ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is a high-capacity magazine designed to significantly increase the firepower of your FN 509 pistol. With a bold claim of holding 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition, it promises extended shooting sessions with fewer reloads. It’s a product that immediately grabs attention, especially for those of us who value maximizing range time and minimizing interruptions.

For years, I’ve wrestled with the balance between having enough rounds on hand and the bulkiness of multiple standard-capacity magazines. I needed a solution for extended training sessions and potential competition scenarios where frequent reloads cost precious seconds. The promise of 50 rounds in a single magazine was appealing.

My initial experience with the ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was a mixed bag. The magazine felt surprisingly lightweight, thanks to its polymer construction. The build quality seemed decent, but I couldn’t help but question the long-term reliability of a polymer magazine holding such a large number of rounds.

Compared to standard FN 509 magazines and even extended 24-round magazines from other manufacturers, the ProMag offering was noticeably longer. This difference in length raised concerns about handling and concealability. I ultimately chose this magazine hoping to achieve increased capacity while maintaining a relatively manageable form factor (within reason for a 50-round magazine).

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The idea of a 50-round magazine for my FN 509 was exciting, but I also harbored reservations about potential feeding issues and durability concerns. It was time to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was at my local shooting range. I tested the magazine with various 9mm ammunition types, including FMJ and JHP rounds. The first few rounds fed without issue.

However, after about 20 rounds, I experienced several failures to feed. These malfunctions occurred intermittently throughout the first 50-round cycle. It became clear that the magazine required a break-in period, or potentially had inherent reliability issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine, the frequency of failures to feed decreased. However, they did not completely disappear. The magazine is proving to be more reliable after initial break-in, but is still not perfect.

Visually, the magazine shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The polymer body has held up well, but I’ve noticed some slight deformation around the feed lips. Cleaning is straightforward. I simply disassemble the magazine and wipe down the internal components.

Compared to my experience with factory FN 509 magazines, the ProMag offering is undeniably less reliable. Factory mags run flawlessly. This high-capacity option offers a trade-off between capacity and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the FN 509 pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer. The follower is injection molded and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire.

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Gun Model: FN 509
• Magazine Capacity: 50 Rounds
• Material: DuPont Zytel-based polymer body, injection-molded follower, heat-treated chrome silicon wire spring.

These specifications are crucial for understanding the magazine’s potential performance and limitations. The polymer construction aims to reduce weight, but raises questions about long-term durability. The spring material is critical for reliable feeding under the stress of holding 50 rounds.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is to provide increased ammunition capacity for the FN 509. However, its performance is inconsistent. While it does hold 50 rounds, its reliability is not on par with factory magazines.

Its main strength is its high capacity. Its weakness is the aforementioned reliability issue (failures to feed). It partially meets expectations. I expected high capacity, but also assumed reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is simple and functional. It’s essentially an elongated version of a standard magazine. The polymer construction keeps the weight down.

However, the extended length can make it awkward to handle, especially during reloads or when shooting from certain positions. The lack of any grip texturing on the magazine body further complicates handling. There is a slight learning curve associated with managing the magazine’s size and weight.

Durability & Maintenance

The ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine appears reasonably durable, but its long-term lifespan remains uncertain. The polymer body has withstood normal use, but the feed lips are a potential weak point. Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward.

However, replacing individual components like the spring or follower may be challenging. ProMag parts availability is often limited. Therefore, I would anticipate needing to replace the entire magazine if it becomes damaged.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any included accessories, nor does it offer any inherent customization options. Its compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited to magazine pouches designed for extended magazines. These accessories are crucial for practical use.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?

The ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who need maximum capacity and are willing to accept a slight compromise in reliability. It is also suitable for recreational shooters who want to minimize reloads during range sessions. This is also suitable for those who are on a budget, as it is much cheaper than other alternatives.

However, this product should be skipped by individuals who prioritize absolute reliability, such as law enforcement or those using their FN 509 for self-defense.

Must-have accessories or modifications would include a high-quality magazine pouch designed for extended magazines, and potentially an upgraded magazine spring to improve feeding reliability. A reliable magazine pouch is essential.

Conclusion on ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Polymer FN 509 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine offers the allure of significantly increased firepower for your FN 509 pistol. However, that firepower comes at a price. The magazine’s reliability is questionable, especially compared to factory magazines.

At $92.99, the price is relatively justified, but only if you understand the trade-offs involved. The high capacity is undeniable, but the potential for malfunctions needs to be considered.

I would recommend this magazine with reservations. If you prioritize capacity above all else and are willing to troubleshoot potential feeding issues, then it might be a worthwhile purchase. However, for critical applications where reliability is paramount, stick with factory magazines or other more reputable aftermarket options. Weigh the pros and cons, understand the risks, and make an informed decision.