid feel. Its blued steel construction appeared robust, and the polymer baseplate seemed durable enough. The weight was comparable to the factory magazine, giving an initial impression of decent build quality.
I considered Mec-Gar magazines, known for their superior quality, and also Triple K, but ultimately opted for the ProMag due to its lower price point. At nearly half the cost of a Mec-Gar, the ProMag BRA-01 seemed worth the gamble, especially given my past experiences with some ProMag products being surprisingly good.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine felt solid, but the true test would be how it performed at the range. I was hoping for reliable feeding and smooth operation, but I also anticipated the possibility of issues given ProMag’s somewhat inconsistent reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine 7RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Bersa Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag BRA-01 at my local shooting range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and slow, deliberate shooting. The range provided a controlled environment to assess feeding, ejection, and overall reliability. I fired a variety of .380 ACP ammunition, including FMJ and hollow-point rounds, to ensure compatibility.
The initial performance was mixed. While the magazine seated firmly and the first few rounds fed without issue, I experienced several failures to feed after the third or fourth round. The slide would occasionally fail to fully chamber the next round, requiring a tap to the back of the slide to correct.
The issue seemed to be more prevalent with hollow-point ammunition, which I suspected was due to the slightly different bullet profile. This was disappointing, but not entirely unexpected with an aftermarket magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the ProMag BRA-01’s performance remained inconsistent. While it did improve slightly after breaking in the spring, failures to feed still occurred intermittently, especially with hollow points. After about 200 rounds, I started to notice some minor wear on the blued finish, particularly around the feed lips.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine was straightforward. Disassembly was simple, and the steel body was easy to wipe down. However, the polymer baseplate showed minor scratches after a few drops on the hard range floor.
Compared to my experience with factory Bersa magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of reliability. While the factory mags performed flawlessly, the ProMag required constant vigilance and a willingness to clear occasional malfunctions. This made it unsuitable for self-defense purposes, but adequate for casual range use with FMJ ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine 7RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Bersa Model
Specifications
The ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine is designed to hold 7 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition. It is constructed from heat-treated blued steel. The magazine features a DuPont® Zytel™ based black polymer follower, lock-plate, and base-plate.
The magazine spring is wound from Chrome-silicon wire and heat-treated for strength and reliability. These specifications are important for ensuring the magazine can withstand repeated use and provide consistent feeding. A robust steel body and a strong spring are crucial for reliable cycling.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag BRA-01’s performance is, unfortunately, not consistently reliable. While it functions adequately with FMJ ammunition, it exhibits feeding issues with hollow-point rounds. This limits its usability for self-defense scenarios where hollow points are typically preferred.
Its primary strength is its affordability. The ProMag magazine offers a cost-effective way to expand your magazine collection, but with the caveat of compromised reliability. A significant weakness is the feeding issues, which can disrupt range sessions and potentially create dangerous situations.
The ProMag BRA-01 meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding ammunition, but falls short of exceeding expectations in terms of consistent reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag BRA-01 features a standard magazine design with a blued steel body and a polymer baseplate. The blued finish provides some corrosion resistance, but is prone to wear over time. The magazine feels comfortable in hand, but the polymer baseplate lacks the premium feel of a metal baseplate.
The magazine is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. It seats easily into the magazine well and is simple to load and unload.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag BRA-01 appears reasonably durable, although the blued finish is susceptible to wear. The steel body should withstand repeated use, but the polymer baseplate may crack or break if dropped frequently.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Disassembly is simple, allowing for thorough cleaning of the magazine body and spring.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag BRA-01 magazine does not offer any significant customization options. It is a standalone product designed to fit the Bersa Thunder .380 pistol. Aftermarket baseplates are available from other manufacturers, but compatibility may vary. There are no included accessories beyond the magazine itself.
Pros and Cons of ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine 7RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Bersa Model
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable blued steel construction offers reasonable longevity.
- Easy to disassemble and maintain for cleaning.
- Functions adequately with FMJ ammunition for range use.
- Provides a readily available alternative to hard-to-find factory magazines.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding reliability, especially with hollow-point ammunition.
- Blued finish is prone to wear and scratches.
- Polymer baseplate feels less durable than metal alternatives.
Who Should Buy ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine 7RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Bersa Model?
The ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine is perfect for casual range shooters who primarily use FMJ ammunition and are looking for a budget-friendly way to increase their magazine capacity. It’s also suitable for those who need a readily available alternative to scarce or expensive factory magazines, understanding that reliability may be compromised.
This product is not ideal for individuals seeking a dependable magazine for self-defense or concealed carry purposes. The potential for malfunctions makes it an unsuitable choice for high-stakes scenarios where reliability is paramount.
A must-have modification would be extensive testing with your chosen self-defense ammunition to determine if the ProMag magazine can reliably feed those rounds. If hollow points are essential, consider investing in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers like Mec-Gar.
Conclusion on ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine 7RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Bersa Model
The ProMag BRA-01 Bersa Thunder380 Magazine offers an affordable solution for expanding your magazine collection, but comes with significant caveats regarding reliability. While the blued steel construction and ease of maintenance are positives, the inconsistent feeding performance, particularly with hollow-point ammunition, is a major drawback.
The price is justified only if you understand and accept the potential for malfunctions and primarily use FMJ ammunition for range practice. The cost savings may not be worth the trade-off in reliability if you intend to use this magazine for self-defense purposes.
I would recommend this magazine with reservations. If you prioritize affordability and are willing to accept the risk of occasional malfunctions, it can be a viable option. However, for those who demand unwavering reliability, investing in higher-quality factory or aftermarket magazines is a better choice. Approach with caution, test thoroughly, and consider your specific needs before committing to the ProMag BRA-01.