First Impressions of ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine promises to drastically increase the SKS rifle’s firepower, offering a significant upgrade from the standard 10-round fixed magazine. This high-capacity magazine, manufactured by ProMag, aims to address one of the SKS’s main limitations: its relatively low ammunition capacity. It is a bold claim and one that immediately sparked my interest.
My primary need was to extend my shooting sessions without constant reloading. The frustrating bottleneck of only having 10 rounds readily available slowed down drills and general range fun. I also wanted a more practical option for potential self-defense scenarios where increased capacity could be vital.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag magazine felt surprisingly lightweight, owing to its polymer construction. The build quality initially seemed decent, but the polymer had a slightly cheaper feel compared to some higher-end magazines I’ve handled. My first thought was, “Can this lightweight thing actually hold 50 rounds reliably?”.
Compared to the Tapco SKS magazines I’ve used in the past, the ProMag felt less robust, but held more rounds. I hoped the increased capacity wouldn’t sacrifice reliability, which I’ve experienced before with other high-capacity aftermarket SKS magazines. I chose the ProMag for its higher capacity over other readily available 20- or 30-round options.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The high capacity was exciting, but the polymer construction raised concerns about long-term durability and feeding reliability. Only testing would tell if the ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine could live up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal for a comfortable shooting session. I loaded the magazine with 7.62x39mm FMJ ammunition from a reputable manufacturer.
The initial loading process was cumbersome. It took significant effort to load the rounds past the 30-round mark, and I wondered if this excessive spring tension would cause issues. The first few rounds fed smoothly, but around the 20th round, I experienced a failure to feed. It appeared the magazine couldn’t keep up with the SKS’s action.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine’s reliability remained inconsistent. I tried different brands of ammunition, but the failure-to-feed issues persisted, especially when the magazine was fully loaded. The polymer showed no significant signs of wear and tear, but the magazine’s performance was unacceptable.
Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, but I noticed the polymer feed lips seemed slightly flexible, which could contribute to the feeding problems. Compared to my experiences with the original SKS magazine (though only 10 rounds) and even the Tapco magazines, the ProMag was a significant disappointment. The lower capacity magazines fed flawlessly.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine is designed for the SKS rifle and chambered in 7.62x39mm. It boasts a 50-round capacity, a substantial increase over the SKS’s standard 10-round internal magazine. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel based polymer, which ProMag claims enhances durability and reduces weight.
The magazine features an injection-molded follower and a heat-treated chrome silicon wire spring. These specifications are intended to ensure consistent feeding and long-term reliability. However, the real-world performance doesn’t always align with these design intentions.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine is to provide increased ammunition capacity for the SKS rifle. In theory, it should allow for extended shooting sessions and a tactical advantage in certain scenarios. However, the magazine’s inconsistent feeding significantly hinders its performance.
Its biggest weakness is its unreliability when fully loaded. It struggles to reliably feed ammunition, leading to frequent stoppages. It fails to meet the basic expectation of consistent feeding.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction contributes to the magazine’s light weight, making it relatively easy to handle, even when fully loaded. However, the design lacks the robust feel of metal magazines. There’s also a noticeable learning curve associated with loading this magazine.
The magazine’s large size can make the SKS somewhat unwieldy, especially when shooting from a prone position.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel based polymer construction appears to be reasonably durable. After several range sessions, the magazine showed no visible cracks or breaks. Maintaining the magazine is relatively easy, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent.
However, the long-term durability of the feed lips remains a concern, given their flexibility.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It’s designed as a standalone replacement for the SKS’s standard magazine. While it doesn’t offer direct customization, its high capacity can be seen as a form of functional enhancement.
The magazine is compatible with any SKS rifle that accepts detachable magazines. However, its performance may vary depending on the specific rifle and ammunition used.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 50-round capacity significantly increases the SKS rifle’s firepower, allowing for extended shooting sessions.
- Lightweight Design: The polymer construction makes the magazine relatively lightweight, even when fully loaded, improving handling.
- Easy Maintenance: The magazine is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only basic tools and solvents.
- Enhanced Tactical Capability: Offers a tactical advantage with higher round count in potential defense scenarios.
- Durable Polymer: The DuPont Zytel based polymer seems to be adequately durable.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: The magazine suffers from frequent failure-to-feed issues, especially when fully loaded.
- Questionable Reliability: The polymer feed lips seem flexible, potentially contributing to feeding problems and overall reliability.
- Cumbersome Loading: It can be difficult to load the magazine to its full capacity due to the significant spring tension.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine is potentially suitable for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional feeding issues. It might also appeal to those seeking a tactical advantage in scenarios where a large round count is crucial.
This product is not suitable for individuals who require absolute reliability from their SKS rifle, such as hunters or those using the SKS for self-defense. Those who prefer the simple operation and inherent reliability of the original SKS design should also avoid this magazine. A must-have modification would be a higher quality spring and potentially different follower, but at that point you are spending more on upgrades than the magazine is worth.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer SKS 7.62x39mm 50-Round Rifle Magazine promises a significant increase in the SKS rifle’s firepower. Unfortunately, it falls short in delivering consistent performance. While the high capacity and lightweight design are appealing, the frequent failure-to-feed issues outweigh any potential benefits.
At $98.79, the price is not justified, given the magazine’s unreliability. The original design is much cheaper. I cannot recommend this magazine due to its inconsistent performance.
If you absolutely need a higher capacity magazine for your SKS, explore other options. Otherwise, stick with the original SKS magazine. Its reliability is unmatched.