Let’s Talk About ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine
The Glock 43 is a fantastic concealed carry pistol, known for its slim profile and reliable operation. However, the factory 6-round magazine can leave something to be desired in terms of capacity. That’s where the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine comes in. Designed to offer an affordable increase in firepower, the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine promises to be a valuable addition to any Glock 43 owner’s kit.
For years, I’ve been a devoted Glock user, appreciating their simplicity and ruggedness. When I picked up my Glock 43 for EDC, I immediately felt the need for a magazine with a little extra capacity. After researching various options, the price point and readily available stock of the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine made it an easy choice.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine felt solid enough. The polymer body seemed comparable to the factory magazine, though a little lighter. The added length of the magazine, due to the increased capacity, was immediately noticeable, but didn’t feel excessively bulky.
Compared to the ETS Glock 43 magazine, which offers a clear polymer body, the ProMag offers a more traditional black polymer look, similar to the factory Glock magazine. Compared to the Magpul Glock 43 magazine, the ProMag offers a similar price point with a slightly different polymer feel. Ultimately, I chose the ProMag for its balance of price, availability, and promise of reliable performance.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and it appeared to be a well-made magazine. I was excited to test its reliability and see if it could truly offer a dependable increase in capacity for my Glock 43.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine at my local shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, perfect for a comfortable day of shooting. I ran a variety of 9mm ammunition through it, including FMJ and hollow points, to check for any feeding issues.
The ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine performed reasonably well during the initial range session. I experienced a couple of failures to feed in the first few magazines, but after about 50 rounds, it seemed to break in and function more reliably. The extension on the magazine provided a more comfortable grip for my pinky finger, which was a definite improvement over the standard flush-fitting magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine has proven to be somewhat reliable, but not without its quirks. I’ve noticed that it performs best when fully loaded or with only a few rounds left. When loaded to about half capacity, it occasionally exhibits feeding issues.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear after several range sessions. Cleaning is straightforward, as the magazine disassembles easily. Compared to the factory Glock magazine, the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine does not inspire the same level of confidence due to the occasional feeding issues.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine
Specifications
- Gun Make: Glock.
- Gun Model: Glock 43.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger.
- Color: Black.
- Condition: New.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer.
- *Magazine body constructed of a proprietary DuPont Zytel based polymer. This material is designed to provide durability while keeping the magazine lightweight.
- The magazine body has a full-length steel internal insert stamped and welded like the factory magazine. This adds strength and helps maintain the magazine’s shape under pressure.
- Injection molded magazine follower. This ensures smooth and consistent feeding of rounds.
- The spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. This is designed for longevity and consistent spring pressure.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. The quality of the polymer, the steel insert, the follower design, and the spring material all contribute to how well the magazine functions in different conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine performs adequately, but it is not without its issues. Accuracy is not directly affected, but the occasional feeding problems can disrupt the shooting experience. The magazine functions best when fully loaded or nearly empty.
Its strengths lie in its increased capacity and affordable price. The main weakness is its occasional unreliability, particularly when partially loaded. While it meets the basic expectations of a magazine, it doesn’t exceed them in terms of reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, with the polymer body feeling reasonably sturdy. The weight is comparable to the factory magazine, though slightly lighter. The extension provides a more comfortable grip, especially for those with larger hands.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, with easy disassembly for cleaning. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine seems durable enough for range use, but its long-term reliability is questionable. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Replacement of the spring or follower might be necessary over time, depending on usage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself. It is compatible with standard Glock 43 magazine pouches and carriers.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers more rounds compared to the factory 6-round magazine.
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than many other aftermarket Glock 43 magazines.
- Improved Grip: The extended baseplate provides a more comfortable and secure grip, especially for those with larger hands.
- Easy Disassembly: Simple to take apart for cleaning and maintenance.
- Polymer construction: Lightweight.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Occasional feeding problems, particularly when partially loaded.
- Questionable Long-Term Durability: May not hold up as well as factory Glock magazines over extended use.
- Fit and Finish: Not as refined as factory Glock magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine is perfect for casual range shooters who want a budget-friendly option for increased capacity. It is also suitable for those who want a slightly extended grip on their Glock 43.
This product should be avoided by those who require absolute reliability in their EDC or duty firearms. It may also be unsuitable for competitive shooters who demand consistent and flawless performance. A must-have modification could be a higher-quality aftermarket follower to improve feeding reliability, but this would increase the overall cost.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine
The ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your Glock 43, but it comes with some compromises. While the extended grip is a welcome addition, the occasional reliability issues are a concern.
The price is certainly justified for range use, but it’s not a magazine I would trust my life with. I would recommend it with caution, emphasizing its limitations. If you’re on a tight budget and need extra rounds for the range, it’s worth considering, but don’t expect the same level of performance as a factory Glock magazine. Consider the ProMag Glock 43 9mm Magazine as a range toy, not a life-saving tool.