First Impressions of ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant boost in firepower for two of Glock’s most popular .40 caliber pistols. The allure of a 50-round drum magazine for a Glock is undeniable, conjuring images of extended range sessions and a considerable tactical advantage. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer, often offering more budget-friendly alternatives to factory magazines, and this drum aims to deliver high capacity without breaking the bank.
As a seasoned shooter and gear specialist, I’m always looking for ways to improve performance and efficiency. The idea of reducing reload times, especially in training scenarios, is appealing, and the ProMag drum seemed like a potential solution. My primary goal was to evaluate its reliability, build quality, and overall value compared to standard capacity magazines or even other high-capacity options.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine felt surprisingly lightweight considering its size. The DuPont Zytel polymer construction felt reasonably sturdy, but I immediately noticed some flex in the drum body, raising concerns about long-term durability. Compared to a standard Glock magazine or even a Magpul PMAG, the ProMag felt less rigid.
I’ve used high-capacity magazines from other brands before, like X Products, known for their billet aluminum construction, and the difference in feel was stark. Ultimately, I chose to test the ProMag because of its lower price point and the potential for significant cost savings if it performed well. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; hoping its performance would outweigh my concerns about the construction.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range, using a Glock 22 Gen4. The weather was mild and dry, providing optimal conditions for initial testing. Loading the drum magazine was surprisingly tedious, requiring significant effort to overcome the spring tension as it filled.
During the first few magazines, I experienced multiple failures to feed, with the rounds nose-diving and jamming against the feed ramp. It became clear that the drum required a break-in period, or potentially, a specific type of ammunition. After about 100 rounds, the feeding issues began to subside slightly, but were still present.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds of various .40 S&W ammunition, the ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine‘s reliability improved marginally. However, failures to feed remained a consistent issue, occurring roughly every 10-15 rounds. This level of unreliability is unacceptable for any serious application, whether it’s self-defense or competitive shooting.
Signs of wear and tear became apparent quickly, with noticeable scratches on the polymer drum body and some deformation around the feed lips. Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, though disassembling the drum completely for a thorough cleaning proved difficult and not recommended. Compared to factory Glock magazines that have proven their reliability and durability over years of use, the ProMag fell far short of expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock 22 and 23 pistols chambered in .40 S&W. The magazine boasts a 50-round capacity, offering significantly more firepower than standard Glock magazines. It is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, with a full-length steel internal insert for added strength.
The magazine also features an injection-molded mag follower and a mag spring formed from chrome silicone wire. These specifications, at face value, suggest a reasonably durable and functional magazine. However, the choice of polymer and the quality of the spring are critical factors in its performance, and ultimately contribute to its shortcomings.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm, and unfortunately, the ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine struggles in this area. Its reliability is questionable, with frequent failures to feed causing frustration and hindering performance. While it does provide a high capacity, the trade-off in reliability makes it a questionable choice for anything beyond casual range use.
The drum design makes the pistol bulky and awkward to handle, impacting accuracy and control. The drum also adds considerable weight to the pistol, further affecting handling, and not in a positive way. It simply does not meet my expectations for a reliable high-capacity magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine‘s design prioritizes capacity over ergonomics. The drum shape is inherently bulky, making it difficult to carry concealed and affecting the pistol’s balance. While the polymer construction keeps the weight relatively low, the overall package is still less comfortable to handle than a standard magazine.
There is no learning curve to using it, as it functions like any standard magazine (insert, rack, fire). However, the sheer size and weight of the drum significantly alter the handling characteristics of the Glock, requiring some adjustment. Ultimately, I did not find it to be a user-friendly design.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine‘s long-term durability is a concern. The polymer drum body is prone to scratching and deformation, and the feed lips appear to be a weak point. While the steel internal insert provides some reinforcement, it is not enough to compensate for the shortcomings of the polymer construction.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only basic cleaning to remove dirt and debris. However, the drum’s complex internal mechanism makes it difficult to disassemble completely for a thorough cleaning. I’m not convinced this magazine will last through heavy use and regular cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer any specific accessories or customization options. It is designed to be a standalone high-capacity magazine. It is compatible with any Glock 22 or 23 that accepts standard magazines, but its unique shape and size limit its compatibility with most magazine pouches and accessories.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased capacity: The 50-round capacity significantly reduces the need for frequent reloads.
- Budget-friendly: The ProMag is more affordable than some other high-capacity Glock magazines.
- Relatively lightweight: The polymer construction keeps the weight manageable for its size.
Cons
- Unreliable: Frequent failures to feed make it unsuitable for serious applications.
- Bulky design: The drum shape makes the pistol awkward to handle and carry.
- Questionable durability: The polymer construction raises concerns about long-term reliability.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity for range fun and are willing to accept a degree of unreliability. This might also be appealing to a prepper looking for a cheaper option for large capacity magazines. Those looking for a reliable magazine for self-defense or competition should avoid this product.
Must-have accessories would include a magazine loader to ease the loading process, and potentially different types of .40 S&W ammunition to find what feeds best. I would highly advise against using this for anything that is not recreation.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 22/23 .40 S&W 50 Round Pistol Magazine promises high capacity at an affordable price, but ultimately falls short in terms of reliability and durability. The frequent failures to feed and the questionable build quality make it difficult to recommend for anything beyond casual range use. While the price point is attractive, the lack of reliability negates any potential cost savings.
The value proposition is simply not there. For $86.79, you are better off investing in several factory Glock magazines or higher-quality aftermarket options. I would not personally recommend this magazine, as its unreliability outweighs any benefits of its high capacity. Save your money and invest in reliable magazines that you can trust your life to.