First Thoughts on the PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model
The Browning Buckmark is a fantastic .22 LR pistol, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. Keeping it fed with quality magazines is crucial for a smooth shooting experience. The PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model promises to be an affordable alternative to factory magazines, which often come with a premium price tag. But does it deliver on that promise, or does the lower price point come with compromises?
I’ve been shooting for over a decade and have a soft spot for .22s, especially the Buckmark. My problem was simple: I needed more magazines for extended range sessions without constant reloading. I’d rather spend time shooting than loading magazines, so having extras is a must.
The PROMAG magazine arrived in a simple plastic package. My initial impression was…underwhelming. The blued steel looked thin, and the overall construction felt lighter than my factory Browning magazines. I was immediately skeptical, but hopeful that it would perform better than it looked.
I considered several other aftermarket magazines from brands like Triple-K, but ultimately chose the PROMAG due to its lower cost and readily available online reviews (both good and bad). This intrigued me, as I wanted to see for myself if it was a diamond in the rough or just another cheap imitation. My initial excitement was definitely tempered by a healthy dose of apprehension.
Real-World Testing: Putting PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the PROMAG was at my local outdoor range. The weather was mild and sunny, ideal for a relaxed .22 session. Loading the magazine was immediately problematic; the follower felt gritty, and rounds didn’t slide in smoothly.
Once loaded, inserting the magazine into my Buckmark was also a challenge. It required a significant amount of force to lock into place, unlike the effortless insertion of the factory magazine. This immediately gave me cause for concern. The first few rounds fired, but then I experienced a series of failures to feed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing, my opinion of the PROMAG magazine hasn’t improved. It consistently produced malfunctions, including failures to feed, misfires (likely due to the magazine not seating correctly), and even a couple of stovepipes. This made it unreliable and frankly, frustrating to use.
The blued finish has shown significant wear after only a few range trips. This is disappointing, especially compared to the more robust finish on the Browning magazines. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, but the rough interior surfaces make it more difficult to remove all the fouling. I would definitely rate this aftermarket magazine as significantly underperforming when compared to factory Browning magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model
Specifications
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is the standard caliber for the Browning Buckmark and a very common rimfire round.
- Capacity: 10 rounds. This is the standard capacity for Buckmark magazines, complying with capacity restrictions in some areas.
- Finish: Blued Steel. This finish provides some corrosion resistance, but is less durable than other finishes.
- Model: Buck Mark. Specifically designed for the Browning Buckmark pistol.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Not manufactured by Browning.
These specifications are typical for a Buckmark magazine, but the aftermarket origin is a key factor. It often dictates the overall quality and reliability compared to a factory magazine. The blued steel, while visually appealing when new, raises concerns about long-term durability.
Performance & Functionality
The PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR magazine’s performance is subpar. Its reliability is questionable, with frequent failures to feed and misfires, as I experienced first-hand. The magazine struggles to consistently present rounds to the chamber correctly.
The primary weakness is the magazine’s fit and feeding reliability. It clearly does not meet the standards of a factory magazine. It barely met my expectations, which, admittedly, were not high, given the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is adequate, but not impressive. The steel feels thin, and the overall construction lacks the robustness of the Browning magazines. The magazine felt uncomfortable to load by hand because of the poor quality and finish.
Loading is a chore because of the gritty follower and tight spring tension. It required too much force to lock into my Buckmark, and the overall user experience was far from satisfactory.
Durability & Maintenance
I doubt the PROMAG magazine will last as long as a factory Browning magazine. The thin blued finish is already showing wear, and the internal components don’t inspire confidence. Cleaning is straightforward, but the rough interior surfaces make it more difficult than it should be.
Disassembly is simple, but the need for frequent cleaning due to its tendency to malfunction adds to the maintenance burden. The overall durability is a major concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR magazine does not offer any specific customization options. It’s a simple replacement magazine. It’s designed to function as a direct replacement for the factory magazine.
There are no available accessories beyond replacement followers and springs, which might be necessary down the line given the observed issues with the magazine’s reliability. It’s not compatible with any unique accessories beyond standard magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory Browning magazines.
- Standard 10-round capacity is compliant with many regulations.
- Simple design allows for easy disassembly and cleaning.
Cons
- Poor reliability with frequent failures to feed and misfires.
- Questionable build quality and thin blued finish.
- Difficult to load and insert into the firearm.
Who Should Buy PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model?
The PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR magazine is potentially suitable for someone on an extremely tight budget who needs additional magazines for very light use. Someone who is willing to accept frequent malfunctions and is prepared to do extensive tuning and maintenance might find it acceptable.
This product is definitely not for competitive shooters, or anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or pest control. It’s also not suitable for those who value reliability and a smooth shooting experience. A must-have modification would be higher quality spring and follower, assuming compatible parts can be found.
Conclusion on PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model
The PROMAG BRO BUCKMARK .22 LR 10RD BLUED – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Buck Mark Model promises an affordable alternative to factory Browning magazines, but unfortunately, it falls short in terms of reliability and overall quality. The price might be tempting, but the frequent malfunctions and questionable durability make it a poor value in the long run.
The price is not justified considering the poor performance. I cannot personally recommend it. Save your money and invest in genuine Browning magazines; your shooting experience will be much more enjoyable and reliable. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to your firearms.