First Impressions of ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine
The SKS, a venerable Cold War-era rifle, has always been known for its rugged reliability and affordability. While traditionally fed by a fixed 10-round magazine, the allure of increased capacity has always been strong. Enter the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine, promising to more than quadruple the SKS’s firepower.
Having spent years working with various tactical platforms and observing the pros and cons of different magazine designs, I was intrigued, yet cautious. Would this ProMag magazine live up to the SKS’s reputation for reliability, or would it introduce feeding issues and compromises?
My journey to acquiring the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine stemmed from a desire to modernize my SKS for practical shooting scenarios. I wanted more capacity without permanently altering the rifle’s original configuration.
Unboxing the magazine revealed a polymer body that felt reasonably sturdy, though noticeably lighter than the steel of the original SKS components. The initial impression was function over form; it’s a utilitarian design, prioritizing capacity and hopefully reliability.
Compared to the Tapco SKS magazines and some of the earlier steel detachable magazines I’ve seen, the ProMag seemed to strike a middle ground in terms of construction. I chose this over a steel magazine due to the polymer construction promising better corrosion resistance in humid environments. My initial excitement was tempered by the inherent skepticism that comes with aftermarket magazines, especially for a rifle as historically picky as the SKS.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was slightly overcast, with a bit of humidity in the air, mimicking conditions where I often find myself practicing.
Loading the magazine was straightforward, albeit a bit stiff, requiring a good amount of thumb pressure. The first few attempts to seat the loaded magazine into the SKS were a bit finicky, requiring a firm rock-and-lock motion. Once seated, however, the magazine felt secure, and the bolt cycled smoothly by hand. The first few rounds fired flawlessly, but by the 15th round, I experienced a failure to feed. After clearing the jam and inspecting the magazine, it appeared the follower was slightly canted, causing the round to misalign.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine has revealed a mixed bag of results. While it functions adequately for the most part, reliability is not on par with the original fixed magazine.
I’ve noticed a pattern of occasional failures to feed, particularly when the magazine is fully loaded or when firing rapidly. There are also signs of wear on the feed lips, suggesting the polymer may not be as durable as steel in the long run. Cleaning the magazine is relatively easy, requiring only disassembly and a quick wipe-down. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket SKS magazines, the ProMag performs similarly, offering increased capacity at the cost of absolute reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
Manufacturer: ProMag.
Caliber: 7.62x39mm. This ensures compatibility with standard SKS ammunition.
Magazine Capacity: 40 rounds. A significant increase over the factory 10-round capacity.
Gun Make: SKS Platform. Specifically designed for the SKS rifle.
Gun Model: SKS. Ensuring proper fit and function within the SKS receiver.
Material: DuPont Zytel Polymer. This material is chosen for its balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to impact and chemicals.
Mag Spring: Heat Treated Chrome Silicone Wire. Designed for consistent pressure and reliable feeding.
Color: Black. A standard and unobtrusive color for tactical applications.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine is to increase the SKS’s ammunition capacity. It achieves this, but the trade-off is a decrease in reliability compared to the original fixed magazine.
The magazine functions best when loaded to around 30-35 rounds, as fully loading it seems to exacerbate feeding issues. Rapid firing also increases the likelihood of malfunctions. While it certainly offers a higher volume of fire, it’s not something I’d trust for life-or-death scenarios without thorough testing and cautious usage.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine features a simple, utilitarian design. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, which is a plus considering the increased capacity.
Seating the magazine requires a deliberate “rock-and-lock” motion, which can take some getting used to. While the polymer feels reasonably strong, it lacks the reassuring solidity of steel.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine‘s durability is a concern. The polymer feed lips show signs of wear after only a few hundred rounds, and I suspect they will be the first point of failure.
Maintenance is straightforward: the magazine disassembles easily for cleaning. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, magazine pouches designed for AK-47 magazines can be used to carry spare magazines.
There are no customization options specific to the magazine itself. However, users can customize their SKS rifles with various stocks, optics, and other accessories to enhance overall performance.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Greatly increased capacity over the original 10-round fixed magazine.
- Lightweight polymer construction.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Compatible with standard SKS rifles.
Cons
- Reduced reliability compared to the original fixed magazine.
- Polymer feed lips may be prone to wear and breakage.
- Requires a deliberate “rock-and-lock” motion to seat properly.
Who Should Buy ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want increased firepower from their SKS rifles for range use or plinking. It also suits those interested in modernizing their SKS platform for tactical training scenarios.
Those who prioritize absolute reliability or depend on their SKS for self-defense should probably skip this product. They should stick with the original fixed magazine or explore higher-quality, albeit more expensive, alternatives.
Must-have accessories include a reliable magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines and a magazine loader to ease the loading process.
Conclusion on ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag SKS 7.62x39mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine is a mixed bag. It delivers on its promise of increased capacity, but at the cost of some reliability.
At a price of $35.19, the value proposition is reasonable, considering the added firepower. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for malfunctions and the possibility of reduced durability.
Personally, I would recommend this magazine with reservations. It’s a fun addition to an SKS for recreational shooting, but it’s not a replacement for the reliability of the original design. If you’re looking to spice up your range days with the SKS, give it a shot, but don’t bet your life on it.