First Impressions of ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine promises to boost the capacity of Glock’s dedicated .22LR pistol, the G44, and I was eager to see if it could deliver reliable performance without sacrificing the fun factor of this already enjoyable firearm. My interest was piqued by the promise of nearly doubling the G44’s standard 10-round capacity, potentially minimizing reloads during range sessions and small game hunts. The ProMag name carries a mixed reputation, so I approached this evaluation with a healthy dose of skepticism tempered by hope.
I’ve always believed that more is better when it comes to magazine capacity, especially in .22LR where malfunctions can sometimes be more frequent due to the rimfire design. The standard 10-round magazines are fine, but constantly reloading interrupts the flow of shooting. Opening the package, the ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine felt surprisingly solid. It had a weight and heft that inspired some confidence, hinting at a robust construction.
Compared to the factory Glock magazine, the ProMag felt slightly bulkier, but not uncomfortably so. I had considered other aftermarket options, including some higher-priced metal magazines. Ultimately, the ProMag struck a balance between price and perceived durability. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it would live up to its potential or fall victim to the reliability issues that sometimes plague aftermarket magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor range, where I typically test all my gear. The weather was clear and dry, ideal for an afternoon of plinking. I loaded the magazine to its full 18-round capacity with CCI Mini-Mags, a known reliable .22LR cartridge. The loading process itself was relatively smooth, though I noticed the spring felt a little stiffer than the factory magazine.
The first few magazines ran flawlessly, with no failures to feed or eject. I was genuinely surprised. However, as the session progressed, I began to experience occasional malfunctions. Specifically, the slide would sometimes fail to lock back after the last round, or I’d get a stovepipe ejection. These issues seemed to increase after running about 100 rounds through the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including multiple range sessions and a squirrel hunt, the reliability of the ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine remained inconsistent. It would perform well for a few magazines and then experience a malfunction. The durability, however, appeared to be excellent. The polymer body showed no signs of cracking or splitting.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward. Disassembly was simple, and the internal components were easily accessible for cleaning and lubrication. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket magazines, the ProMag fell somewhere in the middle. The build quality was good, but the reliability issues were definitely a drawback. It outperformed some of the cheaper, no-name brands I’ve tested. It fell short of the consistent reliability of the factory Glock magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Glock 44 pistol, chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It boasts an increased capacity of 18 rounds, nearly doubling the standard Glock 44 magazine capacity. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, providing a lightweight yet durable housing.
A full-length steel internal insert reinforces the polymer body, adding rigidity and resistance to deformation under pressure. The injection-molded magazine follower is designed for smooth and reliable feeding. The magazine spring is formed from chrome silicone wire, which is known for its durability and resistance to fatigue. These specifications suggest a well-engineered magazine designed for longevity and improved performance.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine certainly delivers on its promise of increased capacity, reducing the need for frequent reloads. However, its inconsistent reliability detracts from its overall performance. While it functions well for several magazines, the occurrence of failures to feed and slide lock malfunctions are a significant concern. The magazine’s overall functionality is adequate for casual plinking. It may not be dependable enough for serious competition or self-defense scenarios.
The primary strength is its capacity. The most significant weakness is its inconsistent feeding reliability. The magazine meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding ammunition. The frequent malfunctions diminish its practical value.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine features a design that closely resembles the factory Glock magazine, ensuring a comfortable fit in the pistol’s magazine well. The polymer construction keeps the weight manageable, even when fully loaded. The slightly extended length, compared to the factory magazine, provides a more secure grip during magazine changes.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, with a simple disassembly process for cleaning and maintenance. There is no significant learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine’s polymer body and steel insert suggest a good level of durability. I have observed no cracking or significant wear after extended use. The chrome silicone spring should provide long-lasting performance.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the internal components. The magazine can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. Its primary customization option is the ability to choose different ammunition types to optimize performance. The ProMag is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the factory magazine. It does not offer any other significant customization options.
The magazine is compatible with any accessories designed for the Glock 44 pistol, such as magazine pouches and loaders. It does not require any special modifications to be used with the Glock 44.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased magazine capacity significantly reduces reloading frequency.
- Durable DuPont Zytel polymer construction.
- Affordable price compared to other aftermarket magazines.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
- Full-length steel internal insert for added strength.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with occasional failures to feed.
- Slide lock malfunctions occur periodically.
- Spring tension feels stiffer than the factory magazine, potentially affecting loading ease.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for casual plinkers and recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. It is also suitable for those who are on a budget and want to increase their magazine capacity without breaking the bank. Small game hunters might find the increased capacity useful, but should be aware of the potential reliability issues.
This product is not ideal for competitive shooters or anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense, due to the potential for malfunctions. Those who prioritize 100% reliability should stick with factory Glock magazines. A must-have modification would be testing with various .22LR ammo to find what it feeds best. A good magazine loader is also recommended due to the higher spring tension.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition with its increased capacity and durable construction, but its inconsistent reliability prevents it from being a truly outstanding product. At a price of $26.99, it is a relatively affordable option for those looking to boost the round count of their Glock 44. While the increased capacity is appealing, the reliability issues make it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend.
Ultimately, whether or not to purchase the ProMag Glock 44 .22 LR 18 Round Pistol Magazine depends on your priorities. If you are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions in exchange for a higher round count and a lower price, it may be worth considering. If you demand unwavering reliability, it’s best to stick with the factory Glock magazines, even with their limited capacity. So, if you’re willing to gamble a bit for more capacity, give it a shot; just be prepared for the occasional hiccup.