Let’s Talk About ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine promises to be a reliable and affordable option for owners of the popular Mossberg .22 rifle. ProMag aims to deliver a magazine that enhances the shooting experience with smooth feeding and durable construction. Is it a game-changer or just another aftermarket option?
My need for this product arose from a desire to expand my magazine capacity without breaking the bank. The factory magazine that came with my Plinkster has seen better days, and I wanted several spares for longer range sessions. I was hoping for an affordable and reliable alternative to the factory mags.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly lightweight, constructed of a polymer material. The black finish was uniform, but the plastic felt a little less robust than the factory magazine, raising some initial concerns. I examined it for any molding flaws, finding none immediately apparent.
Compared to the factory Mossberg magazine (when it was new), the ProMag felt noticeably less solid, but also considerably cheaper. I also looked at a Butler Creek magazine I had for a Ruger 10/22; the Butler Creek felt more durable and had a smoother follower. Given the price difference, I was prepared to accept some compromises.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the materials didn’t scream “high-end,” the ProMag magazine seemed like a potentially worthwhile budget option. Time and testing would reveal its true value.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was sunny and dry, ideal conditions to evaluate magazine performance. I loaded the magazine with CCI Mini-Mags, a common and reliable .22 LR ammunition.
The ProMag magazine loaded easily, although the follower felt a little gritty compared to the smooth action of a well-used factory magazine. I inserted the magazine into my Mossberg 702 Plinkster, and it clicked into place securely. The first three rounds fired without a hitch.
Then, the fourth round failed to feed, resulting in a jam. After clearing the jam, I continued shooting. The magazine continued to hiccup, with failures to feed occurring every few rounds. My initial enthusiasm waned rapidly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and a few hundred rounds, the ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine‘s performance remained inconsistent. It failed to achieve the reliability I expect from a functional magazine. It jammed frequently, sometimes with multiple failures within a single magazine load.
Despite attempts to clean and lubricate the magazine, the feeding issues persisted. The polymer body showed no signs of wear, but the internal follower continued to exhibit a gritty feel. The magazine body itself seems reasonably durable, resisting impacts and scratches, but the internals are problematic.
Compared to my experience with other .22 LR magazines, including the factory Mossberg magazine (when new), the ProMag was a significant disappointment. Even well-used, cheaper alternatives often offered better reliability. This magazine did not meet my expectations for consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine has the following specifications:
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is a standard rimfire cartridge, widely available and relatively inexpensive.
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds. This capacity is suitable for target shooting and hunting in jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions.
- Material: Polymer body with a heat-treated steel spring. The polymer construction keeps the magazine lightweight, while the steel spring is intended for durability.
- Color: Black. A standard color that blends well with most firearms.
- Gun Make: Mossberg. Specifically designed for Mossberg firearms.
- Gun Model: Mossberg Model 702 Plinkster. This magazine is intended exclusively for the Plinkster.
- Quantity: 1. The magazine is sold individually.
These specifications are fairly standard for a .22 LR magazine, but the choice of polymer material is noteworthy. While polymer can be durable, the quality and design are crucial for reliable feeding. The magazine’s overall performance hinges on how well these components work together.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine falls short in delivering consistent and reliable performance. Feeding issues plague this magazine, resulting in frequent jams and malfunctions. The failure to feed rounds smoothly hinders accuracy and diminishes the overall shooting experience.
The magazine’s primary weakness is its inconsistent feeding. The follower doesn’t consistently push rounds into the correct position for chambering. It needs improvement to achieve smooth, jam-free operation. It does not meet my basic expectation of reliable ammunition feeding.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine features a simple, functional design. The polymer body keeps the magazine lightweight, and the overall shape is easy to handle. However, the plastic feels somewhat cheap.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools for loading or unloading. There’s a slight learning curve due to the gritty follower action. The polymer is smooth enough, but a more ergonomic design is possible with better texturing for grip.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine appears reasonably durable, at least in terms of the polymer body’s resistance to impacts and scratches. The internal components, especially the follower and spring, are more questionable. The longevity of these parts remains uncertain.
The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. Regular cleaning and lubrication may extend its lifespan. However, given the existing feeding issues, maintenance alone isn’t a guarantee of improved reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine does not offer any accessories or customization options. It is a standalone product designed to function as a replacement or spare magazine. No aftermarket baseplates or follower upgrades exist.
While no direct customization is possible, the magazine is compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition intended for the Mossberg 702 Plinkster. However, ammunition choice alone won’t resolve the inherent feeding issues. Adding a magazine loader could help with speed, but not performance.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine
Pros
- Affordable price point. The low cost makes it tempting as a budget option.
- Lightweight polymer construction. Easy to carry and handle.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning. Maintenance is straightforward.
- Compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition. Works with readily available rounds.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding leads to frequent jams. This is the primary and critical flaw.
- Polymer body feels cheap. Material quality is a concern.
- Gritty follower action. Impairs smooth feeding and loading.
Who Should Buy ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine?
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine is suitable for individuals who prioritize affordability above all else. Those on a very tight budget and willing to tolerate frequent malfunctions might find it acceptable for casual plinking. However, reliability should be expected and not sacrificed for price.
This product should be avoided by hunters, competitive shooters, or anyone relying on consistent performance. It is unsuitable for situations where a reliable magazine is crucial. If function is more important than cost, seek a more proven magazine.
A must-have modification would be a complete internal overhaul with aftermarket components, which would likely negate the initial cost savings. In this case, purchasing a higher quality magazine to begin with is a smarter choice.
Conclusion on ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine
The ProMag Mossberg International 702 Plinkster 10-Round .22 LR Magazine promises affordability, but ultimately falls short due to its unreliable performance. Frequent feeding issues and a cheap feel undermine its potential value. The low price isn’t justified if the magazine doesn’t consistently function.
I cannot personally recommend this magazine. The inherent feeding problems outweigh any potential cost savings. Investing in a more reliable alternative is a wiser choice for a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience. Look for a more reliable factory mag instead.