First Impressions of ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine promises a significant boost in firepower for one of America’s most popular .22 rifles. Offering a substantial 70-round capacity, this drum magazine from ProMag aims to minimize reloading and maximize range time. My initial reaction is a blend of excitement and cautious optimism, as aftermarket drum magazines can sometimes be hit or miss, especially when dealing with .22LR’s finicky feeding characteristics.
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve always been interested in high-capacity magazines. The promise of less reloading, especially during small game hunting or extended range sessions, is appealing. I was specifically seeking a reliable high-capacity solution for my Remington 597, something more substantial than the standard 10-round magazines.
Upon unboxing the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine, I was immediately struck by its size. It’s definitely a chunky unit. The smoke-colored polycarbonate body feels relatively sturdy, though I’ll reserve my final judgment until I’ve put some rounds through it. Compared to the standard metal magazines, the ProMag offering is noticeably lighter, thanks to the polymer construction.
I considered other high-capacity options, including extended stick magazines from various manufacturers. However, the drum configuration of the ProMag seemed like a more compact and potentially more reliable solution for a high round count. I was drawn to the promise of fewer jams and smoother feeding compared to extended stick magazines, which can sometimes suffer from spring fatigue and inconsistent pressure. I chose this over the stick-type magazines for its potential reliability due to even spring pressure on the rounds compared to a long, linear spring system.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. While the sheer size of the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine is a bit daunting, the potential for uninterrupted shooting sessions is definitely enticing. The build quality appears decent, but the real test will be how it performs on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for testing. I loaded the magazine with CCI Mini-Mags, a reliable .22LR round known for its consistent performance.
The first few rounds fed flawlessly, and the rate of fire was exhilarating. However, after about 20 rounds, I experienced my first malfunction: a failure to feed. After clearing the jam, I continued shooting, only to encounter similar issues every 10-15 rounds. While the magazine did function, the constant need to clear malfunctions was frustrating. The malfunctions increased in frequency after about 50 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine, my opinion remains mixed. The magazine continues to function, but the reliability issues persist. The frequency of malfunctions seems to increase as the magazine gets dirtier, suggesting that cleanliness is crucial for optimal performance.
The polycarbonate construction has held up well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear. However, the internal components, particularly the spring and follower, seem to be the weak points. Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward, though disassembling it for a thorough cleaning can be a bit fiddly. Compared to the factory 10-round magazines, the ProMag offering is definitely more prone to malfunctions. I have to clean it after every range visit to maintain any acceptable level of performance.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
Specifications
Manufacturer: ProMag.
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle.
Magazine Capacity: 70 Rounds. This high capacity promises extended shooting sessions with fewer reloads.
Gun Make: Remington.
Gun Model: Remington Model 597. Specifically designed for this rifle.
Material: Polycarbonate, Polymer. Lightweight and durable material.
Color: Smoke.
Mag Spring: Formed from chrome silicone wire. Designed for longevity and consistent pressure.
The 70-round capacity is the key selling point. It allows for extended shooting sessions without the constant need to reload, which can be particularly useful for hunting small game or participating in shooting competitions. The polycarbonate construction keeps the weight down, which is important considering the already substantial size of the drum. The choice of materials keeps the cost down, but also seems to be the source of the reliability issues.
Performance & Functionality
When it functions correctly, the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine delivers a high rate of fire and minimizes reloading. However, the reliability issues significantly detract from its overall performance. Failures to feed are common, especially after the magazine has been used for a while or is slightly dirty.
The magazine does not consistently meet expectations. While the promise of 70 rounds without reloading is appealing, the constant malfunctions make it less practical than using multiple standard-capacity magazines. It needs significant design improvements to be truly reliable.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine is undeniably bulky. The weight, while not excessive, is noticeable, especially when the magazine is fully loaded. The smoke-colored polycarbonate body provides a reasonable level of durability, but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as a metal magazine.
There’s a slight learning curve associated with loading the drum, but it’s relatively straightforward. However, inserting and removing the magazine from the rifle can be a bit awkward due to its size and shape. The weight of the drum makes it unwieldy to manipulate.
Durability & Maintenance
The polycarbonate body seems durable enough to withstand normal use, but the internal components are likely to be the first to fail. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance. Disassembling the magazine for a thorough cleaning is possible but can be a bit tricky, requiring some patience and dexterity.
With proper care and maintenance, the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, I wouldn’t expect it to last as long as a high-quality metal magazine. The polycarbonate construction means that you cannot use any aggressive solvents during the cleaning process, limiting the cleaning options.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no readily available customization options beyond basic cleaning and maintenance. The Remington 597 itself has many third party accessories, but none address the magazines functionality.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: 70-round capacity reduces the need for frequent reloading.
- Relatively Lightweight: Polycarbonate construction keeps the weight manageable.
- Affordable Price: More budget-friendly than some other high-capacity options.
- Easy to load.
- Increases rate of fire when it does function.
Cons
- Unreliable Feeding: Frequent malfunctions detract from overall performance.
- Bulky Design: Size and shape can be awkward to handle.
- Requires frequent cleaning for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine might appeal to casual plinkers who prioritize high capacity over absolute reliability and are willing to deal with occasional malfunctions. It could also be suitable for those who enjoy modifying and tinkering with their firearms, as some users may be able to improve the magazine’s reliability through aftermarket parts or modifications.
Those who require consistent and reliable performance from their firearms, such as hunters or competitive shooters, should probably skip this product. Anyone who is unwilling to perform regular maintenance and cleaning should also avoid this magazine. A magazine loader is definitely a must-have accessory to make loading easier.
Conclusion on ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polycarbonate 70 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine offers a tantalizing promise of high-capacity fun, but its unreliable feeding ultimately undermines its value. While the 70-round capacity and relatively affordable price are appealing, the frequent malfunctions make it difficult to recommend, unless you like tinkering and are willing to accept a degree of unreliability.
The value proposition is questionable. While the price is lower than some alternatives, the cost of frustration and wasted ammunition due to malfunctions may outweigh the savings. Personally, I would not recommend this product in its current form. It needs significant improvements in design and manufacturing to achieve a level of reliability that justifies its high capacity. Spend the extra money on factory magazines.
If you’re considering this magazine, proceed with caution and be prepared to spend time troubleshooting and maintaining it. Otherwise, stick with the standard-capacity magazines for a more reliable shooting experience.