The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel magazine promises a significant capacity upgrade for Glock pistols. For years, I’ve relied on standard-capacity magazines in my Glocks, but the idea of having over three times the rounds at my disposal for range training and potential emergency situations intrigued me. This high-capacity magazine seemed like a practical solution for extending shooting sessions and increasing preparedness.
My interest in the ProMag GLKA8B stemmed from a desire to reduce magazine changes during training drills. Constantly swapping magazines interrupts the flow of practice and can be a hindrance in dynamic shooting scenarios. I wanted a magazine that offered both reliability and a higher round count, and the ProMag GLKA8B appeared to fit the bill.
Unboxing the magazine, the first thing I noticed was its all-steel construction. It felt robust and substantial in hand, a stark contrast to some polymer magazines I’ve used in the past. The black finish gave it a tactical aesthetic, and the overall build quality seemed decent for an aftermarket magazine.
Compared to factory Glock magazines and ETS magazines, the ProMag GLKA8B felt noticeably heavier due to its steel construction. I chose this over some of the other high-capacity options because of the positive reviews mentioning reliability and the ProMag name. I ultimately decided to try the ProMag GLKA8B for its high capacity and robust design, hoping it would be a dependable addition to my Glock setup.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic about the ProMag GLKA8B. The steel construction and high capacity were appealing, but I knew that aftermarket magazines can sometimes be hit-or-miss in terms of reliability. Only time and testing would reveal if it lived up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel at my local indoor shooting range. The range environment allowed for controlled testing and easy observation of any malfunctions. I used a Glock 17 as the primary test platform, as well as a Glock 19 and Glock 26 to verify compatibility.
The magazine performed adequately initially, but exhibited some failures to feed after the first 15 rounds. In dry conditions, the magazine insertion was smooth, however, malfunctions began to present themselves once rounds were being fired. This made it apparent that the spring tension may be weaker than that of OEM magazines.
The magazine was initially difficult to load to its full 32-round capacity. I noted that the last several rounds required significant force to seat. After the first range session, I cleaned the magazine thoroughly, which helped slightly with subsequent loadings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag GLKA8B continued to show inconsistencies in reliability. Approximately every 2-3 magazines, I experienced a failure to feed or a double feed, particularly when the magazine was fully loaded. This made it less trustworthy than my factory Glock magazines.
The black finish showed some signs of wear around the feed lips and the base after repeated use and magazine changes. Despite the cosmetic wear, the steel body of the magazine held up well and didn’t show any signs of bending or damage. Regular cleaning and lubrication were essential to maintaining functionality.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the ProMag GLKA8B fell short in terms of reliability. While the increased capacity was nice, the occasional malfunctions made it less suitable for defensive use. Factory Glock magazines have never failed on me, while I can’t say the same about the ProMag.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel
Specifications
The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel is designed to increase the magazine capacity of Glock 9mm pistols. It is compatible with Glock models 17, 19, and 26. This means it offers versatility across different Glock frame sizes.
The magazine body is constructed of a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer. It also incorporates an injection-molded magazine follower, as well as a spring formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. These features are intended to enhance durability and feeding reliability.
The ProMag GLKA8B holds 32 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Its steel construction adds weight, but contributes to overall durability. The 32-round capacity is a major selling point for those seeking extended shooting sessions without frequent magazine changes.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel provides a higher round count. However, its reliability is inconsistent compared to factory magazines. While it generally feeds rounds smoothly, occasional failures to feed and double feeds can occur, particularly when fully loaded.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its increased capacity and robust steel construction. Its weakness is the occasional reliability issues. It meets the expectation of providing a higher round count, but falls short in delivering the same level of reliability as a factory Glock magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The steel construction provides a solid feel in hand, but also adds noticeable weight to the pistol. The black finish gives it a tactical appearance. The extended length of the magazine can affect the ergonomics of the pistol, particularly for concealed carry.
The magazine is relatively easy to load, although the last few rounds can require some effort. The magazine seats securely in the Glock pistol. No time is required to get used to the magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel body of the ProMag GLKA8B appears durable and resistant to damage. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the magazine are necessary to ensure proper function. With proper care, it should last for a reasonable amount of time.
Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, but requires some familiarity with magazine construction. Parts are not easily repairable. Replacement would be the likely course of action if damage occurs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available directly for the magazine itself. It is designed to be a standalone high-capacity magazine for Glock pistols.
The ProMag GLKA8B is compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches and carriers. There may be some compatibility issues with custom-molded magazine carriers due to its extended length. Users should ensure their magazine pouches can accommodate the longer magazine body.
Pros and Cons of ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel
Pros
- Offers a significantly higher capacity (32 rounds) compared to standard Glock magazines.
- The steel construction provides enhanced durability and a robust feel.
- Compatible with multiple Glock models (17, 19, and 26).
- A good option for range training where high round counts are desired.
- More cost effective than purchasing multiple OEM magazines.
Cons
- Can experience occasional failures to feed or double feeds.
- Steel construction adds noticeable weight to the pistol.
- The magazine’s reliability is not as dependable as factory Glock magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel?
The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel is perfect for range shooters who want to minimize magazine changes. This will increase the amount of rounds fired before swapping magazines. Also, the magazine is perfect for recreational target shooters who want a high capacity magazine.
This product is not for those who prioritize absolute reliability for self-defense or duty use. Individuals who demand flawless performance from their firearms should stick with factory magazines. Those concerned about added weight to their pistol should also avoid this product.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to assist in loading the high-capacity magazine. There are no necessary modifications.
Conclusion on ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel
The ProMag GLKA8B 32rd 9mm Fits Glock 17/19/26 Black Steel offers a substantial increase in magazine capacity for Glock pistols. However, the enhanced capacity comes with a trade-off in reliability. While the steel construction is durable, the occasional malfunctions make it less trustworthy than factory magazines.
At $20.99, the price is justified for those seeking a high-capacity range magazine. But understand it may not perform as reliably as OEM mags.
I would cautiously recommend the ProMag GLKA8B for recreational target shooters and range enthusiasts. For defensive or duty applications, I would recommend sticking with factory Glock magazines. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.