What Makes ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine Stand Out?
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine isn’t just another high-capacity magazine; it’s a statement. It promises to significantly increase your firepower for the FN Five-seveN USG, extending range time and minimizing reloads in critical situations. This magazine, manufactured by ProMag, aims to deliver reliable feeding and durable construction, all while providing a substantial boost in capacity.
My journey to this magazine started with a growing frustration during range sessions. I found myself constantly reloading my standard capacity magazines, disrupting my flow and hindering my training. I wanted a magazine that would allow me to spend more time shooting and less time fiddling with reloads, without sacrificing reliability or build quality.
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine arrived in a simple, functional package. The first thing I noticed was the weight; it felt surprisingly solid for a polymer magazine, hinting at robust construction. The Flat Dark Earth color matched my Five-seveN USG perfectly, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
I considered other high-capacity options, including factory extended magazines and those from other aftermarket manufacturers. Ultimately, I chose the ProMag due to its aggressive capacity and the company’s reputation for producing affordable, if sometimes controversial, magazines. The promise of 55 rounds in a single magazine was simply too tempting to ignore.
My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I was thrilled by the sheer capacity of the magazine, but also aware of ProMag’s inconsistent track record. I hoped that this particular model would live up to its potential and deliver the reliability I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. I loaded the magazine to its full capacity of 55 rounds using a magazine loader to ease the process.
The magazine functioned surprisingly well during my initial testing, feeding rounds smoothly and consistently for the first few magazines. I did, however, notice that the last few rounds in the magazine were occasionally difficult to chamber, requiring a firmer slide rack. This issue seemed to diminish after the magazine had been used a few times.
I was initially impressed, but also wary. Extended magazines, especially those with such a high capacity, can be prone to issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine has held up reasonably well. The polymer body shows minimal signs of wear and tear, although the Flat Dark Earth finish has begun to slightly fade in areas that experience frequent contact. The spring tension remains strong, and the magazine continues to feed the majority of rounds reliably.
I have experienced a handful of failures to feed after approximately 300 rounds. These malfunctions typically occur when the magazine is fully loaded, and the top rounds are under the most pressure. Regular cleaning and lubrication have helped to minimize these issues, but they haven’t been entirely eliminated.
Compared to my experience with factory FN Five-seveN magazines, the ProMag is not quite as reliable. The factory magazines have never experienced any malfunctions, while the ProMag exhibits occasional issues. However, the increased capacity is a significant trade-off that I’m willing to accept for certain applications.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Specifications
Manufacturer: ProMag.
Gun Make: FN Herstal.
Gun Model: FN Five-seveN USG.
Caliber: 5.7x28mm.
Magazine Capacity: 55 Rounds. This is a significant increase over the standard capacity magazines.
Color: Flat Dark Earth.
Fabric/Material: Polymer. The lightweight polymer construction helps to keep the overall weight manageable.
Construction: Lightweight polymer construction with a blue steel upper magazine tower, injection-molded polymer follower, and heat-treated chrome silicon wire spring. These features work together to enhance durability and feeding reliability.
These specifications translate to a high-capacity magazine designed to extend your shooting sessions. The 55-round capacity offers a clear advantage in situations where frequent reloading is undesirable. The polymer construction balances durability with a manageable weight, while the steel upper magazine tower reinforces the feed lips for enhanced reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition – adequately, but not flawlessly. It provides a significant increase in capacity, which is invaluable for extended range sessions or competitive shooting. However, the occasional failure to feed detracts from its overall performance.
The main strengths of the magazine are its high capacity and relatively affordable price point. Its weaknesses lie in its occasional reliability issues and the potential for wear and tear over time. It meets my expectations for an aftermarket high-capacity magazine, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine features a utilitarian design. The polymer body is sturdy and provides a comfortable grip, while the Flat Dark Earth color blends well with the FN Five-seveN USG. The magazine’s weight, even when fully loaded, is manageable.
The magazine is generally user-friendly, although loading it to full capacity can be challenging without a magazine loader. The initial insertion and removal can be stiff, but this improves with use.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine’s polymer construction is reasonably durable, and it has withstood several weeks of regular use without any major issues. However, the long-term durability remains to be seen. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain optimal performance.
Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, although the magazine’s internal components are not easily accessible. Replacement parts are not readily available, so any significant damage could render the magazine unusable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the magazine itself. It is designed to function as a drop-in replacement for the standard capacity magazines.
The magazine is compatible with standard magazine loaders designed for the FN Five-seveN USG. It does not require any modifications to the pistol to function properly.
Pros and Cons of ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (55 rounds): Reduces the need for frequent reloads, extending range time and providing a tactical advantage.
- Relatively affordable price: Offers a cost-effective way to increase firepower compared to factory extended magazines.
- Durable polymer construction: Provides a balance of strength and lightweight design.
- Easy to load with a magazine loader: Simplifies the loading process, especially when filling the magazine to its full capacity.
- Aesthetically pleasing: The Flat Dark Earth color complements the FN Five-seveN USG.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed: Can occur, especially when the magazine is fully loaded, impacting reliability.
- Long-term durability is uncertain: The polymer construction may be susceptible to wear and tear over extended use.
- No readily available replacement parts: Limits repair options in case of damage.
Who Should Buy ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, range enthusiasts, and those seeking a higher capacity magazine for their FN Five-seveN USG. It offers a significant firepower upgrade at a reasonable price.
Those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else should probably skip this product and stick with factory magazines. Individuals who engage in high-stakes tactical situations where flawless performance is critical may want to thoroughly test this magazine before relying on it.
A must-have accessory for this magazine is a high-quality magazine loader. Loading 55 rounds by hand can be tedious and time-consuming.
Conclusion on ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine
The ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for FN Five-seveN USG owners seeking to increase their firepower. Its high capacity and affordable price make it an attractive option for range use and competitive shooting. While it’s not without its flaws, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for many users.
The price is justified given the significant increase in capacity. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for occasional reliability issues.
I would personally recommend this magazine with reservations. It’s a great addition to my range kit, but I wouldn’t rely on it as my primary magazine in a life-or-death situation. If you’re willing to accept the occasional hiccup in exchange for a substantial boost in firepower, then the ProMag FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm 55 Rounds Pistol Magazine is worth considering. Give it a shot (or 55), and see if it meets your needs!