First Thoughts on the ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is an aftermarket drum magazine designed to significantly increase the capacity of the Hi-Point 4595TS carbine. For years, I’ve been a proponent of reliable, high-capacity magazines for various platforms, and the idea of quadrupling the standard magazine capacity of a .45 ACP carbine definitely piqued my interest. It promises more range time and fewer reloads, a tempting proposition.
I have always considered magazine capacity to be an important feature in any firearm platform. The standard Hi-Point magazines, while functional, leave something to be desired in terms of round count. This ProMag drum promised to rectify that.
My first encounter with the ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin was… interesting. The sheer size of the drum was immediately noticeable. Compared to standard stick magazines, it looked like a serious piece of hardware.
I had been contemplating upgrading the magazine capacity of my Hi-Point 4595TS for quite some time. I considered a few extended stick magazines, but the drum mag offered significantly higher capacity. The ProMag drum presented itself as the most practical option, despite the company’s sometimes spotty reputation with other magazines.
Honestly, I was both excited and slightly skeptical. ProMag has a history of hit-or-miss reliability, so I was prepared for potential issues. I hoped the increased firepower would outweigh any potential drawbacks in reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal for a day of testing various ammunition types and magazine functionality. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various .45 ACP ammo through the drum.
The initial loading process was a bit rough, as others have noted. It definitely required more effort than loading standard Hi-Point magazines. Once loaded and seated in the magwell, the ProMag drum felt secure, though quite heavy.
The first few rounds fired without issue. However, by round ten, I experienced my first failure to feed. I cleared the malfunction and continued shooting, experiencing intermittent failures every five to ten rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions totaling over 500 rounds, the reliability of the ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin didn’t improve drastically. Failures to feed remained consistent. The drum also became increasingly difficult to load after the first couple of uses.
Visually, the drum is holding up fine. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear. Cleaning the drum is more involved than cleaning standard magazines, due to the increased complexity of the internals.
Compared to my experience with the standard Hi-Point magazines, the ProMag drum underperformed significantly in terms of reliability. While the increased capacity is appealing, the constant malfunctions made it a frustrating experience. I prefer the reliability of standard magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a 40-round drum magazine designed specifically for the Hi-Point 4595TS carbine chambered in .45 ACP. It is manufactured by ProMag in the USA. The magazine body is constructed from a smoke-colored, impact-resistant polymer.
The ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is designed to hold 40 rounds, significantly increasing the capacity of the Hi-Point 4595TS. The polymer construction keeps the weight relatively low, even when fully loaded. The drum configuration allows for a larger ammunition capacity without excessive magazine length.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of functionality, the ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin delivers on its promise of increased capacity. However, the consistent failures to feed severely impact its real-world performance. The loading process is also less than ideal.
The drum’s primary strength is its high capacity. The weakness is its unreliability. While it can deliver 40 rounds, it often fails before reaching that point. It fails to meet expectations for consistent performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is decent. The polymer body seems durable enough. The drum adds considerable weight to the firearm, especially when fully loaded, affecting the balance.
The loading process is not very user-friendly. It requires significant thumb pressure and can be quite uncomfortable after loading more than a few rounds. There is a noticeable learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The drum appears durable enough to withstand regular use. I expect it to last for a reasonable amount of time. Disassembly and cleaning, while possible, are more complex than with standard magazines.
Maintenance will likely be necessary to maintain some semblance of reliability. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the internal components will be essential.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t require any additional accessories to function. It is a self-contained unit. There are no customization options available for the drum itself.
It is compatible with any Hi-Point 4595TS carbine chambered in .45 ACP.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Significantly increased magazine capacity (40 rounds).
- Durable polymer construction.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other drum magazines.
- Made in the USA.
- Aggressive look.
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed.
- Difficult loading process.
- Adds significant weight to the firearm.
Who Should Buy ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for shooters who prioritize high capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It might also appeal to those who enjoy the novelty of a drum magazine. It also might appeal to those who are willing to tinker to try to improve reliability.
Someone who values reliability above all else should probably skip this product. Competition shooters or those relying on their firearm for self-defense should consider other options.
A speed loader would be a must-have accessory for anyone purchasing this drum magazine. Otherwise, your thumbs will be screaming after loading it a few times.
Conclusion on ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag Hi-Point 45 ACP 4595TS 40rd Smoke Drum – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers a compelling solution for increasing the magazine capacity of the Hi-Point 4595TS. However, its persistent reliability issues significantly detract from its overall value. The loading process is tedious, and the drum’s tendency to malfunction makes it unsuitable for serious applications.
The price of $87.99 might seem reasonable for a 40-round drum. The lack of consistent performance makes it difficult to justify.
I would only recommend this product with reservations. If you are willing to accept the possibility of malfunctions and are primarily interested in the high capacity for recreational shooting, it might be worth considering. Otherwise, stick to the standard magazines or look for alternative high-capacity options.
Ultimately, while the concept is appealing, the execution falls short. Buyer beware.