First Thoughts on the ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate
The ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate magazine promises an extended capacity for one of the most popular .22 rifles on the market. The Remington 597 is a classic, and more rounds between reloads are always welcome. This magazine boasts a durable polycarbonate construction and a high-quality spring, aiming to provide reliable feeding and longevity at an affordable price.
My quest for this magazine stemmed from a frustration shared by many .22 enthusiasts: the limited capacity of standard magazines. Plinking sessions and small game hunts were constantly interrupted by the need to reload. The promise of 22 rounds in a flush-fitting magazine was incredibly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the smoke-colored polycarbonate immediately caught my eye. It felt reasonably sturdy, though lighter than the factory metal magazine. The molding seemed clean, and the spring tension felt adequate.
Compared to the factory Remington 10-round magazine and a competitor’s 15-round aftermarket option, the ProMag felt like a step up in capacity, but perhaps a slight compromise in overall robustness. I chose this one hoping for a balance between capacity and durability, with the smoke finish being a bonus aesthetic touch. Initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, given mixed reviews I’d seen online.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The conditions were ideal: no wind, moderate temperature, and clear skies. I loaded the ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate with CCI Mini-Mags, a known reliable .22 LR cartridge.
The first few magazines cycled flawlessly, bringing smiles to my face. Then, around the fifth magazine, issues began to arise. Failure to feed became frequent, with rounds jamming against the feed ramp.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I put the ProMag through more rigorous testing, logging hundreds of rounds. The reliability issues persisted, becoming more pronounced. By the end of the testing period, jams occurred almost every other magazine.
The polycarbonate body showed no significant wear and tear, but the magazine’s overall performance deteriorated rapidly. Cleaning the magazine didn’t solve the feeding problems. Sadly, the ProMag didn’t outperform the factory magazine in terms of reliability and consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate
Specifications
- Caliber: .22 LR. This is the standard rimfire cartridge, widely available and relatively inexpensive.
- Capacity: 22 rounds. This is a significant increase over the standard 10-round magazine, offering more shooting between reloads.
- Body Material: Impact-resistant polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for its toughness and resistance to cracking, making it a good choice for magazine bodies.
- Follower Material: Injection molded polymer. The follower is a crucial component that pushes rounds into the chamber.
- Spring Material: Heat-treated chrome silicon wire. Chrome silicon wire is known for its consistent spring force and resistance to fatigue, ensuring reliable feeding over time.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate promised increased capacity, but unfortunately, its performance was inconsistent. While some magazines cycled flawlessly, many experienced failure-to-feed issues, especially after extended use. The magazine’s inability to consistently feed rounds diminished its overall value.
The main weakness was its inconsistent feeding, which made it unreliable for serious applications. It also seemed to perform worse with cheaper ammunition. It did not meet my expectations for a reliable high-capacity magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The smoke-colored polycarbonate body had a clean, modern look and felt relatively durable. The magazine was comfortable to handle and fit flush with the Remington 597, maintaining the rifle’s sleek profile. The flush fit is an aesthetic improvement over some extended magazines.
The magazine design was user-friendly, with an easy-to-grip exterior and a smooth follower for loading. However, its ergonomics were overshadowed by its reliability issues. There was no notable learning curve beyond standard magazine loading procedures.
Durability & Maintenance
The polycarbonate body seemed durable and showed no signs of cracking or breaking during testing. The spring tension remained consistent, even after repeated loading and unloading. While the body itself seems durable, the magazine’s internal feeding mechanisms are prone to issues.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, but it did little to improve its reliability. Regular cleaning did not resolve the underlying feeding problems. Unfortunately, maintenance only addressed the cleanliness and not the core functionality issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate is a standalone accessory, so it doesn’t directly interface with many other accessories. However, having higher capacity magazines may influence your choice of ammunition pouch if carrying multiple mags. There are no specific customization options available for this particular magazine.
The compatibility with other brands is limited to magazine pouches designed for .22 LR magazines. Aftermarket followers or springs might offer some improvement, but I did not test these. Aftermarket springs could potentially improve feeding reliability.
Pros and Cons of ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holding 22 rounds significantly reduces the frequency of reloads.
- Durable Polycarbonate Body: The polycarbonate construction seems sturdy and resistant to cracking.
- Flush Fit: The magazine fits flush with the rifle, maintaining a sleek profile.
- Affordable Price: At $14.49, it’s a budget-friendly option for increased capacity.
- Easy to Load: The magazine is relatively easy to load, even with the increased capacity.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: Frequent failure-to-feed issues significantly reduce its reliability.
- Questionable Long-Term Durability: While the body seems durable, the internal feeding mechanisms are prone to issues.
Who Should Buy ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate?
The ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate might be suitable for casual plinkers who prioritize capacity over absolute reliability and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It could also serve as a range magazine where immediate follow-up shots aren’t critical. It is probably best for those using high quality ammo.
However, this magazine is NOT recommended for small game hunters or competitive shooters where reliable feeding is paramount. Anyone relying on their Remington 597 for serious applications should stick to factory magazines or higher-quality aftermarket options. A reliable magazine is crucial for hunting and competition.
A must-have accessory would be a magazine loader to ease the loading process of 22 rounds. Also, a small file or Dremel may be needed to polish the feed lips. Polishing the feed lips might improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate
The ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate offers the allure of increased capacity at an affordable price. However, its inconsistent feeding issues significantly detract from its overall value. While the polycarbonate body appears durable, the magazine’s reliability problems make it difficult to recommend for serious applications.
The price of $14.49 is certainly attractive, but reliability is paramount when it comes to magazines. In this case, the low price doesn’t justify the inconsistent performance. Therefore, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this magazine.
Before purchasing the ProMag REMA1 22rd 22 LR Fits Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate, carefully consider your needs and prioritize reliability. If you’re willing to gamble on occasional malfunctions for the sake of increased capacity, it might be worth a try. Otherwise, invest in higher-quality magazines for dependable performance.