First Thoughts on the PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The Ruger 57 is a unique pistol chambered in the high-velocity 5.7x28mm cartridge, and it’s known for its impressive capacity and flat-shooting characteristics. Magazines for this platform can be expensive, so the PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the factory magazines. I was particularly interested to see if this magazine could deliver the same level of reliability and performance as the pricier OEM options.
My primary concern was finding reliable magazines for high-volume range sessions without breaking the bank. I have a Ruger 57 LC Carbine now and I wanted to ensure I could run it extensively. Upon unboxing the PROMAG magazine, I was immediately drawn to the blued steel finish, which gave it a solid and durable feel. The weight felt comparable to the factory magazines, instilling confidence in its construction.
Compared to the factory Ruger 57 magazines, the PROMAG is noticeably more affordable. I also considered magazines from other aftermarket manufacturers, but PROMAG‘s reputation for decent quality at a reasonable price point swayed my decision. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – it looked the part, but the real test would be how it performed under actual shooting conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin extensively at my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for the Pacific Northwest – slightly damp with a light drizzle, which can sometimes affect magazine performance. Loading the magazine initially felt a bit stiff, but it eased up after a few rounds.
During my initial range session, I ran approximately 200 rounds through the PROMAG magazine. It fed reliably for the most part, but I did experience one failure-to-feed in the first 50 rounds. This was likely due to the spring being new and needing to break in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a couple of months, the PROMAG magazine has proven to be generally reliable. I’ve now put over 500 rounds through it, and the initial failure-to-feed issue seems to have resolved itself after the spring broke in. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the steel body.
Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, requiring only a simple disassembly and a quick wipe-down. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, the PROMAG has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability, especially considering its price point. It doesn’t quite match the flawless performance of the factory magazines, but it is a solid performer.
Breaking Down the Features of PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin is designed specifically for the Ruger 57 pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. Its capacity is 20 rounds, offering the same capacity as the standard Ruger 57 magazine.
The magazine body is constructed from stamped steel, providing a robust and durable platform. The blued finish offers a degree of corrosion resistance. This magazine is not OEM, meaning it’s manufactured by ProMag and not Ruger.
Performance & Functionality
The PROMAG magazine performs adequately, feeding rounds reliably after an initial break-in period. Its primary strength lies in its affordability, offering a cost-effective way to increase your magazine capacity. One potential weakness is the occasional failure-to-feed, although this seems to diminish with use.
The magazine generally meets expectations for an aftermarket magazine in this price range. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done. It’s critical to note that the user feedback also confirmed the initial spring tension issue.
Design & Ergonomics
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin sports a standard magazine design, fitting flush with the base of the Ruger 57. The steel construction provides a solid feel in the hand, and the blued finish is aesthetically pleasing. The magazine is relatively easy to load, although a speed loader is recommended for optimal comfort, especially when filling it to its full 20-round capacity.
There is a slight learning curve associated with disassembling the magazine for cleaning, but it’s relatively simple once you’ve done it a few times. The user feedback also mentions no round count witness holes which makes it difficult to determine the magazine capacity at a glance.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the PROMAG magazine suggests that it should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring are essential for maintaining optimal performance. I anticipate that this magazine will hold up well to moderate use.
Disassembly for maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a punch or similar tool to depress the baseplate retainer. Regular cleaning ensures smooth feeding and ejection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin does not come with any specific accessories. However, it’s compatible with most 5.7x28mm speed loaders designed for the Ruger 57. There are no other readily apparent customization options for this magazine.
Pros and Cons of PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Affordable alternative to factory Ruger 57 magazines.
- 20-round capacity provides ample firepower.
- Durable steel construction.
- Generally reliable after a break-in period.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- May experience initial failure-to-feed issues with a new spring.
- Not as consistently reliable as factory Ruger magazines.
- Lacks round count witness holes.
Who Should Buy PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin?
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin is perfect for Ruger 57 owners who want to increase their magazine capacity without spending a fortune. It’s well-suited for range shooters, recreational plinkers, and those who want a more budget-friendly option for training. Anyone who has a Ruger 57 LC Carbine will also enjoy these magazines.
This magazine might not be the best choice for those who demand absolute, unwavering reliability in a defensive or duty scenario. In those situations, factory magazines might be a better investment. A must-have accessory is a quality speed loader to ease the process of filling the magazine.
Conclusion on PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Overall, the PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin is a decent aftermarket magazine that offers good value for the money. While it may not be as flawless as a factory magazine, its affordability and reasonable reliability make it a worthwhile addition to any Ruger 57 owner’s collection. At a price of $19.99, it is significantly cheaper than factory magazines, justifying the trade-off in absolute reliability for most users.
I would recommend this magazine to anyone looking to expand their Ruger 57 magazine collection on a budget, keeping in mind its potential for initial break-in issues. If you want a cost-effective way to spend more time at the range with your Ruger 57, the PROMAG magazine is definitely worth considering.