First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant increase in firepower for the popular concealed carry pistol. Boasting a 50-round capacity, this magazine aims to turn the Shield Plus into a high-capacity option, moving it away from its intended role as a compact, easily concealable firearm. I was intrigued by the prospect of extending my range time without constant reloading, but also skeptical about how such a large magazine would affect the Shield Plus’s handling and concealability.
My desire to minimize range reloading drove me to explore high-capacity magazine options for my Shield Plus. I was growing tired of the constant need to swap magazines after every 10 or 13 rounds. Other options existed, mainly extensions for the factory magazines, but none offered such a drastic increase in capacity as the ProMag 50-rounder.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of surprise at the sheer size of the magazine. The polymer construction felt reasonably sturdy, though noticeably lighter than the steel of the factory mags. Compared to standard Shield Plus magazines, the ProMag offering was comically large, resembling a small club more than a magazine. It was definitely a bold statement in terms of design.
I chose the ProMag over standard magazine extensions because of its promise of significantly higher capacity. While extensions offer a modest increase of a few rounds, the ProMag delivers nearly four times the capacity of the factory 13-round magazine. The higher capacity comes at the expense of concealability, which I am willing to compromise during range sessions. I was both excited and apprehensive; the potential for extended shooting sessions was appealing, but I anticipated handling and reliability challenges.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess its reliability and impact on my Shield Plus’s performance. The range offered a safe and predictable setting to evaluate the magazine’s functionality.
The magazine performed adequately for the first 20 rounds or so, but I experienced several failures to feed after that. This occurred across several magazines and different 9mm ammunition types. The added weight and length definitely impacted the handling of my Shield Plus; it felt unbalanced and awkward to hold.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the reliability of the ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine remained inconsistent. I consistently experienced failures to feed, especially beyond the initial 20-30 rounds. Wear and tear were minimal, with only slight scuffing on the polymer body.
The magazine requires regular cleaning to function, and disassembly is not user-friendly. Compared to my experience with factory magazines, the ProMag offering was a major disappointment. The inconsistent feeding issues outweighed the benefit of the increased capacity.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus chambered in 9mm Luger. Its most notable feature is its 50-round magazine capacity, a significant increase over the standard magazine. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel based polymer, offering a lightweight yet purportedly durable design.
The follower is injection molded, and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. These specifications influence the overall reliability and longevity of the magazine. The polymer construction contributes to reduced weight, while the spring design impacts feeding consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent reloading. However, its performance falls short due to inconsistent feeding. The added weight and bulk also negatively affect the Shield Plus’s handling characteristics.
The magazine’s primary weakness is its unreliability. While it offers a high capacity, the constant failures to feed negate this advantage. It does not meet my expectations for reliable performance, especially considering the ProMag reputation.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction keeps the weight manageable despite the magazine’s enormous size. The build quality feels adequate, though not as robust as the factory steel magazines. There is a significant learning curve due to the awkwardness of handling the pistol with such an extended magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body appears durable enough to withstand regular use, but the spring may wear out over time, further exacerbating feeding issues. Disassembly for cleaning is not straightforward, requiring tools and careful manipulation. Long-term reliability remains a concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine itself doesn’t require additional accessories. However, users might want to consider a magazine loader to ease the loading process. Given its specific design for the Shield Plus, it is not compatible with accessories designed for other firearms.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity allows for extended shooting sessions.
- Polymer construction keeps weight relatively low.
- Potentially reduces the need for frequent reloads at the range.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding, especially after the first 20-30 rounds.
- Significantly impacts the handling and balance of the Shield Plus.
- Difficult to disassemble and clean.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
This magazine might appeal to range enthusiasts who prioritize high capacity over reliability and concealability. It’s not suitable for self-defense or concealed carry due to its size and unreliability. It is not recommended for any tactical or serious applications.
Anyone prioritizing reliability, concealability, or balanced handling should skip this product. Law enforcement or everyday carry users would be poorly served by this magazine. A speed loader would be a must-have accessory to assist with loading the rounds into this magazine.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises an enticing increase in firepower for the popular Shield Plus pistol. However, its inconsistent reliability and negative impact on handling outweigh the benefits of its high capacity. The price of $94.79 is not justified considering its performance issues.
I would not personally recommend this magazine. There are better options available, such as investing in more factory magazines or exploring reputable magazine extensions. While the idea of a 50-round Shield Plus magazine is appealing, the ProMag offering simply doesn’t deliver on its promise of reliable performance. Save your money and stick with factory magazines or explore other, more trustworthy alternatives.