First Thoughts on the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine promises to be a lighter, more affordable alternative to the factory FN SCAR 17 magazines. With the SCAR 17 being a .308 battle rifle, having reliable magazines is paramount, and the promise of reduced weight is definitely appealing.
I originally sought out these magazines as a way to reduce the overall weight of my SCAR 17 loadout for longer treks during hog hunts in dense brush. Carrying multiple fully-loaded steel magazines can become tiresome quickly, and I hoped the ProMag option would offer a noticeable improvement. My initial unboxing revealed a magazine constructed of a noticeably lighter polymer material, which felt robust enough to withstand the rigors of field use.
Compared to the factory FN SCAR 17 magazines and the slightly more expensive offerings from Magpul, the ProMag certainly felt different in hand. While the FN magazines exude quality with their steel construction and the Magpul magazines boast a slightly more refined polymer feel, the ProMag seemed to prioritize weight reduction above all else. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the weight was definitely appealing, but I was eager to test its reliability and durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazines during several range sessions and a weekend hog hunt in the humid Texas backcountry. During the initial range test, I ran approximately 200 rounds through each of the three magazines I purchased, varying ammunition types from standard FMJ to heavier hunting rounds. The magazines initially seated well and fed rounds smoothly, but one magazine experienced a failure-to-feed after the fifth round, requiring a tap-rack-bang drill to resolve.
The Texas weather definitely impacted the magazines’ performance. The humidity caused noticeable stickiness when loading the rounds, and the magazine that failed to feed on the range exhibited the same issue on the hunt; the rounds felt like they were binding inside.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazines held up surprisingly well structurally, although the feeding issues persisted with one of the magazines. The polymer construction showed minimal signs of wear, aside from slight scuffing from insertion and removal. Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use.
Compared to my experience with the factory FN magazines, the ProMag magazines clearly fell short in reliability. The FN magazines have consistently performed flawlessly, even under harsh conditions. I am disappointed in its overall performance, especially the fact that the issues that were present in the first use experience have persisted.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is a 20-round magazine chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester). It is constructed from Technapolymer, a proprietary blend of carbon fiber, glass fill, and polymer designed for strength and weight reduction. The magazine features a heat-treated chrome silicone spring, intended to enhance durability and reduce spring fatigue.
The use of Technapolymer contributes to the magazine’s significantly lighter weight compared to the factory steel magazines, making it potentially ideal for scenarios where weight is a crucial factor. The 20-round capacity provides a good balance between firepower and maneuverability for the SCAR 17 platform. The inclusion of a heat-treated chrome silicone spring suggests a focus on longevity and consistent feeding.
Performance & Functionality
When it works correctly, the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine functions adequately, offering smooth feeding and reliable lock-back on an empty magazine in most cases. As previously noted, one of the three magazines I tested experienced persistent failure-to-feed issues, particularly in humid conditions. This inconsistency significantly detracts from the magazine’s overall performance.
The magazine’s primary strength lies in its reduced weight, making it easier to carry multiple magazines for extended periods. However, the reliability concerns overshadow this benefit, making it difficult to fully trust in critical situations. While the magazine generally meets expectations in terms of capacity and ease of use, it falls short in delivering consistent and dependable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine features a simple and functional design. The Technapolymer construction feels reasonably robust, and the magazine seats securely in the SCAR 17 magazine well. However, the polymer has a slightly less refined texture compared to other aftermarket options like Magpul, which some users may find less appealing.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, with easy loading and a clear indication of round count via witness holes. There is no real learning curve for someone already familiar with AR-style magazines. The weight reduction is a definite plus, especially for prolonged use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine appears to be reasonably durable, showing minimal signs of wear after several weeks of use. However, the feeding issues experienced with one of the magazines raise concerns about long-term reliability. The Technapolymer material seems resistant to cracking or deformation.
The magazine is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris. No special tools or solvents are needed. Routine maintenance should help to prolong the magazine’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine doesn’t offer any built-in accessories or customization options. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory FN SCAR 17 magazine. Due to its adherence to standard SCAR 17 magazine dimensions, it is compatible with most SCAR 17 magazine pouches and carriers.
Aftermarket baseplates might be compatible, although I did not test this myself. It’s important to note that modifying the magazine could potentially affect its reliability, so any alterations should be approached with caution. The lack of native customization options is a minor drawback for users who prefer to personalize their gear.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Significantly lighter than factory steel magazines, reducing overall load weight.
- 20-round capacity offers a good balance between firepower and maneuverability.
- Durable Technapolymer construction resists cracking and deformation.
- More affordable than factory FN SCAR 17 magazines or premium aftermarket options.
- Easy to clean and maintain with no special tools required.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability, with potential for failure-to-feed issues, especially in humid conditions.
- Polymer material feels less refined compared to factory or premium aftermarket magazines.
- Lack of customization options or included accessories.
Who Should Buy ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine is potentially perfect for recreational shooters or those on a very tight budget who prioritize weight reduction and are willing to accept a possible decrease in reliability. It could also be suitable for range use or training scenarios where occasional malfunctions are acceptable.
Those who should skip this product include anyone relying on their SCAR 17 in critical situations, such as law enforcement, military personnel, or hunters in dangerous game scenarios. For these users, the added expense of factory or higher-quality aftermarket magazines is justified by the increased reliability.
A must-have modification might be replacing the spring with a higher-quality one, if the feeding issues persist. However, the cost of a new spring could offset the initial savings of purchasing the ProMag magazine in the first place.
Conclusion on ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Overall, the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin magazine offers a mixed bag of pros and cons. While the weight reduction and lower price point are appealing, the potential for reliability issues cannot be ignored.
The value proposition is questionable, as the peace of mind provided by a reliable magazine is often worth the extra cost. Due to the reliability issues I personally experienced, I cannot confidently recommend this magazine for serious use. If you’re looking for a dependable magazine for your SCAR 17, I would suggest investing in factory FN magazines or exploring other high-quality aftermarket options.