First Impressions of ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine promises to significantly increase the firepower of two of the most popular handguns in the world. This magazine, manufactured by ProMag, boasts a 30-round capacity, constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer and featuring a chrome silicone wire spring. This combination of features suggests a durable and reliable product aimed at enthusiasts seeking an extended magazine for their Glock.
As an avid shooter and tactical gear enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine due to its potential to minimize reloads during extended range sessions and competitive shooting events. I was looking for a high-capacity magazine that offered both reliability and durability.
Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impression was positive. The DuPont Zytel polymer felt robust, and the magazine had a substantial weight to it. The black finish was clean and professional, and the overall build quality appeared to be good.
Compared to standard Glock magazines and other aftermarket options like Magpul’s Glock magazines, the ProMag stood out due to its significantly higher capacity. While Magpul offers reliable magazines, they don’t currently offer a 30-round option for Glock 17/19. I ultimately chose the ProMag for its promise of increased firepower and the reputation of ProMag in the aftermarket magazine industry. I was cautiously optimistic, knowing that aftermarket magazines can sometimes be hit or miss.
My first impression was one of anticipation and a touch of skepticism. High-capacity magazines, especially from aftermarket manufacturers, can sometimes have reliability issues, but I was eager to put the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine to the test and see if it lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine took place at my local shooting range. I used it with both a Glock 17 and a Glock 19, to test the fit and function in both platforms. I fired a variety of 9mm ammunition, including 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain FMJ, and 147-grain JHP, to evaluate the magazine’s performance with different bullet weights and profiles.
The magazine performed adequately in dry conditions, but I noticed some hesitation in feeding with the 147-grain JHP rounds. Loading the magazine to its full 30-round capacity proved difficult, especially in the final few rounds.
After the first use, I experienced a few failures to feed (FTF) with both the Glock 17 and Glock 19. The magazine felt a little bulky compared to the standard magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine showed some signs of wear, particularly around the feed lips. The DuPont Zytel polymer body held up well overall, but the finish started to show scratches and scuff marks.
During extended range sessions, I experienced an increasing number of malfunctions, including failures to feed and occasional double feeds. Cleaning the magazine after each use became essential to maintaining some semblance of reliability.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of reliability and durability. The Glock factory magazines consistently performed flawlessly, while the ProMag required constant attention and maintenance to minimize malfunctions. In my opinion, it failed to meet the standards for tactical or duty use.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to fit both Glock 17 and Glock 19 9mm pistols. It boasts a 30-round capacity, a significant increase over the standard 17-round capacity of the Glock 17 and the 15-round capacity of the Glock 19. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, offering lightweight durability.
The magazine spring is formed from chrome silicone wire, which is intended to provide consistent and reliable feeding. The magazine is finished in black and is compatible with 9mm Luger ammunition. These specifications theoretically enhance the firepower and usability of Glock pistols, though real-world performance needs to confirm this.
These specifications matter because they dictate the magazine’s capacity, durability, and compatibility with specific firearms and ammunition. The 30-round capacity offers a tactical advantage in situations where minimizing reloads is crucial. The DuPont Zytel polymer construction aims for a balance between lightweight and robust performance. The chrome silicone wire spring promises consistent feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine‘s performance was inconsistent. While it initially functioned reasonably well, its reliability degraded over time and with extended use. Accuracy was not directly affected, but the frequent malfunctions disrupted the shooting experience.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and relatively affordable price. Its weaknesses include reliability issues, difficulty loading to full capacity, and a tendency to malfunction with certain types of ammunition. It falls short of expectations for a high-capacity magazine intended for serious use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is decent, with the DuPont Zytel polymer body feeling reasonably sturdy. The magazine’s weight is noticeable when fully loaded, adding to the overall weight of the pistol.
The design is functional but not particularly ergonomic. There is a slight learning curve associated with loading the magazine to its full capacity, as the final few rounds require significant effort.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel polymer body appears to be reasonably durable, but the feed lips are prone to wear and deformation. Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the magazine’s functionality, and it is recommended to disassemble and clean the magazine after each range session.
Repairing the magazine is generally not feasible, as replacement parts are not readily available. Its longevity is questionable, given the issues with the feed lips and spring tension.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself.
It is compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches, though its increased length may make it incompatible with some compact pouches. There are no modifications or upgrades that can significantly improve its performance or reliability.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High 30-round capacity offers increased firepower.
- Relatively affordable price point.
- Compatible with both Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols.
- Lightweight DuPont Zytel polymer construction.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability and frequent malfunctions.
- Difficult to load to full capacity.
- Feed lips prone to wear and deformation.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters looking for an affordable way to increase their magazine capacity for range use. It’s suitable for those who aren’t heavily reliant on flawless performance.
Those who require absolute reliability for self-defense, law enforcement, or competitive shooting should skip this product. This is due to the high chance of failure and malfunction.
A must-have accessory for this magazine would be a reliable magazine loader to ease the difficulty of loading it to full capacity.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine offers the allure of increased firepower at an attractive price point. However, its inconsistent reliability and frequent malfunctions ultimately undermine its value proposition.
The magazine’s performance issues, including failures to feed and difficulty loading, make it unsuitable for serious applications where reliability is paramount. Given its shortcomings, the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine falls short of expectations and cannot be confidently recommended for tactical or defensive use.
I would personally not recommend the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine for anyone seeking a reliable and durable high-capacity magazine for their Glock pistol. Consider investing in factory Glock magazines or other reputable aftermarket options known for their consistent performance. Before purchasing any aftermarket magazine, ensure extensive research is done regarding its reliability.