First Impressions of ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine
The AK-47, a rifle synonymous with reliability and ruggedness, demands magazines that can keep pace with its reputation. The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine promises to be a cost-effective solution for those seeking a durable and dependable feeding device. The allure of a polymer magazine for the AK platform stems from the potential for weight reduction and resistance to corrosion, making it an intriguing alternative to traditional steel magazines.
As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve encountered countless magazines of varying quality, and I was eager to see how this ProMag offering stacks up against the competition. My primary motivation was to find a lighter-weight alternative to my steel magazines for extended range sessions and potential bug-out scenarios. I was tired of lugging around heavy steel magazines.
Upon receiving the ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine, my initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The polymer construction felt robust enough, though noticeably lighter than my Eastern European steel magazines. The molding was clean, and the magazine seated properly in my WASR-10, but there was a slight “plasticky” feel that raised a minor concern about long-term durability.
I considered several other polymer AK magazines on the market, including offerings from Magpul and Tapco. Ultimately, I chose the ProMag due to its lower price point, hoping to find a budget-friendly option that wouldn’t compromise on functionality. I wanted to see if the lower price meant lower quality, or if ProMag had found a way to deliver reliable performance at a more accessible cost.
My first impression was a blend of curiosity and slight apprehension. I was excited by the potential weight savings and the promise of corrosion resistance, but I remained skeptical about the magazine’s overall longevity and reliability under stress. Only real-world testing would reveal the true capabilities of the ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine was my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded the magazine with 20 rounds of Wolf 7.62x39mm ammunition and inserted it into my AK. I immediately ran through a few drills.
The magazine fed the first few rounds without issue, but by the fifth round, I experienced a failure to feed. I cleared the malfunction and continued shooting, only to encounter another failure a few rounds later. Despite cleaning and re-lubricating, I had a few more failures.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of several weeks, I continued to use the ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine in various shooting scenarios. I also used it during a training session in a dusty environment. Unfortunately, the reliability issues persisted.
The polymer showed no significant signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use and dropping it on hard surfaces. Cleaning was relatively easy, requiring only a simple wipe-down with a cloth. Compared to my experiences with steel magazines, which have proven to be unfailingly reliable, the ProMag was a disappointment.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine is designed for AK-47 variants chambered in 7.62x39mm. It features a 20-round capacity, offering a more compact profile than standard 30-round magazines. The magazine body is constructed from a DuPont Zytel based polymer.
The follower is injection molded, and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. These specifications suggest a focus on durability and consistent feeding. However, my real-world experience revealed some discrepancies between the theoretical design and actual performance.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine‘s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition into an AK-47 rifle. Unfortunately, the magazine failed to perform this task consistently. The failures to feed significantly impacted its usability and reliability.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its lightweight design and corrosion resistance, but these are overshadowed by its unreliability. It did not meet my expectations for a dependable AK magazine. While lighter than steel magazines, the ProMag‘s inconsistent feeding made it a liability rather than an asset.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine features a standard AK magazine design. The polymer construction results in a noticeably lighter weight compared to steel magazines. The magazine body has a smooth finish that provides a comfortable grip.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using the magazine. It inserts and ejects from the AK-47 rifle with ease. The smaller 20-round capacity makes it more concealable and maneuverable in tight spaces.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel based polymer construction of the ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine appears durable. It resists impacts and scratches well. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Based on my observations, the magazine body is likely to last for a considerable amount of time under normal use. However, the spring and follower are potential points of failure that could limit the magazine’s overall lifespan. Only long-term use will determine its true lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself. It’s designed to function as a direct replacement for standard AK-47 magazines.
The magazine is compatible with standard AK-47 magazine pouches and carriers. Users can readily find a variety of pouches to accommodate the 20-round capacity. There are no restrictions on using it with aftermarket AK-47 accessories.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Lightweight design for reduced carry weight.
- Corrosion-resistant polymer construction.
- More compact 20-round capacity for better maneuverability.
- Affordable price point.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding and reliability issues.
- “Plasticky” feel raises concerns about long-term durability.
- May not be suitable for high-stress or tactical applications.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters looking for a lightweight and inexpensive option for range use. It may be ideal for those who are not heavily reliant on consistent, flawless performance. Those on a very tight budget who understand the risk of occasional malfunctions might consider it.
Those who require absolute reliability, such as competitive shooters, tactical users, or individuals relying on their AK-47 for self-defense, should skip this product. A must-have modification would be replacing the spring and follower with higher-quality aftermarket components, but this would increase the overall cost.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer AK-47 7.62x39mm 20-Round Rifle Magazine promises affordability and weight savings, but it falls short in the most crucial aspect: reliability. Despite its durable polymer construction and easy maintenance, the consistent failures to feed make it difficult to recommend for serious use. While its low price might be tempting, the potential for malfunctions outweighs the cost savings.
The value proposition is questionable. The lower price is attractive, but reliability issues negate any potential savings. I personally would not recommend this magazine for anything beyond casual range use where occasional malfunctions are tolerable.
Invest in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers to ensure reliable performance and peace of mind. Ultimately, the reliability of your magazine is not the place to cut corners.