First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises to be a reliable, high-capacity magazine for one of the most popular polymer-framed pistols on the market. For years, I’ve relied on factory magazines for my M&P9, but the increasing cost and sometimes limited availability of those mags has led me to explore aftermarket options. The ProMag name has always been synonymous with affordable magazines, and the prospect of adding a few extra rounds to my carry capacity for drills and competition was certainly enticing.
I’ve been searching for a cost-effective alternative to the factory S&W magazines, primarily for range use and training. Factory mags are fantastic, but the cost adds up when you’re trying to build a decent collection. I was hoping to find a magazine that offered similar reliability at a lower price point, without sacrificing build quality or round capacity.
Upon receiving the ProMag, my initial impression was… utilitarian. The blued steel felt solid enough, though not as refined as the finish on my factory magazines. The injection-molded follower appeared functional, and the overall construction seemed reasonable for the price. Compared to a factory S&W magazine and a Magpul PMAG for the M&P9, the ProMag felt heavier than the PMAG but similar in weight to the factory mag. I picked this over a generic unknown-brand magazine because ProMag has been around for a long time and I wanted to see if their reputation was warranted.
I was cautiously optimistic. The price point was attractive, but I knew that magazines are a crucial component of any firearm, and reliability is paramount. If this ProMag could deliver consistent feeding and function without issues, it would be a valuable addition to my range kit.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran it through a series of drills, including rapid fire, slow fire, and reload exercises. The magazine was loaded with a mix of 115-grain and 124-grain FMJ ammunition from various manufacturers to simulate real-world conditions.
The weather was dry and sunny, with temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The magazine loaded into my M&P9 without any issues, and the initial rounds fed smoothly. However, after the third magazine, I experienced a few failures to feed – the slide would close on an empty chamber with a round still in the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag’s performance has been… inconsistent. The failures to feed persisted, though they seemed to lessen slightly after the magazine was broken in with approximately 200 rounds through it. Durability wise, there are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scratches on the blued finish.
Cleaning the ProMag is straightforward, involving disassembly, wiping down the components, and light lubrication. Compared to the reliability of my factory magazines, the ProMag definitely falls short. While it might be acceptable for casual range use, I wouldn’t trust it for self-defense or competition where reliability is paramount.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine boasts the following specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 17 Rounds
- Material: Heat-treated steel with a blued finish.
- Follower: Injection-molded polymer.
- Spring: Chrome silicone wire.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s durability, reliability, and capacity. A steel body provides strength and resistance to deformation, while the 17-round capacity offers a significant advantage over standard 10-round magazines (where restricted) or even the factory 15-round options. The spring material influences the feeding consistency and longevity of the magazine.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag‘s performance is a mixed bag. While the 17-round capacity is a definite plus, the occasional failures to feed detract from its overall functionality. The magazine loads easily and locks into the M&P9 securely, but the inconsistent feeding makes it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly.
The main strength is the increased capacity, while the clear weakness is the unreliable feeding. It meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding ammunition, but it doesn’t exceed it due to the aforementioned reliability issues.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine features a blued steel body that feels relatively robust. The weight is comparable to the factory magazine, and it fits comfortably in the hand when loading. There’s a slight learning curve in terms of troubleshooting occasional malfunctions, but otherwise, it’s fairly user-friendly.
The build quality seems adequate for the price, although the finish isn’t as refined as the factory magazines. The weight is manageable, and the ergonomics are generally good, though the occasional need to clear malfunctions can be frustrating.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the ProMag seems reasonably durable. The steel body shows no signs of significant wear, and the follower appears to be holding up well. Maintenance is simple – disassemble, clean, and lightly lubricate.
With proper care, it should last for a reasonable amount of time, but its long-term durability remains to be seen. Easy to maintain and repair, though replacement parts are not readily available, making complete replacement the most likely course of action if a component fails.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any accessories, nor does it offer any customization options in and of itself. However, it is compatible with standard M&P9 magazine pouches and loaders.
While there are no specific accessories designed for it, its compatibility with existing M&P9 accessories makes it easy to integrate into your current setup. Be sure to use ProMag specific parts for any repairs, if available.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 17-round capacity offers a significant advantage for range use and competition, allowing for fewer reloads.
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than factory S&W magazines, making it a cost-effective option for building a large magazine collection.
- Durable Construction: The steel body provides a solid and robust feel, suggesting good overall durability.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple disassembly and cleaning process.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Occasional failures to feed, which detracts from its overall functionality.
- Finish Quality: The blued finish is not as refined as factory magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for casual range shooters who want to build up a large magazine collection without breaking the bank, and who are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It could also be suitable for those looking to experiment with higher-capacity magazines without committing to the higher cost of factory options.
Those who rely on their M&P9 for self-defense or competition should skip this product. Reliability is paramount in these situations, and the occasional failures to feed make it unsuitable for critical applications. A must-have modification would be careful testing with your preferred ammunition to identify any potential feeding issues.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine offers an attractive value proposition with its increased capacity and affordable price. However, the occasional reliability issues prevent it from being a truly outstanding product.
The price is certainly justified for those on a budget, but the inconsistent feeding may be a deal-breaker for serious shooters. While I wouldn’t personally recommend it for self-defense or competition, it could be a decent option for casual range use if you’re willing to accept the risk of occasional malfunctions.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If budget is your primary concern and you’re willing to tolerate occasional hiccups, the ProMag might be worth a try. Otherwise, investing in factory magazines is the safer bet for consistent reliability.