First Impressions of ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity for the already capable Ruger SR45. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and affordable upgrades. I’ve heard mixed reviews about ProMag in the past, so I approached this magazine with a healthy dose of skepticism and a desire to see if it lived up to the hype, or fell flat.
My need was simple: more rounds downrange between reloads. The standard SR45 magazine capacity felt limiting during extended range sessions and while practicing defensive drills. I was primarily looking for a high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t compromise the reliability of my SR45. The ProMag offered a significant capacity boost, but I needed to determine if it could reliably feed rounds after repeated use.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine felt substantial. The blued steel construction appeared durable, and the weight seemed appropriate for a fully loaded .45 ACP magazine. The injection-molded follower felt smooth, and the chrome silicone wire spring had a good amount of tension.
Compared to the factory Ruger SR45 magazine, the ProMag was noticeably longer. I considered magazines from other aftermarket manufacturers, but the price point of the ProMag was hard to ignore. I picked the ProMag over other brands due to its advertised steel construction and higher capacity for the price.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked and felt solid, but I knew that performance on the range would be the ultimate test. I was both excited and a little nervous to see if the ProMag would perform reliably or if it would be another aftermarket disappointment.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The conditions were sunny and dry, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I ran a variety of .45 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ, hollow points, and +P rounds.
Initially, the magazine performed flawlessly, easily loading into my Ruger SR45 and feeding rounds without issue. After about 50 rounds, however, I experienced a couple of failures to feed. I discovered that the magazine spring seemed to weaken slightly as it warmed up.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine‘s performance became more consistent, but not perfect. I estimate I have put around 500 rounds through it. I still experienced occasional failures to feed, roughly one or two per full magazine.
The blued steel showed minor wear and tear around the feed lips and magazine body. Cleaning the magazine was relatively easy, requiring only basic disassembly and a quick scrub with a brush and solvent. Compared to the factory Ruger magazine, the ProMag was less reliable, but it provided a higher capacity, which was a tradeoff I had to consider. The Ruger magazine has had zero malfunctions to date.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Ruger SR45 pistol chambered in .45 ACP. It boasts a 13-round magazine capacity, a significant increase over the SR45’s standard capacity. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel, providing durability and resistance to deformation.
The ProMag features an injection-molded magazine follower designed for smooth and reliable feeding. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire, ensuring consistent spring pressure and long-lasting performance. The magazine’s blued finish helps protect against corrosion and wear. These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall lifespan.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine generally performs its job adequately, but with some caveats. While it offers a higher capacity, its reliability is not on par with the factory Ruger magazine. The magazine’s primary strength is its increased capacity, allowing for more rounds between reloads.
The main weakness is its occasional failures to feed, particularly with certain types of ammunition and after extended use. The ProMag meets expectations for capacity, but falls short in terms of unwavering reliability. I would rate the magazine as acceptable, but not exceptional, for performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine has a functional, if not particularly refined, design. The blued steel construction gives it a solid feel, but the finish is somewhat basic. The magazine loads smoothly and seats securely in the SR45’s magazine well.
There is no notable learning curve associated with using the magazine. The extended length of the ProMag impacts ergonomics by adding to the overall grip length, which might be beneficial for shooters with larger hands. Overall, the design is adequate, but doesn’t offer any significant ergonomic enhancements.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable. The heat-treated steel construction should withstand regular use. However, the blued finish is susceptible to scratches and wear over time.
Maintenance is straightforward, involving basic disassembly and cleaning. Replacement parts, such as springs and followers, may be available from ProMag or aftermarket suppliers. With proper care, the ProMag should provide a reasonable service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any included accessories. There are limited customization options specifically for this magazine. Aftermarket magazine pouches designed for double-stack .45 ACP magazines will generally work with the ProMag.
The ProMag is compatible with any Ruger SR45 that accepts standard SR45 magazines. There are no known compatibility issues with popular accessories such as grips or lights, as the magazine does not directly interact with these components. Shooters seeking customization should focus on accessories for the pistol itself, rather than the magazine.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Higher capacity than the factory Ruger SR45 magazine.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other aftermarket options.
- Durable heat-treated steel construction.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Significant increase in rounds fired between reloads.
Cons
- Not as reliable as the factory Ruger SR45 magazine.
- Occasional failures to feed, especially with certain ammo types.
- Blued finish is prone to wear and scratches.
Who Should Buy ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters who want a higher capacity magazine for extended practice sessions. It would also be useful for casual shooters who want more rounds on tap without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those willing to accept a slight compromise in reliability for increased capacity.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who prioritize absolute reliability above all else, especially for self-defense or duty use. If you depend on flawless performance, stick with factory magazines. A must-have modification or accessory would be a high-quality magazine pouch.
Conclusion on ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Ruger SR45 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition: a significant increase in capacity at an affordable price. However, this comes with a tradeoff in terms of reliability. The occasional failures to feed are a concern, and I would not recommend this magazine for critical applications where flawless performance is essential.
The price is justified for range use and recreational shooting, where occasional malfunctions are more of an inconvenience than a safety issue. I would recommend it with reservations, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and awareness of its potential limitations. My final thoughts are that the ProMag is a decent budget-friendly option for increased capacity, but buyers should be aware of its reliability limitations and consider factory magazines for serious use. If you are on a budget, and want more capacity for range use, then BUY IT!