First Thoughts on the ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 10RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine promises to enhance the capacity of the already compact S&W Bodyguard .380. As someone who appreciates both concealability and having extra rounds on hand, I was eager to see if this aftermarket magazine could strike that balance. The allure of extending my Bodyguard’s capacity from 6 to 10 rounds without significantly impacting its profile was a strong draw.
I was looking for a reliable way to increase my round count without sacrificing the concealability that makes the Bodyguard such a great option for deep concealment. Factory magazines are expensive, and the promise of a more affordable option from ProMag was appealing. Would this magazine prove to be a worthy upgrade, or just an unreliable addition?
Upon unboxing, the blued steel construction felt solid, but the polymer baseplate did feel a little less robust than the factory magazine’s. The overall length of 5 inches was noticeable, visually extending the grip of my Bodyguard. I’ve used ProMag magazines in other platforms before, with mixed results, so my expectations were tempered with experience.
I considered options from Magpul and even some higher-end aftermarket brands, but the price point of the ProMag was too tempting to ignore. I also liked the steel construction, as I’ve had issues with polymer magazines cracking over time. This magazine promised an increase in capacity at a bargain price, and my hope was that it could deliver on its promises.
My initial impression was a mix of cautious optimism and slight apprehension. I was excited about the potential increase in capacity, but slightly concerned about the potential for reliability issues, given some of the mixed feedback I’d seen on aftermarket magazines. I knew the real test would be at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 10RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine to my local indoor range for its initial trial. I ran approximately 100 rounds of various .380 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ and hollow points. I also included a few different brands of ammo to see how it handled different bullet profiles and case dimensions.
The magazine functioned reasonably well for the first few rounds. However, after about the fourth magazine, I experienced several failure-to-feed issues. These were more pronounced with the hollow points than with the FMJ rounds, which is not uncommon with aftermarket magazines.
The increased length of the magazine did improve my grip on the pistol. This added a bit of stability and control, but the reliability issues overshadowed this benefit. I spent more time clearing malfunctions than actually shooting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, the ProMag magazine’s reliability remained inconsistent. Some sessions went smoothly with minimal issues, while others were plagued with failure-to-feeds. I noticed that thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the magazine after each use improved its performance, but did not eliminate the issues entirely.
The blued steel finish showed some minor wear at the feed lips after a few months, but no significant corrosion. The polymer baseplate remained intact, despite being dropped on concrete multiple times. I found that the magazine required more frequent cleaning and lubrication compared to the factory magazine, particularly after shooting in dusty conditions.
In comparison to my experience with factory S&W Bodyguard magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of reliability. The factory magazines have always functioned flawlessly, regardless of the type of ammunition used or the environmental conditions. This ProMag magazine provided more rounds, but at the cost of consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 10RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine is chambered in .380 ACP and holds 10 rounds. It is constructed from heat-treated blued steel, ensuring durability. The follower, lock-plate, and base-plate are molded from DuPont® Zytel™ based black polymer. It uses a spring wound from chrome-silicon wire and heat-treated for strength and reliability. The magazine has an overall length of 5 inches.
These specifications are significant because they influence the magazine’s durability, reliability, and capacity. The steel construction aims for longevity, while the polymer components seek to reduce weight and provide smooth feeding. The chrome-silicon spring aims to provide consistent pressure, which is crucial for reliable cycling. The extended length is necessary to accommodate the increased capacity, but also impacts concealability.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine is to reliably feed .380 ACP rounds into the S&W Bodyguard pistol. Its performance, however, is inconsistent. While it does increase capacity, the reliability issues with certain types of ammunition are a significant drawback.
Its strengths lie in its affordability and increased capacity. The weaknesses are its inconsistent feeding and the potential for malfunctions. It meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding rounds, but falls short of the reliability offered by factory magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine features a simple, functional design. The blued steel body provides a solid feel, but the polymer baseplate feels less premium. The added length does improve grip for larger hands, but it also makes the pistol more difficult to conceal.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, though loading the last few rounds can be a bit stiff. There is no significant learning curve, as it functions similarly to the factory magazine. The added length of the magazine provided a better grip purchase, especially for shooters with larger hands, making the pistol feel less “small” in hand.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued steel construction of the ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine suggests reasonable durability. However, the finish may show wear over time, especially with frequent use. The polymer components are likely the most vulnerable to damage from drops or impacts.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning and lubrication, particularly after use in dusty or dirty conditions. The magazine is relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning. Proper maintenance is crucial for maximizing its lifespan and maintaining its limited reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine does not offer significant customization options. There are no readily available aftermarket baseplates or followers specifically designed for this magazine. It is primarily a standalone product designed to increase the capacity of the S&W Bodyguard.
While there may be some universal magazine pouches or loaders that are compatible, there are no specific accessories marketed for this ProMag magazine. Its functionality is limited to simply replacing the factory magazine for increased round count. There is little to no interchangeability with other parts or accessories on the market.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 10RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increases magazine capacity from 6 to 10 rounds.
- More affordable than factory S&W magazines.
- Blued steel construction offers decent durability.
- The extended length provides a better grip for some users.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability, particularly with hollow point ammunition.
- Polymer baseplate feels less robust than factory magazines.
- Added length reduces concealability.
Who Should Buy ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 10RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine might be perfect for range shooters on a budget who want extra rounds and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It also might be suitable for those with larger hands who find the factory grip too small.
This product should be skipped by anyone who relies on their S&W Bodyguard for self-defense and needs guaranteed reliability. Also, those who prioritize concealability above all else should avoid this magazine.
A must-have modification would be rigorous testing with your chosen self-defense ammunition to ensure acceptable reliability. Thorough cleaning and lubrication are also essential.
Conclusion on ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 10RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine offers a tempting solution for those seeking to increase the capacity of their S&W Bodyguard. The increased capacity is certainly appealing and the affordable price makes it an attractive option.
However, the inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback, making it unsuitable for serious self-defense purposes. The value proposition is questionable, as the added capacity comes at the cost of dependability.
Personally, I cannot recommend this magazine for anyone who relies on their Bodyguard for personal protection. If absolute reliability is not paramount, then the ProMag SMI-21 S&W Bodyguard Magazine may be worth considering. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and prioritize reliability above all else.