First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant increase in firepower for two already excellent pistols. As someone who appreciates high-capacity options for range days and potential SHTF scenarios, this magazine immediately caught my eye. Let’s dive into my first experience.
My interest in this magazine stemmed from a desire to spend less time reloading at the range. I found myself constantly swapping magazines during practice drills with my Walther P99, disrupting my rhythm. The allure of 50 rounds of 9mm before needing to reload was simply too tempting to ignore.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag felt surprisingly lightweight, thanks to its polymer construction. The DuPont Zytel based polymer felt robust, though not quite as confidence-inspiring as a steel magazine. Still, the build seemed solid, and the magazine seated firmly in my P99 during initial dry-fire testing.
Compared to the standard 15-round Walther magazine, the ProMag is significantly longer and wider. While other aftermarket magazines for the P99 exist, none offer this extreme capacity. The initial impression was one of cautious optimism – could this be the high-capacity solution I’d been searching for?
My first impression was a blend of excitement and slight trepidation. The increased capacity is undeniably appealing, but the polymer construction and the ProMag name (known for some hit-or-miss products) gave me pause. Range testing would be crucial to determine its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to evaluate its feeding and reliability. I ran through a variety of 9mm ammunition, including 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain FMJ, and 147-grain JHP rounds.
The magazine performed adequately for the first few rounds, but quickly started experiencing failures to feed. Around round 20, the slide failed to lock back after the last round, and double feeds became increasingly frequent. The initial range session was cut short due to these issues, leaving me frustrated.
The ProMag was noticeably cumbersome to load, especially after the first 30 rounds. The spring tension is significant, requiring considerable force to seat each additional cartridge. Despite these issues, it was still fun, albeit a very short lived fun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag, its performance remained inconsistent. I tried different lubrication techniques and even disassembled and cleaned the magazine thoroughly, but the failures persisted. The magazine spring seemed weak, even when brand new.
Durability-wise, the polymer body held up well, showing no signs of cracking or significant wear. The feed lips, however, appeared to be slightly deformed after repeated use, potentially contributing to the feeding issues. I did notice that the magazine became extremely dirty.
Maintenance proved to be relatively simple; disassembly was straightforward, and cleaning the polymer body was easy. Sadly, no amount of cleaning fixed its reliability issues. This fell far short of the reliability I expect from my magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Walther P99 and SW99 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. Its most defining feature is its high capacity of 50 rounds. The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary DuPont Zytel based polymer.
The follower is injection molded, and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. While the high capacity is enticing, the polymer construction and spring quality are critical to its reliability. It is designed exclusively for 9mm.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is to provide a high-capacity ammunition source for compatible pistols. Unfortunately, in my experience, it falls short of reliable performance. Failures to feed and failure to lock back are common issues.
The ProMag’s primary strength is its increased capacity, which reduces the frequency of reloads at the range. However, this benefit is negated by its unreliable feeding. The design needs improvement to reliably feed ammunition through all 50 rounds.
Overall, the ProMag fails to meet expectations. The high capacity is intriguing, but its functionality is severely compromised by its unreliability. A high-capacity magazine that doesn’t feed reliably is essentially useless.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction of the ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine keeps the weight relatively low. However, the extended length of the magazine significantly impacts the pistol’s balance. This makes it awkward to handle, especially during rapid fire.
The magazine’s fit in the Walther P99 is secure, with no excessive wobble. However, the loading process is cumbersome due to the high spring tension. Inserting the fully loaded magazine into the pistol can also be challenging.
There is a noticeable learning curve if you are new to high-capacity magazines. Overall, the ergonomics are adequate, but the size and weight distribution make it less user-friendly compared to standard magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine’s polymer body seems durable enough to withstand normal use. However, the long-term reliability of the spring is questionable based on its performance. I’m unsure how long this will last.
Maintenance is relatively easy, as the magazine disassembles without special tools. Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent malfunctions, but even diligent maintenance couldn’t solve the feeding issues. Cleaning it often is a must.
Given its performance, the ProMag’s longevity is uncertain. While the polymer body may last, the spring’s weakness raises concerns about its overall lifespan. It will likely need replacement sooner than later.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s a standalone product designed to function with the Walther P99 and SW99 pistols. There are no customization options.
Due to its specific design, the ProMag is not readily compatible with accessories intended for standard-capacity magazines. There are no aftermarket baseplates or extensions available. Some users might consider modifications, but they would likely void any warranty.
The lack of accessories and customization options limits the ProMag’s versatility. It’s a niche product with a singular purpose. It’s not for everyone.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: 50 rounds significantly reduce reloading frequency.
- Polymer Construction: Lightweight compared to steel magazines.
- Easy Disassembly: Simple to take apart for cleaning and maintenance.
- Affordable Price: Lower cost than some other high-capacity options (although questionable value given its unreliability).
- Compatible with Walther P99 and SW99: Designed specifically for these pistols.
Cons
- Unreliable Feeding: Frequent failures to feed and failure to lock back.
- Weak Spring: Spring tension seems inadequate, contributing to malfunctions.
- Cumbersome Loading: Difficult to load the magazine, especially after 30 rounds.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine might appeal to recreational range shooters who prioritize high capacity over reliability. It could be useful for drills that focus solely on firing without needing to reload frequently, so you can train longer. Some may enjoy the novelty of a 50 round magazine.
Those who prioritize reliability and consistent performance should avoid this product. This magazine is not suitable for self-defense or situations where flawless operation is critical. It is only worth it if you want to experience a high-capacity magazine.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a higher quality spring, but unfortunately, no aftermarket options are readily available. It will not add a great value.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises a lot with its 50-round capacity, but ultimately fails to deliver on reliability. While the polymer construction keeps the weight down, the magazine’s consistent feeding issues overshadow any potential benefits. Its not worth the cost.
The price of $96.79 might seem reasonable for a high-capacity magazine, but the value is questionable given its performance issues. You are better off investing in a couple of standard magazines.
I cannot personally recommend the ProMag Polymer Walther P99/SW99 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine. Its unreliability makes it unsuitable for any serious application. Save your money and invest in reliable, standard-capacity magazines instead.