ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises to dramatically increase the capacity of your H&K VP9. It aims to offer a significant advantage in situations where increased firepower or reduced reloading frequency is desired. This high-capacity magazine immediately grabs attention with its promise of 50 rounds.

My search for this magazine stemmed from a desire to reduce reload times during practical shooting competitions. Standard capacity magazines, while reliable, often require frequent changes, costing valuable seconds. The ProMag offered a potential solution, provided it could maintain reliability.

Unboxing revealed a magazine constructed from a dark, robust-looking polymer. Its weight felt substantial, suggesting a durable build, though slightly heavier than a standard VP9 magazine. The polymer body appeared well-molded, with no obvious imperfections.

Compared to standard H&K VP9 magazines and aftermarket 30-round magazines, the ProMag’s extended length is immediately apparent. I considered the Strike Industries EMP for VP9, but its capacity paled in comparison to the ProMag. I also looked at the Magpul PMAG D-50 GL9, but it is made for Glocks, not H&K VP9. My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and skepticism, as high-capacity magazines often face reliability challenges.


Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, focusing on evaluating functionality and reliability. I subjected the ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to various scenarios, from slow, deliberate fire to rapid-fire drills. Conditions were dry and sunny, ideal for initial assessment.

The magazine proved easy to load, although it took some effort to fully compress the spring for the last few rounds. The first few magazines fed flawlessly, but around the 30-round mark, I experienced several failures to feed. This initial performance was concerning, but I attributed it to potential break-in issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine, the initial feeding issues persisted, though slightly less frequently. Even with diligent cleaning and lubrication, failures to feed occurred intermittently, particularly when the magazine was fully loaded. Signs of wear and tear were minimal on the polymer body, which spoke to its robustness.

Maintenance involved disassembling the magazine for thorough cleaning after each range trip. The process was straightforward, but the strong spring required careful handling. Compared to standard H&K magazines, the ProMag’s reliability was significantly lower. While the increased capacity was appealing, the trade-off in reliability was a major disappointment.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine boasts several key specifications that define its capabilities:

  • Caliber: 9mm Luger. This ensures compatibility with the standard 9mm ammunition used in the H&K VP9.
  • Capacity: 50 Rounds. This significantly increases the firepower available without reloading.
  • Body Material: DuPont Zytel-based Polymer. This contributes to a lightweight yet durable construction.
  • Follower Material: Injection Molded Polymer. This is designed for smooth and reliable feeding.
  • Spring Material: Heat Treated Chrome Silicon Wire. This provides consistent spring pressure and longevity.

These specifications influence the magazine’s performance and user experience by affecting weight, durability, and feeding reliability. The high capacity and durable polymer construction are attractive, but ultimately reliability is paramount.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine’s primary function is to feed ammunition reliably. However, as highlighted in the testing, it falls short of expectations in this crucial area. While initial loading and cycling are smooth, feeding issues arise, especially with a full magazine.

Its strengths lie in its increased capacity and durable polymer construction. However, its weakness is the unreliable feeding. It does not fully meet my expectations, due to the consistent feeding issues.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag magazine features a functional, albeit utilitarian, design. The polymer construction contributes to a relatively lightweight feel, despite its increased size. The magazine body is easy to grip and insert into the VP9’s magwell.

The magazine’s user-friendliness is hindered by the difficulty in loading the last few rounds, and the unreliability when fully loaded. There is a small learning curve, mostly centered around loading the magazine effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The DuPont Zytel-based polymer appears robust and able to withstand regular use. So far, I have seen no significant signs of cracking or deformation. The spring’s heat-treated chrome silicon wire also suggests a long lifespan.

Maintenance is straightforward, involving disassembly, cleaning, and light lubrication. The magazine’s simple design allows for easy access to all internal components.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any specific accessories. It is, however, compatible with standard H&K VP9 magazine pouches, although its extended length may require specialized pouches. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

Pros

  • Increased Capacity: The 50-round capacity dramatically reduces reload frequency.
  • Durable Polymer Construction: The DuPont Zytel-based polymer offers robust resistance to impacts and wear.
  • Easy to Maintain: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and lubrication.
  • Compatible with VP9: Designed specifically for the H&K VP9 pistol.

Cons

  • Feeding Issues: Experiences failures to feed, particularly when fully loaded.
  • Loading Difficulty: Requires significant effort to load the last few rounds.
  • Bulky Design: The extended length can make it difficult to carry concealed and may require specialized pouches.


Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?

The ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters or recreational shooters looking to minimize reload times. It could also be useful for home defense scenarios where increased firepower is desired, although reliability concerns should be carefully considered.

Individuals prioritizing absolute reliability or those who regularly carry concealed should skip this product. The unreliability and bulkiness may not be suitable for such applications. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality magazine loader to ease the loading process.

Conclusion on ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Polymer H&K VP9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine presents a compelling concept: greatly increased firepower for your H&K VP9. However, in my experience, the execution falls short due to persistent reliability issues. The durable polymer construction and easy maintenance are positives, but these are overshadowed by the magazine’s tendency to experience failures to feed.

The price of $92.79 feels steep, considering the magazine’s unreliability. For that price, you could buy multiple factory magazines. I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this magazine due to the feeding issues. While the increased capacity is tempting, reliability is paramount in any firearm accessory. If ProMag can address these reliability concerns, this magazine could be a valuable addition to any VP9 owner’s arsenal.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top