First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is a high-capacity aftermarket magazine designed for Ruger P85 and P95 pistols. It promises to drastically increase your firepower with its 50-round capacity, giving shooters an edge in competition or demanding scenarios. But can a polymer magazine reliably feed that many rounds?
My quest for this magazine began with frustration at local shooting competitions. Constantly reloading my Ruger P95 put me at a disadvantage against competitors with higher capacity firearms. I yearned for a reliable way to extend my shooting time and reduce those crucial reload seconds.
My initial unboxing revealed a surprisingly lightweight magazine. The polymer construction felt sturdy, but I couldn’t help but wonder about its long-term durability. The build quality appeared decent, though not quite as robust as the factory metal magazines I’m accustomed to.
Compared to standard 15-round magazines, the ProMag offering is significantly bulkier, as expected. I considered other high-capacity options, but the ProMag’s price point and readily available online reviews swayed me. I was cautiously optimistic.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. The sheer capacity of the ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is undeniably appealing. However, I needed to put it through its paces to determine if it could live up to its promises of reliability and durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal conditions for testing. I brought a variety of 9mm ammunition types – FMJ, hollow points, and some cheaper range ammo – to assess its feeding reliability with different loads.
The first few magazines experienced several failures to feed. It seemed as though the magazine spring couldn’t reliably push the rounds up quickly enough. I found myself needing to firmly tap the magazine against the magwell after every few rounds to ensure proper feeding.
Using the magazine was cumbersome at first. The sheer length of the magazine made it difficult to maneuver and seat properly, especially during speed drills. I was initially disappointed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds fired, the ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine‘s reliability did improve slightly. After about 200 rounds the feeding issues decreased but did not disappear entirely. I still experienced occasional failures to feed, but they were less frequent.
After a few months of use, the polymer body showed minor scuffs and scratches, but no significant damage. The ProMag requires frequent cleaning. Keeping the inside free from debris seems crucial for mitigating feeding issues.
Compared to the factory Ruger magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. While the standard magazines offer flawless performance, this high-capacity option demands more attention and is less dependable. I found myself trusting the factory magazines far more, especially in defensive scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Ruger P85 and P95 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. Its most prominent feature is its 50-round capacity, significantly exceeding the standard capacity of these pistols. 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 are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. A higher capacity, if reliable, means fewer reloads. The polymer construction impacts weight and resistance to corrosion.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine aims to increase firepower, but its performance is inconsistent. While it does hold 50 rounds, the reliability of feeding those rounds is questionable. It struggles with consistent feeding, especially during rapid fire or with certain types of ammunition.
Its primary weakness is its unreliable feeding. The spring tension seems inadequate to consistently push rounds up into the chamber. This requires the user to be extra vigilant about magazine seating and potentially tapping the magazine to ensure proper feeding.
The ProMag only partly meets expectations. It offers the promised capacity, but the reliability issues detract significantly from its value. It works when it works, but you can never fully rely on it.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag’s polymer construction keeps the weight relatively low for its size. It’s comfortable enough to hold, but the added length and bulkiness affect the pistol’s balance and handling. It protrudes significantly from the grip, potentially hindering concealment.
There’s a minor learning curve associated with using this magazine. Seating the fully loaded magazine requires extra force. The extra weight changes how the pistol handles.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction suggests decent longevity. The ProMag should withstand reasonable use and exposure to the elements. However, the spring is a potential weak point.
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining reliable function. Disassembling and cleaning the magazine are relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s designed to be a direct replacement for standard magazines. There are no customization options directly associated with the magazine itself.
It’s compatible with any Ruger P85 or P95 that accepts standard Ruger P-series 9mm magazines. However, due to its size, it may not fit in standard magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Offers a significantly increased 50-round capacity.
- Relatively lightweight due to polymer construction.
- Affordable price point compared to some other high-capacity magazines.
- Compatible with Ruger P85 and P95 pistols.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding, leading to malfunctions.
- Bulky design negatively impacts handling and concealment.
- Questionable long-term durability of the spring.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine might appeal to recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity over absolute reliability for range use. It could also be considered for competitive shooting where magazine capacity is paramount and malfunctions can be tolerated, or for those who like tinkering and trying to improve aftermarket parts.
Those who require absolute reliability for self-defense or duty use should skip this product. Law enforcement officers or concealed carry permit holders will likely find the risk of malfunction unacceptable. Users may also want to skip if they require compact carry options.
A reliable magazine pouch specifically designed for extended magazines would be a must-have. A high-quality magazine loader could also ease the loading process.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Ruger P Series 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises a lot of firepower in a compact package. Unfortunately, it falls short on delivering consistent and reliable performance. While the high capacity is undeniably appealing, the frequent malfunctions make it difficult to recommend for serious applications.
The price may be justified for recreational use or experimentation. However, the lack of reliability makes it a poor choice for self-defense or other critical situations. I would personally not recommend the ProMag to anyone who needs a dependable magazine for their Ruger P-series pistol.
Before you buy, carefully consider your needs and prioritize reliability above all else. Your life could depend on it.