First Thoughts on the ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin promises to increase the firepower of the already fun and economical Marlin 795. It’s a high-capacity magazine aimed at shooters who want more time shooting and less time reloading.
I’ve always appreciated the Marlin 795 for its simplicity and affordability, a great rifle for introducing new shooters to the sport. However, the factory 10-round magazine felt limiting during extended range sessions and small game hunts where quick follow-up shots might be needed. I was looking for a reliable, high-capacity option to improve the overall shooting experience, and the ProMag seemed like a viable solution.
Out of the box, the magazine felt surprisingly lightweight due to its polymer construction. The black finish looked clean, and the 25-round capacity was immediately appealing. It felt solid enough, though a direct comparison to the factory metal magazine revealed a noticeable difference in material quality.
I considered other high-capacity magazines for the Marlin 795, but many had mixed reviews regarding reliability. I opted for the ProMag hoping its reputation for decent aftermarket magazines held true. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of apprehension, given the mixed feedback I’d seen online, but I was eager to test it out.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish to my local outdoor shooting range. I brought along a variety of .22 LR ammunition, from bulk-pack plinking rounds to higher-quality target loads.
The first few magazines were loaded without issue, though I immediately noticed the lack of a thumb assist, making loading the last few rounds a bit challenging. Initial performance was mixed; the first magazine experienced two failures to feed within the first ten rounds. After that, the magazine ran relatively smoothly for the rest of the session, which was definitely a surprise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the ProMag has shown both promise and persistent quirks. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through it, and the magazine has become slightly more reliable, but not flawless.
I do see some minor wear marks on the polymer feed lips. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, simply disassembling it and wiping down the internals.
Compared to my factory 10-round magazines, the ProMag offers significantly more capacity, but at the cost of slightly reduced reliability. The factory magazines are virtually flawless, while the ProMag still experiences occasional feeding issues.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is designed to increase the Marlin 795’s .22 LR capacity to 25 rounds. Its aftermarket origin positions it as a budget-friendly alternative to factory magazines.
The magazine’s body is constructed from a DuPont Zytel-based polymer, chosen for its durability and resistance to impacts and solvents. The black finish provides a standard, non-reflective appearance.
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
- Capacity: 25 Rounds
- Finish: Black
- Origin: Aftermarket
- Material: DuPont Zytel Based Polymer
These specifications translate to a higher round count for extended shooting sessions. The polymer construction makes it lighter, although potentially less durable than steel magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish’s primary function is to reliably feed .22 LR ammunition into the Marlin 795. Its performance, however, is somewhat inconsistent.
The magazine’s biggest strength is its increased capacity. This reduces the frequency of reloads during range sessions or small game hunting.
The main weakness is its reliability. I’ve experienced occasional failures to feed and misfires, particularly with certain types of ammunition. While it usually functions adequately, it doesn’t match the flawless performance of the factory magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is simple and functional. The polymer body is lightweight, but it lacks the robust feel of metal magazines.
The absence of a thumb assist for loading makes it somewhat less user-friendly. Loading the last few rounds can be difficult.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel-based polymer appears reasonably durable. However, I’ve noticed some minor wear on the feed lips after several uses.
Maintenance is simple; the magazine disassembles easily for cleaning. Routine cleaning helps improve reliability, but doesn’t eliminate all feeding issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t offer any specific customization options. As an aftermarket magazine, it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with the standard Marlin 795 rifle.
It doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality, although a magazine loader could be helpful due to the lack of a thumb assist. Compatibility with other accessories, such as enhanced followers or baseplates, is limited, as it’s primarily intended as a drop-in replacement for the factory magazine.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased capacity significantly extends shooting sessions without frequent reloads.
- The affordable price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters.
- Lightweight polymer construction reduces the overall weight of the rifle.
- Simple disassembly simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Adds a fun “badass” look to your rifle at the range.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with occasional failures to feed.
- Polymer feed lips may be less durable than metal alternatives.
- Lack of a thumb assist makes loading the last few rounds difficult.
Who Should Buy ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize higher capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional feeding issues. It’s also suitable for those on a tight budget looking for an affordable way to extend their shooting sessions.
This product is not recommended for competitive shooters or hunters who demand absolute reliability from their magazines. New shooters or anyone who might get discouraged by malfunctions should also stick with factory magazines.
A must-have modification would be investing in a reliable magazine loader to make the loading process more bearable. Also, keeping the magazine meticulously clean is essential for maximizing its reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag Marlin 795 .22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin offers a mixed bag of benefits and drawbacks. Its increased capacity and affordable price are appealing, but its reliability issues are a significant concern.
Priced at $14.49, the value proposition is decent, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations. If you’re willing to accept occasional malfunctions and prioritize extended shooting sessions, it might be a worthwhile addition to your range bag.
I would cautiously recommend it, with the strong caveat that you should test it thoroughly with your preferred ammunition and be prepared for potential issues. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and remember that reliability is paramount when it comes to firearms accessories. Consider purchasing more than one factory magazine if consistent performance is essential.