First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine is an intriguing piece of kit, promising to significantly increase the firepower of the popular Shield Plus. The immediate appeal lies in its potential to transform a subcompact pistol into something approaching a compact one, at least in terms of magazine capacity. Does it deliver on this promise without sacrificing reliability?
I’ve always been a fan of the Shield Plus for its concealability and comfortable ergonomics. However, its limited magazine capacity has always been a trade-off. When I saw the ProMag offering a whopping 30 rounds, I was instantly curious and, admittedly, a little skeptical.
The magazine arrived in standard ProMag packaging. My initial impression was that the polymer felt surprisingly robust, though noticeably lighter than steel magazines. Picking it up, I immediately noticed the length; this isn’t exactly a subtle addition.
Compared to the standard Shield Plus magazines, this ProMag felt significantly different. I considered options from Magpul, but they don’t offer anything close to this capacity for the Shield Plus. The ProMag intrigued me because it aimed to solve the capacity problem directly.
Honestly, my first reaction was a mix of excitement and apprehension. Thirty rounds in a Shield Plus? Could it possibly function reliably? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine primarily at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to observe its performance. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal for testing.
The initial loading of the magazine was… interesting. It took a considerable amount of effort to load all 30 rounds. The last few rounds required significant thumb pressure.
During the first range session, I experienced several failures to feed. These malfunctions occurred roughly every 5-7 rounds. This immediately raised concerns about reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, the ProMag magazine’s performance remained inconsistent. I cleaned and lubed the magazine thoroughly. Despite this, the failure-to-feed issues persisted.
Durability-wise, the polymer body seems to be holding up well. There are no visible cracks or signs of stress, despite the constant loading and unloading. However, the follower seems to stick occasionally.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward. It’s easy to disassemble and clean, but the spring tension makes reassembly slightly challenging. Compared to factory magazines, this one is proving to be less reliable and requires more attention.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine boasts a few key specifications. It is chambered in 9mm Luger, designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus. It features a 30-round magazine capacity, constructed from a DuPont Zytel based polymer.
The follower is injection molded. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. The increased capacity dramatically alters the pistol’s profile.
These specifications influence the firearm’s handling and functionality. The high capacity offers more rounds between reloads. However, the extended length affects concealment.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag promises increased firepower, but its performance is questionable. The 30-round capacity is a definite advantage in theory. Unfortunately, frequent failures to feed detract significantly from its usability.
The biggest strength is the sheer number of rounds it holds. However, its primary weakness is its unreliability. It meets the expectation of increased capacity. It fails to deliver consistent and dependable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, with a robust polymer body. The weight is surprisingly light for its size. However, the extended length makes it unwieldy and difficult to conceal.
The ProMag has a noticeable learning curve. Loading requires significant effort. Managing the added weight and length takes practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body appears to be durable. It can likely withstand regular use. However, the internal components, particularly the follower and spring, seem to be the weak points.
Maintenance is manageable. Disassembly is easy, but the strong spring can be tricky to handle. The need for frequent cleaning to mitigate malfunctions is a drawback.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer many customization options directly. It’s a self-contained unit. It is compatible with any Smith & Wesson Shield Plus that accepts standard magazines.
It does not require any special modifications to the firearm. However, users might consider a magazine loader to ease the loading process. Tactical belt setups would be mandatory if you want to carry multiple ProMag magazines.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol MagazinePros
- High capacity provides significantly more rounds than standard magazines.
- Polymer construction offers light weight compared to steel magazines.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with standard Smith & Wesson Shield Plus pistols.
- Theoretically offers a significant increase in firepower for self-defense.
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed make it unreliable for critical situations.
- Difficult to load to full capacity without a magazine loader.
- Extended length makes it difficult to conceal.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine?
Pros
- High capacity provides significantly more rounds than standard magazines.
- Polymer construction offers light weight compared to steel magazines.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with standard Smith & Wesson Shield Plus pistols.
- Theoretically offers a significant increase in firepower for self-defense.
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed make it unreliable for critical situations.
- Difficult to load to full capacity without a magazine loader.
- Extended length makes it difficult to conceal.
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine might appeal to range shooters looking for high-capacity fun. It could be considered for those prioritizing sheer round count over reliability for recreational shooting.
This product should be skipped by anyone relying on their Shield Plus for self-defense or concealed carry. The unreliability is a deal-breaker for critical applications.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality magazine loader to alleviate the loading difficulty. A tactical belt setup for carrying spare magazines is essential if you intend to use it in practical shooting scenarios.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 30-Round Pistol Magazine is a product with a tempting promise that ultimately falls short in execution. While the 30-round capacity is undeniably attractive, the persistent reliability issues overshadow its potential benefits. The price of $71.79 seems steep considering its performance.
I would not personally recommend this magazine for anyone prioritizing reliable performance. The risk of malfunctions is too high for self-defense or critical scenarios. It’s a fun range toy, perhaps, but not a serious piece of equipment.
Consider investing in multiple factory magazines instead. Reliability trumps capacity when lives are on the line.