First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and potentially enhanced performance for M&P9 owners. As someone who frequently shoots both recreationally and in practical shooting competitions, the allure of fewer reloads is strong. A high-capacity magazine can be a game-changer, but only if it’s reliable and well-built, something I intend to discover with this review.
I’ve been a long-time M&P9 user, primarily utilizing the factory 17-round magazines, and occasionally some aftermarket options, with varying degrees of satisfaction. I was drawn to the ProMag offering specifically because of the 32-round capacity and the promise of a steel construction. I needed a magazine that could feed reliably through extended firing sessions without needing constant reloads, especially during training.
The initial impression upon unboxing was… utilitarian. The blued steel finish looked adequate, though not as refined as the finish on factory magazines. The weight was noticeable, but expected considering the extended length and higher capacity. My initial thought was whether the magazine spring could handle the stress of being fully loaded for extended periods.
Compared to my factory S&W magazines and some Magpul PMAGs I have for other platforms, the ProMag felt less refined. I specifically chose the ProMag over a cheaper no-name brand because of ProMag’s reputation (which is sometimes mixed, I admit), hoping for a reasonable balance between cost and reliability. I chose this over S&W factory magazine because they do not offer a comparable extended magazine for the M&P9.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for increased capacity and fewer reloads, but also realistic about the potential pitfalls of aftermarket magazines, especially at this price point. I felt both excitement and apprehension.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran it through a variety of drills, including rapid-fire strings and slow, deliberate shots, under dry, sunny conditions. My initial experience involved loading the magazine to its full 32-round capacity, which required considerable effort towards the end.
The first few rounds fed without issue, but after about 15 rounds, I experienced a failure to feed. The slide locked back prematurely, even with rounds remaining in the magazine. After unloading and re-seating the rounds, the magazine seemed to function better, although I still experienced one more failure to feed within the first 100 rounds.
The magazine was notably heavier than the factory 17-round magazines, altering the balance of my M&P9 slightly. I found that I needed to adjust my grip slightly to compensate. It took some getting used to, and the extended length made drawing from a concealed carry holster impractical.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine has become… tolerable. The initial failures to feed have decreased but not disappeared entirely. I now experience approximately one failure every 100-150 rounds, which is unacceptable for defensive use, but manageable for range practice.
Signs of wear and tear are evident on the blued finish, particularly around the feed lips and where the magazine inserts into the magwell. However, the magazine body itself appears to be holding up well, with no signs of cracking or bending. The magazine spring, however, feels slightly weaker than when new.
Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and solvents. Disassembly is simple, and reassembly is equally easy. Compared to my experience with factory S&W magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability and overall feel. I’d consider this magazine “good enough” for range use only, and I would not recommend it for duty or defensive purposes.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine is designed as a high-capacity replacement or spare magazine for the Smith & Wesson M&P9 series pistols. It is chambered in 9mm Luger and holds 32 rounds. The body is constructed of heat-treated steel with a blued finish.
The magazine features an injection-molded follower and a magazine spring formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire. These specifications influence the magazine’s reliability and durability. A strong spring is essential for consistent feeding, while the steel construction should contribute to longevity. The 32-round capacity offers a significant advantage in scenarios requiring high round counts.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition into an M&P9 pistol. In this regard, it performs adequately, but not flawlessly. While the initial failures to feed decreased after the break-in period, occasional malfunctions persist.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and relatively affordable price. Its weakness is inconsistent reliability, which is a critical concern for any firearm magazine. It meets the basic expectations of a high-capacity magazine, but falls short of exceeding them due to its reliability issues.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine features a utilitarian design. The build quality is acceptable, but not exceptional. The blued steel body is functional, but the finish appears prone to wear. The magazine’s weight is considerable when fully loaded, impacting the pistol’s balance.
The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading or unloading. There is a slight learning curve associated with the increased weight and balance, but this is easily overcome with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine appears reasonably durable. The steel body should withstand considerable use, but the blued finish is susceptible to wear. Proper maintenance is essential to maximize the magazine’s lifespan.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Disassembly and reassembly are straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. No customization options are available for this particular magazine. It is compatible with standard M&P9 magazine pouches, although the extended length may require specialized pouches. The magazine body can be customized with aftermarket stencils.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity (32 rounds): Significantly reduces the need for frequent reloads, especially during training or competition.
- Relatively affordable price: Offers a high-capacity option at a lower price point compared to some other aftermarket magazines.
- Steel construction: Provides a potentially more durable alternative to polymer magazines.
- Easy to disassemble and clean: Simplifies maintenance and ensures reliable operation.
- Compatible with most standard M&P9 pistols
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability: Occasional failures to feed may occur, making it unsuitable for defensive use.
- Blued finish prone to wear: The finish wears easily, affecting the magazine’s aesthetics over time.
- Reduced spring strength over time: The magazine spring may weaken with extended use, potentially exacerbating reliability issues.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters looking for increased capacity at the range. It is acceptable for practice and drills where occasional malfunctions are tolerable.
This magazine is not recommended for those who rely on their M&P9 for personal defense or duty use. The potential for malfunctions makes it unsuitable for high-stakes situations.
A must-have modification is a thorough break-in period with consistent cleaning and lubrication.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P9 9mm Luger 32 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag. The high capacity is undoubtedly appealing, and the price is attractive. However, the inconsistent reliability is a significant concern.
The value proposition is questionable. The lower price is appealing, but the potential for malfunctions offsets the cost savings.
I would cautiously recommend this magazine only for recreational use where occasional failures are acceptable. It is not a suitable option for those who require absolute reliability. If you are looking for a high-capacity magazine for your M&P9, consider this a budget option with caveats, or save up for something more reliable.