ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine promises enhanced reliability for a pistol known for its compact size and concealability. As someone who has relied on the S&W Bodyguard .380 for everyday carry, I’ve always been on the lookout for magazines that offer dependable feeding and smooth operation beyond the factory offerings. This magazine from ProMag, with its heat-treated steel construction and chrome silicon wire spring, seemed like a promising upgrade.

My primary reason for seeking an alternative magazine was to address occasional feeding issues I’d experienced with the original magazines under rapid-fire scenarios. I wanted a magazine I could trust explicitly when fractions of a second matter. The market offers several .380 magazines, including those from Smith & Wesson themselves and competitors like Mec-Gar, but the ProMag’s combination of steel construction and purported enhanced spring caught my attention.

Upon unboxing the ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine, I immediately noticed the sturdy feel of the steel body. It felt more robust than the factory magazine. The black oxide finish appeared evenly applied and provided a nice, non-reflective surface. My initial impression was positive – it felt like a quality piece of equipment. I was eager to see how it would perform at the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine was designed to be a stress test. I loaded it with various .380 ACP ammunition types, from standard FMJ to hollow points, and ran multiple drills focusing on rapid-fire and malfunction clearing. The range conditions were relatively mild, with temperatures in the mid-70s and clear skies. The first few magazines cycled flawlessly, offering smooth feeding and consistent slide lock on empty.

However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a couple of failure-to-feed incidents with hollow-point ammunition. The rounds appeared to get caught on the feed ramp. This was concerning, as reliability is paramount in a carry pistol. While not a complete failure, it raised doubts about its consistent performance with all ammunition types.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several more range sessions spanning a few months, the ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine has shown a mixed performance record. While it functions well with FMJ ammunition consistently, the failure-to-feed issues with hollow points persisted, albeit intermittently. I cleaned the magazine thoroughly after each session and observed no significant wear and tear.

The ProMag magazine has held up physically quite well, showing no signs of rust or deformation. However, the inconsistent feeding, compared to my experience with the original Smith & Wesson magazines (which, while limited to FMJ for perfect reliability, were always reliable with that ammo), makes me hesitant to rely on it for self-defense with anything other than round-nose ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 pistol. It has a 6-round capacity and is chambered for .380 ACP. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel for enhanced durability, and features a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance. The spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, intended to maintain consistent tension over time. The follower is injection-molded polymer.

• Caliber: .380 ACP. This is important because it ensures compatibility with your pistol.
• Capacity: 6 Rounds. While standard for the Bodyguard, some might prefer extended capacity magazines if available (though that impacts concealability).
• Material: Heat-Treated Steel with Black Oxide Finish. This contributes to the magazine’s robustness and resistance to corrosion.
• Spring: Heat-Treated Chrome Silicon Wire. A quality spring is crucial for reliable feeding and long-term performance.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine generally performs adequately with FMJ ammunition. It locks into the magazine well securely and feeds rounds smoothly under most conditions. However, as mentioned earlier, the inconsistent feeding with hollow-point ammunition is a significant drawback. The magazine functions as expected most of the time.

The magazine’s strength lies in its durable construction, but its weakness is the lack of consistent reliability with various ammunition types. I expected it to perform flawlessly with all common .380 ACP rounds, but it fell short in this regard. I’d hoped for better.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine closely resembles the factory Smith & Wesson magazine in terms of dimensions and overall design. The steel construction adds a bit of weight, but it’s not significant enough to affect the pistol’s balance. The polymer follower appears to be well-molded, and the black oxide finish is aesthetically pleasing.

The magazine is relatively easy to load by hand, although a magazine loader is recommended for extended range sessions. There’s no significant learning curve; it functions like any other standard pistol magazine. The grip and overall ergonomics are indistinguishable from the factory magazine, which is a positive.

Durability & Maintenance

The heat-treated steel body suggests that the ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine should last a reasonable amount of time. After several range trips, I’ve observed no signs of rust, bending, or cracking. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring and follower are essential to maintain optimal performance.

The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning, which involves removing the baseplate and extracting the spring and follower. Overall, maintenance is straightforward. Proper care should extend its lifespan considerably.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any accessories. There aren’t really any customization options available for pistol magazines beyond aftermarket baseplates. However, it is compatible with any magazine loaders designed for .380 ACP magazines.

While there aren’t specific accessories made for the magazine, its compatibility with standard .380 loaders is a plus.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine?

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for: Range shooters who primarily use FMJ ammunition and are looking for an affordable alternative to factory magazines. It’s also suitable for those who want a more durable magazine body than the original.

Who should skip this product? Individuals who rely on hollow-point ammunition for self-defense and require absolute reliability. They should stick with factory magazines or explore other premium aftermarket options.

A must-have accessory is a quality magazine loader to facilitate faster and easier loading, especially during extended range sessions.

Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of durability and affordability. However, its inconsistent reliability with hollow-point ammunition is a significant concern. While the steel construction and enhanced spring are definite improvements over some alternatives, the failure-to-feed issues detract from its overall value proposition.

At a price of $31.09, the ProMag magazine is certainly more budget-friendly than factory Smith & Wesson magazines. However, given the potential reliability issues, the savings may not be worth the risk, especially for self-defense purposes. If budget is a primary concern and you are committed to only using FMJ ammunition, this might be an acceptable choice for range use.

Personally, I would hesitate to recommend the ProMag Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP 6-Round Pistol Magazine for critical applications where reliability is paramount. While it may function adequately for range use with FMJ ammunition, the potential for failure with hollow points makes it a questionable choice for everyday carry. Invest in reliable factory magazines or thoroughly vet any aftermarket option before trusting it with your life. Consider this magazine with caution.