First Impressions of ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine
The SKS, a venerable Cold War relic, is known for its reliability and affordability. Feeding it with its original, fixed 10-round magazine can be a slow and cumbersome process. The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine promises to modernize this classic rifle with increased capacity and faster reloads.
I’ve owned and operated SKS rifles in various configurations for years, primarily for recreational shooting and as a reliable backup in my preparedness kit. One major drawback to the SKS has always been its limited magazine capacity, so the allure of doubling it with a ProMag product immediately caught my attention. The need for quicker reloads, especially during range sessions where I was spending too much time stuffing stripper clips, was a driving force.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid, with a reassuring weight that spoke to its construction. The DuPont Zytel polymer felt rugged and resistant to impact, and the black finish was uniform and clean. Compared to the factory fixed magazine, this detachable magazine appeared to offer a significant upgrade in terms of handling and capacity.
I considered a few other detachable SKS magazines from different manufacturers, but some had reported feeding issues and questionable durability in online reviews. I chose the ProMag based on its reputation for generally reliable polymer magazines, although I knew SKS magazines can be hit or miss. I was cautiously optimistic and hoped this would solve my reload issues.
My initial impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. The promise of higher capacity and faster reloads was appealing, but the potential for feeding issues loomed in the back of my mind. Only real-world testing would reveal if this ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine could truly enhance the SKS platform.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine was at my local outdoor range. The weather was dry and sunny, perfect conditions for testing. I loaded the magazine with 20 rounds of Wolf steel-cased ammunition and inserted it into my SKS.
The initial insertion required a bit of force, but it clicked into place securely. Cycling the action, the first round chambered smoothly. The subsequent rounds also fed without a hitch during the first few strings of fire.
After about 50 rounds, I experienced my first failure to feed. The bolt stripped a round but failed to push it fully into the chamber, resulting in a jam. I cleared the malfunction and continued shooting, experiencing a few more similar issues throughout the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine showed some signs of wear, but overall held up fairly well. The polymer body maintained its integrity, but the magazine release required increasing force to operate smoothly. The finish remained consistent, with minimal scratching.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, involving disassembly and a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth. The chrome silicone wire spring showed no signs of corrosion or weakness after repeated use and cleaning. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket SKS magazines, the ProMag offered a moderate improvement in reliability, but was still not perfect.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm. This is the standard caliber for the SKS rifle, ensuring compatibility.
- Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds. This doubles the standard SKS capacity, allowing for fewer reloads during shooting sessions.
- Material: DuPont Zytel Polymer. This provides a lightweight yet durable construction, resistant to impacts and temperature changes.
- Magazine Spring: Chrome Silicone Wire. This material ensures consistent and reliable feeding, resistant to fatigue and corrosion.
- Gun Make: SKS Platform. This magazine is specifically designed for SKS rifles and carbines.
- Gun Model: SKS. Ensures proper fit and function within the specified firearm model.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. The increased capacity allows for extended shooting sessions, while the DuPont Zytel polymer construction ensures the magazine can withstand rough handling and adverse conditions. The chrome silicone wire spring is essential for consistent feeding, which is often a point of failure in aftermarket SKS magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine performs adequately, offering a higher capacity than the factory magazine. However, its reliability is not flawless, as I experienced occasional failures to feed. The magazine release required significant force after extended use, impacting usability.
The magazine’s strength lies in its increased capacity and the relatively durable polymer construction. Areas for improvement include enhancing the magazine’s feeding reliability and smoother magazine release operation. While it meets the basic expectations of an aftermarket SKS magazine, it doesn’t significantly exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag magazine is designed with a simple, utilitarian aesthetic. The polymer body is lightweight and comfortable to handle, but the magazine’s bulk can make it slightly unwieldy compared to the original fixed magazine. There is a small learning curve associated with using detachable magazines on an SKS, mainly in mastering the insertion and release techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel polymer construction suggests the ProMag magazine will last a reasonable amount of time, provided it’s not subjected to extreme abuse. Regular cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, involving disassembly and wiping down the components. Replacing the magazine spring might be necessary after several thousand rounds to maintain optimal feeding reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine is a standalone accessory and doesn’t directly support customization options, beyond the potential for painting or applying grip tape to the exterior. It is generally compatible with most SKS rifles that have been converted to accept detachable magazines, however, fitting may require minor adjustments. ProMag also offers other SKS accessories, such as stocks and scope mounts, which could complement the magazine upgrade.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Doubles the SKS’s standard capacity to 20 rounds.
- Durable Construction: Made from DuPont Zytel polymer for impact resistance.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple disassembly and cleaning.
- Affordable Upgrade: Offers a relatively inexpensive way to enhance the SKS platform.
- Enhanced Reload Speed: Facilitates faster magazine changes compared to stripper clips.
Cons
- Feeding Issues: Occasional failures to feed may occur.
- Magazine Release Stiffness: Magazine release can become stiff after extended use.
Who Should Buy ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for SKS owners looking to increase their rifle’s capacity for recreational shooting or range practice. It could also benefit those seeking a slightly faster reloading solution compared to using stripper clips. Shooters that value a low cost option over ultimate reliability will also find this to be a good option.
Those who require flawless reliability for self-defense or serious tactical applications should likely skip this product and consider investing in higher-end magazine options or sticking with the original fixed magazine and stripper clips. A must-have modification for this magazine is ensuring proper fitment to the rifle, which may involve minor filing or adjustment. Additionally, keeping the magazine clean and the spring lubricated can improve reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 20 Round Rifle Magazine offers a budget-friendly way to increase the capacity of your SKS rifle. While it is not without its flaws, namely occasional feeding issues, its durable construction and ease of maintenance make it a decent option for recreational shooters. The value proposition is reasonable, considering the relatively low price point.
I would recommend this magazine with reservations, primarily for casual range use where occasional malfunctions are tolerable. If you’re willing to accept the potential for some hiccups in exchange for a higher capacity magazine, then this ProMag offering could be a worthwhile addition to your SKS setup. Upgrade your SKS today and experience the difference a detachable magazine can make, just be aware of its limitations!