First Thoughts on the ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Ruger P95 was my first handgun, purchased back when I was a young soldier trying to get into competitive shooting. It’s a workhorse, known for its reliability, but finding affordable magazines these days can be a challenge. The ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel promised to fill that gap, offering a cost-effective alternative to increasingly rare and expensive factory magazines.
My Ruger P95’s original magazines are starting to show their age, and I wanted reliable spares without breaking the bank. OEM Ruger magazines can be pricey and hard to find. I was drawn to the ProMag due to its affordability and readily available nature, hoping it could provide the same level of functionality as the originals.
Upon receiving the ProMag RUG-A5, I immediately noticed the blued steel construction. It felt sturdy enough, though perhaps not quite as refined as the original Ruger magazines. The polymer baseplate and follower appeared well-molded, but only time would tell how they’d hold up under repeated use.
I compared it to my original Ruger magazines and a Mec-Gar magazine I use for my Beretta 92FS. The ProMag felt slightly lighter than the factory Ruger magazine, though comparable to the Mec-Gar. I was cautiously optimistic, but also aware of ProMag’s mixed reputation for aftermarket magazines.
My first impression was a blend of hope and skepticism. The price was definitely right, but I was eager to see if the ProMag RUG-A5 could deliver the reliability I needed for training and practice. I hoped this ProMag would surprise me.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag RUG-A5 at my local shooting range, running it through several drills alongside my original Ruger magazines. The day was dry and mild, ideal conditions to get a good feel for the magazine’s performance. I loaded it with 115-grain FMJ ammunition, the same I typically use in my P95.
Initially, loading the ProMag was a bit stiff compared to the worn-in factory magazines. However, it seated into the magazine well of my P95 with a reassuring click. During the first few magazines, I experienced a couple of failures to feed.
Thereafter the magazine “loosened” and started cycling rounds more smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After about 500 rounds through the ProMag RUG-A5 over several range sessions, its reliability has improved, but not to the level of the factory magazines. There were still occasional failures to feed, especially when the magazine was fully loaded. I noticed the blued steel finish starting to show some wear around the feed lips.
Cleaning the ProMag was straightforward. The polymer baseplate is easily removed for disassembly and cleaning. While not difficult to maintain, I felt like the spring might be a potential point of failure in the long run compared to the sturdier spring in the OEM magazine.
Compared to my experience with the original Ruger magazines, the ProMag is a bit of a disappointment in terms of consistent reliability. The factory magazines have functioned flawlessly for years, while the ProMag has exhibited occasional hiccups. Its lower cost is a factor but reliability is paramount.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
The ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine is designed for Ruger P93 and P95 pistols chambered in 9mm. It boasts a 15-round capacity, providing a significant increase over some older, lower-capacity magazines. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated blued steel, promising durability.
The follower, lock-plate, and base-plate are molded from a DuPont® Zytel™ based black polymer, aiming for strength and resistance to impact and solvents. It features a spring wound from Chrome-silicon wire, heat-treated for reliable feeding. These specifications, taken together, aim to create a functional and reasonably durable magazine.
The capacity is important for those wanting more rounds without frequent reloads, particularly in competition or self-defense scenarios. The steel body offers strength against deformation, while the polymer components reduce weight and resist corrosion. A good spring is crucial for consistent feeding, making the Chrome-silicon a desirable feature.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag RUG-A5 generally functions as expected, holding 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition and feeding them into the chamber. However, as noted earlier, reliability isn’t quite on par with factory magazines. The magazine spring, while seemingly strong, sometimes struggles to push rounds up quickly enough, leading to occasional failures to feed.
A key strength is its affordability, making it an attractive option for shooters on a budget. A significant weakness is its slightly inconsistent feeding, especially when fully loaded. Ultimately, it meets basic expectations but falls short of the flawless performance of OEM magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag RUG-A5 features a standard magazine design, fitting flush with the magazine well of the Ruger P93 and P95. The blued steel construction gives it a solid feel, although the finish is prone to scratching with use. It’s reasonably user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading and unloading.
The polymer baseplate is easy to grip for removing the magazine, even with gloved hands. While the ergonomics are acceptable, the overall build quality feels somewhat less refined than the original Ruger magazines. The design is functional, but the materials and finish leave room for improvement.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag RUG-A5 seems reasonably durable, with the steel body resisting bending and deformation. However, the blued finish is susceptible to scratching and wear, potentially leading to rust over time if not properly maintained. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only basic tools and solvents.
The polymer components seem resistant to most common gun cleaning chemicals. Given the price point, it’s likely that this magazine will have a shorter lifespan than a factory magazine, particularly with frequent use. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are essential to maximize its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag RUG-A5 does not come with any accessories. There are no readily available customization options for this magazine. It’s designed as a direct replacement for the original Ruger P93/P95 magazine and isn’t intended to be modified.
It should be compatible with most magazine pouches and carriers designed for double-stack 9mm magazines. Due to its specific design for the Ruger P93/P95, it’s unlikely to be compatible with any accessories designed for other firearm platforms.
Pros and Cons of ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- 15-round capacity offers increased firepower compared to some older magazines.
- Blued steel construction provides reasonable durability for the price.
- Easy to disassemble and clean for routine maintenance.
- Functions adequately for range practice and casual shooting.
Cons
- Reliability is not on par with factory Ruger magazines; occasional failures to feed.
- Blued finish is prone to scratching and wear.
- Magazine spring may weaken over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
The ProMag RUG-A5 is perfect for Ruger P93/P95 owners who need additional magazines for range practice and casual shooting, but are on a tight budget. It’s also suitable for those who want to increase their magazine capacity without spending a fortune on factory magazines.
This product is not recommended for individuals who rely on their Ruger P93/P95 for self-defense or duty use, where flawless reliability is paramount. Those individuals should invest in factory Ruger magazines or other high-quality aftermarket options known for consistent performance.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines. Consider investing in a quality gun cleaning solvent and lubricant to maintain the magazine and prevent rust.
Conclusion on ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The ProMag RUG-A5 Ruger P93/P95 Magazine offers an affordable solution for Ruger P93/P95 owners seeking additional magazines. However, its reliability is not quite on par with factory magazines.
The price is justified for range use. But those needing guaranteed performance in critical situations should opt for higher-end magazines.
I would recommend this product with reservations. Understand its limitations and potential for occasional malfunctions. If you need a budget-friendly option for practice, the ProMag might be worth considering. But invest in quality magazines if reliability is critical.