First Impressions of ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
For years, the Glock 36 has been a popular choice for concealed carry, prized for its slim profile and potent .45 ACP chambering. However, its limited magazine capacity always felt like a compromise. I’ve always felt the need for just a few more rounds without significantly increasing the gun’s footprint. The ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine promises to solve this very problem, offering a significant capacity upgrade while maintaining the pistol’s concealability.
My search for a higher-capacity magazine for my Glock 36 was driven by a desire for increased confidence in self-defense scenarios. Factory magazines are reliable but the standard 6-round capacity always felt limiting. I wanted something that offered more rounds without sacrificing reliability or adding too much bulk.
Upon unboxing the ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was mixed. The polymer body felt robust, though perhaps not quite as refined as a factory Glock magazine. It had a slightly different texture. The metal feed lips, however, looked well-formed and sturdy, suggesting a decent level of quality.
Compared to the factory 6-round magazine, the ProMag offering is noticeably longer, but not excessively so. Other aftermarket options existed, but I was wary of overly extended magazines that could compromise concealment. The ProMag seemed to strike a reasonable balance between capacity and size.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed acceptable for the price, and the increased capacity was certainly appealing. However, the true test would be in its performance and reliability, which I was eager to evaluate at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine was a mixed bag. I tested it at my local outdoor range, firing a variety of .45 ACP ammunition, including FMJ and hollow points. The first few magazines fed flawlessly, instilling a sense of confidence.
However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced several failures to feed. The slide would occasionally fail to lock back after the last round, and on a few occasions, a round would nosedive into the feed ramp. These malfunctions were concerning and definitely detracted from the experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the ProMag magazine, logging several hundred rounds. Sadly, the initial issues persisted. While the magazine would often function without issue for a few rounds, the intermittent failures to feed remained a consistent problem.
After close inspection, I noticed some slight deformation of the polymer body near the feed lips. This could potentially be contributing to the feeding issues. Cleaning the magazine regularly didn’t seem to alleviate the problem, suggesting a fundamental design or material flaw.
In comparison to my experiences with factory Glock magazines, the ProMag offering was disappointing. Factory magazines have proven to be incredibly reliable, rarely experiencing any malfunctions. The ProMag‘s inconsistent performance fell far short of this standard.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds
- Quantity: 1
- Included Accessories: Standard
- The magazine body is constructed from a black polymer, and the feed lips are made of steel.
- It is designed specifically for the Glock 36 pistol, chambered in .45 ACP, and holds 10 rounds, increasing capacity over the factory 6-round magazine.
These specifications suggest a product that should, in theory, offer a significant advantage in capacity while maintaining compatibility with the Glock 36 platform. However, the actual performance and reliability in real-world use are what truly determine the value of these features.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine‘s primary function is to reliably feed .45 ACP rounds into the Glock 36 pistol. Unfortunately, in my experience, it only partially fulfills this role. While it does offer an increased capacity, its reliability is questionable.
Its strengths lie in the increased capacity, which provides a tactical advantage in potential self-defense situations. The main weakness is its inconsistent feeding, which undermines confidence in its reliability. It simply doesn’t meet the reliability expectations of a self-defense firearm magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s polymer body feels reasonably durable, though not quite as robust as a factory Glock magazine. The added length, while increasing capacity, also makes the grip slightly longer. This might affect concealment for some users.
The magazine is relatively easy to load, but the follower can sometimes bind up, particularly when fully loaded. The slightly rough texture of the polymer body could be improved for a better grip during magazine changes. There is a definite learning curve associated with ensuring proper seating of the magazine to avoid failures to feed.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body appears to be reasonably durable, but the long-term wear and tear on the feed lips is a concern. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain proper function, but this doesn’t seem to address the underlying reliability issues. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward.
The ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine‘s longevity is questionable, given the issues I experienced. It’s difficult to predict how long it will last under regular use, but I suspect that the feed lip deformation will eventually lead to further malfunctions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer many customization options in itself. It’s a self-contained unit designed to fit the Glock 36. There are no readily available aftermarket followers or baseplates specifically for this magazine.
While it’s compatible with any standard Glock 36 magazine pouch, the added length might require adjusting the pouch for a secure fit. It’s not compatible with any other firearm platform or magazine well modification.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased capacity from 6 to 10 rounds.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some other aftermarket magazines.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding and reliability issues.
- Polymer body feels less robust than factory Glock magazines.
- Potential for feed lip deformation.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters who prioritize increased capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It might also be useful for training purposes, where reliability is less critical. However, I would not recommend this magazine for self-defense or concealed carry purposes, given its unreliable performance.
Those who demand absolute reliability from their magazines should skip this product. Anyone relying on their Glock 36 for self-defense should stick with factory Glock magazines or other highly reputable aftermarket options with a proven track record.
A must-have modification (if one insists on using this magazine) would be very thorough testing and break-in period to ensure it can perform reliably with the user’s chosen ammunition. Also, frequent inspection of the feed lips for any signs of damage or deformation is highly recommended.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 36 .45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant capacity upgrade for the Glock 36, but, in my experience, fails to deliver consistent reliability. While the increased capacity is certainly appealing, the intermittent failures to feed and concerns about durability make it difficult to recommend. The price point is attractive, but the compromised reliability outweighs the cost savings.
The value proposition is questionable. While it’s cheaper than some other aftermarket magazines, the unreliability makes it a poor investment for those seeking a dependable self-defense tool. I personally would not recommend this magazine for any critical application.
My final thought is that reliability is paramount when it comes to firearm magazines, especially for concealed carry or self-defense. While the ProMag magazine offers a tempting capacity boost, its inconsistent performance makes it a risky choice. Spend the extra money on factory Glock magazines or other reputable brands known for their reliability; your life may depend on it.