First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine promises increased firepower for your Draco NAK-9 pistol, a platform known for its compact size and AK-inspired controls. With a 32-round capacity and a ProMag reputation, this magazine aims to deliver enhanced reliability and performance. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, especially given the spotty track record some aftermarket AK-pattern magazines have.
I was looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine to increase the fun factor and practical application of my Draco NAK-9. Standard capacity magazines are fine for target practice, but a higher capacity option is essential for any serious training or defensive use. The allure of a polymer magazine offering both durability and potentially lighter weight also appealed to me.
Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impression was mixed. The polymer felt sturdy, but slightly less rigid than some other polymer magazines I’ve handled. The black finish was consistent, and the overall design looked similar to other AK-pattern magazines. Compared to steel magazines, this ProMag offering was noticeably lighter, a definite plus for extended range sessions.
Compared to a factory steel AK magazine, the ProMag felt less substantial, but offered the benefit of being potentially corrosion-resistant. Compared to a similar capacity ETS magazine, the ProMag seemed to have a more robust feed lip design. I ultimately chose this magazine hoping to strike a balance between capacity, durability, and value.
I was cautiously optimistic; the magazine looked promising, but I knew the real test would be at the range. Would it feed reliably? Would it hold up to repeated use? Only time and testing would tell if the ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine would prove to be a worthwhile addition to my NAK-9.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine involved a few hundred rounds of mixed 9mm ammunition. The test took place at an outdoor range in relatively dry conditions. I wanted to see how well it fed various bullet profiles and power factors.
The magazine loaded easily, snapping into the NAK-9 with a positive lock. The first few magazines fired flawlessly, with no feeding issues or malfunctions. By the third magazine, however, I experienced a few failures to feed, where the round nosedived into the bottom of the chamber.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 1000 rounds fired, the ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine showed some signs of wear. The polymer exterior exhibited minor scuff marks, but no cracks or significant damage. The feeding issues persisted intermittently, especially when the magazine was fully loaded.
Cleaning was relatively simple, requiring just a basic wipe-down with a cloth and some solvent. The magazine disassembled easily for more thorough cleaning. Compared to my experience with steel AK magazines, the ProMag required less frequent cleaning due to its polymer construction and reduced susceptibility to rust.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
- The ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine is chambered in 9mm Luger. This caliber is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it ideal for high-volume shooting.
- The magazine holds 32 rounds, significantly increasing the firepower of the Draco NAK-9. This higher capacity is beneficial for competition, training, and self-defense scenarios.
- It is designed for the AKM/AK-47 pattern rifles and specifically the Draco NAK-9 pistol. This ensures proper fit and function in compatible firearms.
- The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel based polymer. This material offers a good balance of durability, lightweight, and resistance to impact and chemicals.
- The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. This provides consistent and reliable feeding, resisting fatigue even after repeated use.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine generally performs its job, providing a high-capacity option for the NAK-9. However, the intermittent feeding issues are a definite concern.
The primary strength is the increased capacity, allowing for more sustained fire. The weakness lies in the inconsistent feeding, particularly with full magazines. The ProMag meets expectations in terms of capacity but falls short of expectations regarding 100% reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag features a polymer construction, offering a lightweight alternative to steel magazines. The texturing on the magazine body provides a decent grip, even with wet or gloved hands.
The magazine’s design is similar to standard AK-pattern magazines, so there’s no learning curve for experienced AK users. The magazine inserts smoothly and locks securely into the NAK-9.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction should provide a reasonable lifespan under normal use. However, it remains to be seen how it will hold up to extreme conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication. The ProMag disassembles easily for thorough cleaning and inspection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available for the magazine itself.
The magazine is compatible with any standard AK-pattern magazine pouches. Users can also explore aftermarket followers or springs if they wish to improve feeding reliability, although this may void any warranty.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased capacity: 32 rounds significantly enhances firepower.
- Lightweight polymer construction: Easier to carry and handle than steel magazines.
- Corrosion resistant: Polymer material is less prone to rust and degradation.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning: Simple maintenance improves longevity.
- Affordable price point: Offers a budget-friendly option for high capacity.
Cons
- Intermittent feeding issues: Reliability can be inconsistent, especially when fully loaded.
- Polymer durability is questionable: May not be as robust as steel magazines in harsh conditions.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine?
Perfect for: Those looking for a budget-friendly way to increase the magazine capacity of their Draco NAK-9. Also good for recreational shooters wanting longer range sessions without frequent reloads.
Who should skip this product? Those who demand absolute reliability for self-defense or professional use. If consistent performance is paramount, explore higher-end magazine options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider purchasing a magazine loader to ease the loading process. Potential future modifications include aftermarket followers or springs to improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Draco NAK-9 9mm 32-Round Rifle Magazine presents a mixed bag. Its increased capacity and lightweight design are appealing, but the intermittent feeding issues are a significant drawback.
The price is justified if you’re willing to accept the possibility of occasional malfunctions and are looking for a more budget-friendly option. However, if reliability is your top priority, you might want to consider spending more on a higher-quality magazine.
I would cautiously recommend it for recreational use, but not for serious defensive applications until its reliability can be definitively improved. Try it out and put it through its paces to see if it performs reliably in your specific NAK-9 before relying on it.