Let’s Talk About ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine
The ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine is an aftermarket option for Ruger SR40 owners looking for additional magazines, or those in states with capacity restrictions. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer of magazines, often providing a more budget-friendly alternative to factory magazines. This particular model offers a 10-round capacity in .40 S&W, constructed with a blued steel body and a polymer follower.
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m always looking for reliable and affordable options for my gear. I picked up a couple of these ProMag magazines to have as spares for my Ruger PC Carbine, which uses SR40 magazines. I was hoping for a cost-effective way to increase my magazine supply without breaking the bank.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag Ruger SR40 Magazine felt solid, though noticeably lighter than the factory Ruger magazine. The blued steel finish seemed decent, and the polymer follower appeared functional. The overall build quality initially seemed acceptable for the price point.
I compared these to my factory Ruger SR40 magazines and some Mec-Gar magazines I use for other platforms. The ProMag felt less refined than the Ruger magazine, and the steel didn’t seem quite as thick. The Mec-Gar magazines, while not directly comparable in function, felt like a higher quality product overall.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and they seemed functional enough. However, I knew the true test would be at the range. I was curious to see if these magazines would perform as reliably as my factory magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazines primarily at an outdoor shooting range. I ran several magazines through my Ruger PC Carbine, focusing on evaluating feeding and reliability. The weather was clear and dry, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so conditions were ideal for testing.
Initially, the magazines loaded easily and seated properly in the magazine well. However, after firing a few rounds, I began experiencing frequent failure-to-feed issues, especially with the last round. This was frustrating, as it significantly impacted my shooting experience.
The first-time use revealed a clear problem: the follower design. It didn’t maintain consistent pressure on the last round, causing it to angle upwards and jam against the feed ramp. This meant the gun wouldn’t cycle reliably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few range sessions and approximately 200 rounds through each magazine, the failure-to-feed issue persisted. The ProMag Ruger SR40 Magazines simply weren’t reliable enough for anything beyond casual range use. There were no signs of significant wear and tear beyond some minor scratches on the finish.
Maintenance was straightforward. The magazines were easy to disassemble and clean. However, the fact that they needed frequent cleaning due to malfunctions was an added inconvenience. Compared to my factory Ruger magazines, which ran flawlessly, the ProMag magazines were a significant disappointment.
I nearly wrote them off entirely until I had an idea. Inspired by some DIY gun modifications I’d seen online, I decided to apply a small piece of TALON Grip material to the follower. The goal was to provide more friction and prevent the last round from creeping forward. This simple modification completely resolved the failure-to-feed issue. After applying the grip material, the magazines performed reliably, consistently feeding all ten rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag. ProMag is known for offering aftermarket magazines at a competitive price point.
- Gun Make: Ruger. This magazine is specifically designed for Ruger firearms.
- Gun Model: Ruger SR40. The magazine is intended for use with the Ruger SR40 pistol.
- Caliber: .40 S&W. This magazine is designed to hold .40 Smith & Wesson ammunition.
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Round. The magazine holds ten rounds of ammunition, compliant with capacity restrictions in some states.
- Color: Black. The magazine has a black finish.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer and Blued Steel. The body is blued steel, and the follower is polymer. These materials offer a balance of durability and affordability.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility and functionality. The .40 S&W caliber and 10-round capacity make it suitable for specific firearms and legal requirements.
Performance & Functionality
Without modification, the ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round Magazine’s performance was initially unreliable. The failure-to-feed issue significantly impacted its usability. After applying the TALON Grip material to the follower, the performance improved dramatically.
The biggest weakness was the follower design, which caused the last round to malfunction. The strength is the affordable price point. While this isn’t necessarily something someone wants, it is important to note.
Post-modification, the magazine met my expectations for basic functionality. Prior to, it did not. It is now considered an acceptable range magazine but is not a go-to.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate. The blued steel body feels reasonably durable, though not as robust as a factory magazine. The polymer follower is lightweight and functional, albeit flawed in its original design.
The magazine is easy to load and insert into the firearm. There is no learning curve involved. Overall, the ergonomics are standard for an SR40 magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel body should hold up well to repeated use. I expect the finish to show some wear over time. Maintenance is simple. Disassembling and cleaning is simple but may be necessary frequently.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the magazine. It is a standalone product. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself, beyond modifications like the TALON Grip application I performed.
While not directly related, the magazine is compatible with any Ruger SR40 pistol or firearm that accepts SR40 magazines. Therefore, it can be used alongside various pistol accessories like holsters and sights.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to factory magazines.
- 10-round capacity is compliant with capacity restrictions in some states.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Reliable function after user-applied modification.
- Compatible with Ruger SR40 pistols and firearms that accept SR40 magazines.
Cons
- Frequent failure-to-feed issues, particularly with the last round, requiring modification.
- Lighter build quality compared to factory Ruger magazines.
- Questionable long-term durability of the finish.
Who Should Buy ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine?
The ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine is perfect for budget-conscious shooters looking for additional magazines for their Ruger SR40, willing to perform a simple modification to improve reliability. It’s also suitable for those in states with magazine capacity restrictions. It’s a good option for casual range use after modification.
Those seeking absolute reliability right out of the box should skip this product. Competitive shooters or individuals relying on their firearms for self-defense should invest in higher-quality, factory magazines.
A must-have modification is some type of friction material applied to the follower. TALON Grip or a similar product will significantly improve the magazine’s reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine
The ProMag Ruger SR40 10-Round .40 S&W Magazine offers an affordable alternative to factory magazines, but its initial unreliability is a significant drawback. The price point is attractive, but the required modification is an important factor to consider.
While the price is significantly lower than a factory magazine, the value is questionable without the user-applied modification to the follower. With that modification, it becomes a reasonable value as a range-use magazine.
I would cautiously recommend this magazine to budget-conscious shooters who are comfortable performing a simple modification. However, I strongly advise against using it for self-defense or high-stakes scenarios without the modification and thorough testing. If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, you can get acceptable results, but be aware of the limitations. Ultimately, remember the old saying “you get what you pay for!”