First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises to increase the capacity of your SD9, offering more rounds downrange before needing to reload. As someone who has spent years evaluating tactical gear, I was eager to see how this aftermarket magazine stacked up against the factory original, especially considering the often-debated reliability of aftermarket magazines. Could this be a worthwhile upgrade for my Smith & Wesson SD9?
My search for a higher-capacity magazine for my SD9 stemmed from a desire for fewer reloads during training sessions and competitive shooting. While the standard magazine capacity is adequate, the ability to carry more rounds in a single magazine can significantly improve efficiency and performance. This led me to consider the ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine as a potential solution.
Upon receiving the ProMag magazine, I immediately noted the blued steel construction and the injection-molded follower. The magazine felt solid in hand, though perhaps slightly lighter than the factory magazine, raising initial questions about its long-term durability. Compared to other aftermarket magazines I’ve used, the finish appeared reasonably well-executed, but I reserved full judgment until I could test its performance.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. While I’ve had mixed experiences with aftermarket magazines in the past, the promise of a 17-round capacity for my SD9 was appealing. Whether the ProMag would live up to the reliability of the factory magazine remained to be seen, but I was ready to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine primarily at my local shooting range, focusing on drills that involved rapid firing and magazine changes. The range offered a controlled environment to assess the magazine’s feeding reliability and overall function. I ran several hundred rounds through the magazine during my first session.
During the first range session, I encountered several failures to feed within the first few magazines loaded. These malfunctions occurred sporadically, with the slide failing to fully chamber a round. Despite these initial issues, the magazine performed better as it became more broken-in, but the early unreliability was concerning.
It took some effort to break in the magazine; by the third range visit, the magazine was performing much more reliably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine showed some improvement in reliability. While the initial failures to feed decreased, they didn’t disappear entirely. The magazine still exhibited occasional issues, especially when fully loaded with 17 rounds.
Over time, the blued finish showed signs of wear, particularly around the magazine well and the feed lips. The magazine required regular cleaning to prevent malfunctions due to carbon buildup and debris. Compared to the factory magazine, the ProMag demanded more frequent maintenance to ensure consistent performance.
The ProMag did not outperform my expectations based on its initial performance; while it became more reliable after break-in, it still falls short of the consistent performance of the factory magazine. The difference is noticeable, making the ProMag a range-only option for me and not one I would trust for defensive purposes.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Smith & Wesson SD9 chambered in 9mm Luger. It boasts a 17-round capacity, offering a significant increase over the standard magazine.
The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel with a blued finish, and the magazine follower is injection molded. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire, which is intended to provide consistent spring pressure and durability. These specifications are aimed at balancing increased capacity with reliability and longevity.
These specifications translate to a higher round count, but the materials used and construction quality directly impact the magazine’s ability to feed reliably and withstand repeated use. The heat-treated steel should offer good durability, while the chrome silicone wire is intended to maintain consistent spring tension, crucial for reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine provides an increased capacity, but its performance can be inconsistent. While it functions adequately for range use after a break-in period, the occasional failures to feed detract from its overall reliability.
The magazine’s primary strength is its 17-round capacity, allowing for longer shooting sessions with fewer reloads. However, its weakness lies in its reliability, as it is prone to malfunctions, especially when fully loaded. The magazine does not fully meet expectations for a self-defense firearm accessory.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag features a standard magazine design, similar in dimensions to the factory magazine but slightly longer to accommodate the increased capacity. The blued steel construction and injection-molded follower contribute to a functional, albeit basic, aesthetic.
The build quality is acceptable, but the overall feel is less refined than the factory magazine. While the magazine is user-friendly in terms of loading and insertion, the occasional feeding issues introduce a learning curve in diagnosing and addressing potential malfunctions.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, but the blued finish is prone to wear over time. Regular cleaning and lubrication are necessary to prevent malfunctions caused by carbon buildup and debris.
With proper maintenance, the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time, but the factory magazine will last longer. The ProMag is not as robust as the original magazine that came with my SD9.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any accessories and offers limited customization options. While it is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for the S&W SD9, there are no specific accessories tailored to enhance its performance or aesthetics.
While there are no direct customization options for the magazine itself, users can pair it with aftermarket baseplates or magazine loaders designed for similar 9mm magazines. However, these additions do not fundamentally alter the magazine’s performance or reliability.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers 17 rounds, providing more rounds than the standard magazine.
- Affordable Price: Generally less expensive than factory magazines, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable Construction: Made from heat-treated steel.
- Easy to Load: Standard magazine design allows for easy loading and insertion into the pistol.
- Range Use: Suitable for range training, particularly after a break-in period.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Prone to occasional failures to feed, especially when fully loaded.
- Finish Wear: The blued finish is susceptible to wear and tear over time.
- Maintenance Required: Demands regular cleaning and lubrication to maintain consistent performance.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for casual range shooters looking to extend their shooting sessions without frequent reloads. It is also suitable for individuals on a tight budget who want to add extra magazines to their collection without investing in expensive factory magazines.
This magazine is not recommended for individuals who rely on their firearm for self-defense or duty use due to its potential reliability issues. Those seeking consistent and dependable performance should stick with factory magazines.
A must-have modification for the ProMag magazine is a thorough break-in period to improve its reliability. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain its performance.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your S&W SD9. However, its inconsistent reliability makes it unsuitable for self-defense or high-stakes situations.
The price is justified for range use, but potential buyers should be aware of the trade-offs in reliability compared to factory magazines. The ProMag can be a worthwhile addition for recreational shooting, but it’s essential to temper expectations.
I would cautiously recommend the ProMag for range use only, with the caveat that users should thoroughly test and break it in before relying on it. If you need dependable performance, stick with factory magazines. Upgrade your range sessions, but trust your life to a factory magazine.