The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin promises an affordable solution for Ruger-57 owners seeking increased magazine capacity and reliability. My Ruger 57, while a joy to shoot, always felt limited by its relatively low magazine capacity. Finding reliable aftermarket magazines for the 5.7x28mm cartridge can be a gamble.
I’d heard mixed reviews about aftermarket magazines for this platform. The factory magazines are reliable, but the price can be prohibitive when wanting to have multiple spares. The PROMAG magazine stood out as an affordable alternative.
Unboxing the magazine, I immediately noticed its blued steel construction. The finish appeared even and well-applied. The magazine felt solid in hand, neither flimsy nor overly heavy, which instilled a sense of confidence.
Compared to the factory Ruger 57 magazines, the PROMAG version felt comparable in terms of materials. However, it lacked the witness holes for round count. I ultimately chose the PROMAG for its price point and 20-round capacity versus the factory standard. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I hoped the lower price wouldn’t equate to lower performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin was at my local outdoor range. The weather was clear and dry, perfect for testing. I ran through several magazines, alternating between the PROMAG and factory mags.
The PROMAG loaded relatively smoothly, although slightly stiffer than the factory magazines. During the first few magazines, I experienced one failure to feed. After investigating, it seemed like the spring needed to be broken in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds, the PROMAG magazines have become more reliable. The initial stiffness in the spring has eased, and feeding issues are now rare. The blued finish has held up well, with no signs of rust or significant wear.
I’ve noticed the PROMAG magazine requires a bit more force to seat fully when loaded to capacity. However, this hasn’t translated into any performance issues. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used in other platforms, the PROMAG performs admirably.
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. It has a 20-round capacity, offering an increase over the standard 10 or 20 round factory magazines, depending on the state. The magazine body is constructed from stamped steel, with a blued finish for corrosion resistance.
This OEM Origin magazine offers compatibility with the Ruger 57 pistol platform. The increased capacity allows for more rounds down range between reloads. The steel body and blued finish offer durability and corrosion resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin performs adequately, offering a reliable alternative to factory magazines, once broken in. Its primary strength lies in its increased capacity at a lower price point. It reliably feeds rounds after the initial break in period.
The main weakness is the lack of round count witness holes. This makes it difficult to quickly determine how many rounds are left in the magazine. It meets expectations for an aftermarket magazine in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s steel construction provides a robust feel. The blued finish offers a classic look. While the magazine lacks the smooth finish of the factory magazines, it still sits flush with the mag well.
There is a slight learning curve associated with seating the fully loaded magazine, requiring a firm push to lock in place.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the PROMAG magazine suggests good longevity. After several range trips, there are minimal signs of wear. Maintaining the magazine is straightforward; disassembly for cleaning is easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin doesn’t offer any customization options. It is compatible with any standard Ruger 57 magazine pouches or carriers. The magazine is designed to function as a direct replacement for the factory magazine.
Pros and Cons of PROMAG RUGER 57 5.7X28MM 20RD BLUE – 5.7mm x 28mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased 20-round capacity: More rounds downrange between reloads.
- Affordable price point: Significantly cheaper than factory magazines.
- Durable steel construction: Ensures a longer lifespan.
- Reliable feeding after break-in: Functions well after the initial stiffness subsides.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning: Simple maintenance.
Cons
- Lack of round count witness holes.
- Initial stiffness in spring may cause feeding issues.
- Requires a firm push to seat when fully loaded.
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 seeking a higher capacity magazine at a budget-friendly price. It’s also good for recreational shooters who want to extend their range time without frequent reloads. This magazine would be a good fit for anyone who enjoys target shooting or practicing self-defense drills.
Those who demand absolute reliability straight out of the box or need to visually confirm round count instantly should skip this product. If you need absolute certainty of every round firing, stick with OEM magazines.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to ease the loading process, especially when the magazine is new.
Conclusion on 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 offers a good value proposition. Its increased capacity and lower price make it an attractive alternative to factory magazines. While it has some minor drawbacks, like the lack of witness holes and initial stiffness, they are outweighed by its benefits.
I would recommend this magazine to Ruger 57 owners looking to expand their magazine collection without breaking the bank. Its increased capacity and reliable performance make it a worthwhile addition to any range bag. Add this to your cart today and experience the difference!