First Impressions of ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine promises to dramatically increase the firepower of the MKA 1919 shotgun. This magazine, manufactured by ProMag, boasts a 15-round capacity and a durable polymer construction, piquing the interest of shotgun enthusiasts seeking a high-capacity option. I was excited to explore whether this magazine could deliver enhanced performance and reliability, addressing the common desire for increased magazine capacity in semi-automatic shotguns.
For years, I’ve been running standard capacity magazines in my MKA 1919 for 3-gun competitions. I needed something that would allow me to engage more targets without needing to reload as frequently. I hoped that this ProMag magazine would provide a competitive edge, saving valuable seconds during transitions.
The magazine arrived in a simple blister pack. My initial impression was mixed. While the polymer felt sturdy enough, the overall finish wasn’t as refined as the factory magazines, and the size was definitely something else. Compared to my standard 5-round magazines, this 15-round behemoth looked a little unwieldy, but the promise of increased capacity was enticing. I was hoping for something more robust, but the price point suggested some compromise.
I considered a drum magazine, but the online reviews were mixed, with many reporting feeding issues and reliability problems. I ultimately chose the ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine due to its potential for a more streamlined profile than a drum and its promise of polymer durability. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the ProMag magazine would exceed expectations and provide reliable performance during my upcoming 3-gun match.
Honestly, I was a little skeptical. The build quality didn’t scream “high-end,” but the sheer capacity and the reputation of ProMag for producing affordable, if not always perfect, magazines, left me intrigued. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to the promise of increased firepower.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine was at my local shooting range. I brought a variety of 12-gauge loads, from light target loads to heavy buckshot, to see how the magazine would handle different ammunition types. I ran it through my MKA 1919, prepping it to see if it would perform well.
The magazine was easy enough to load, although getting the last few rounds in required some serious thumb pressure. The initial few cycles were less than perfect. The first few rounds fed without issue, but around the 7th or 8th round, I experienced a few failures to feed, with the bolt failing to fully chamber the shell. I was shooting in relatively dry conditions, so the environment wasn’t the issue.
I definitely needed some time to adjust to the significantly increased weight and bulk of the magazine. The added weight changed the balance of the shotgun, making it a bit more challenging to swing smoothly between targets. The failures to feed were disappointing, but I hoped they were just a result of the magazine being new and needing a break-in period.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few range sessions and approximately 200 rounds, the ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine showed some signs of improvement, but the reliability issues persisted. The failures to feed became less frequent, but they still occurred, especially with lighter target loads. There were some issues after several rounds.
After about a month of use, the magazine body itself seemed relatively durable, showing no significant signs of wear and tear. The polymer construction held up well to the recoil and impacts of regular use. Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a bit of lubricant on the follower.
Compared to my factory magazines, the ProMag magazine was definitely a disappointment. While the increased capacity was appealing, the unreliability made it unsuitable for serious competition or tactical applications. My standard capacity magazines have never failed me, making the ProMag a risky proposition.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine is designed specifically for the Akdal MKA 1919 shotgun. It features a 15-round magazine capacity, significantly increasing the shotgun’s firepower. The magazine is chambered for 12 Gauge 2 3/4in shells.
The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary DuPont Zytel based polymer, offering a balance of durability and weight. The follower is injection molded for smooth feeding. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, ensuring consistent pressure and reliable feeding, in theory.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the shotgun’s performance. The 15-round capacity provides a significant advantage in situations where rapid follow-up shots are necessary. The polymer construction helps to reduce weight, making the shotgun easier to handle, though the overall size negates this somewhat. The chrome silicon wire spring is crucial for ensuring consistent and reliable feeding, which is essential for any magazine.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine’s primary function is to provide increased ammunition capacity for the MKA 1919 shotgun. In practice, its performance is inconsistent. While it does hold 15 rounds, the reliability issues prevent it from fully achieving its potential.
The magazine’s biggest strength is its high capacity. However, its weaknesses include failures to feed, especially with lighter loads, and a bulky design that affects the shotgun’s balance. It barely meets expectations, providing increased capacity but sacrificing reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine features a simple, functional design. The polymer construction keeps the weight relatively low. However, the sheer size of the magazine makes it somewhat unwieldy.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, easy to load and insert into the shotgun. However, the increased weight and bulk require some getting used to. The design doesn’t particularly stand out, prioritizing function over aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine suggests it should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. However, the long-term durability is still uncertain due to the initial issues. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining optimal performance.
The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. Replacement parts are readily available from ProMag and other aftermarket suppliers. With proper care, the magazine should provide a decent service life, although the reliability issues remain a concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine does not come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available for the magazine itself. However, the MKA 1919 shotgun has many aftermarket accessories, such as different stocks, forends, and optics mounts, which can enhance its overall functionality and performance.
The magazine is compatible with any standard MKA 1919 shotgun. Users can explore various accessories to improve the shotgun’s handling and performance. However, none of these directly integrate with the magazine itself.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine
Pros
- Increased capacity of 15 rounds provides a significant advantage in tactical situations or competitions.
- Durable polymer construction offers reasonable resistance to impacts and wear.
- Affordable price point compared to other high-capacity shotgun magazines.
- Easy to load and insert into the MKA 1919 shotgun.
- Simple design makes it easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding issues, especially with lighter loads, resulting in failures to feed.
- Bulky design affects the shotgun’s balance and handling.
- Questionable long-term durability due to the feeding issues and less refined finish.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want to experiment with a high-capacity magazine and are willing to tolerate some reliability issues. Also, it may be useful for those that want to take the time to carefully tweak the magazine.
Those who require absolute reliability in their MKA 1919, such as competitive shooters or those using it for home defense, should skip this product.
A must-have modification would be thoroughly testing the magazine with various loads and potentially modifying the follower or spring to improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine
The ProMag Polymer MKA 1919 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 15-Round Shotgun Magazine promises a significant increase in firepower for the MKA 1919 shotgun, but its unreliable feeding makes it a risky proposition. The polymer construction seems durable enough, and the price is certainly attractive, but the performance issues ultimately overshadow these positives. The price isn’t justified.
I would not personally recommend this magazine unless you are willing to invest time and effort into troubleshooting and potentially modifying it to improve its reliability. If you’re looking for a high-capacity solution for your MKA 1919, explore other options with more consistent performance records. Otherwise, stick with the standard capacity magazines.