First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity for one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market. The Smith & Wesson Shield in .40 S&W is a reliable firearm, but many users, myself included, have often wished for just a little more capacity than the standard magazines provide. This ProMag offering aims to deliver exactly that, adding two rounds over the flush-fitting 7-round magazine.
I was looking for a way to increase the round count of my Shield without significantly impacting concealability. I wanted something that wouldn’t drastically alter the grip length, making it harder to carry comfortably. After researching various extended magazines, I decided to give the ProMag a try, hoping it would strike the right balance between capacity and concealment.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was mixed. The blue-finished steel construction felt sturdy enough, but the overall fit and finish seemed a little rough around the edges compared to the factory Smith & Wesson magazines. The weight was comparable to the factory mags.
I considered options from other aftermarket manufacturers. I ultimately chose ProMag because of their relatively lower price point and the generally positive (though sometimes inconsistent) reviews I had seen online. My first impression left me with a cautious optimism. Hopefully the magazine’s performance would win me over.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine at my local indoor shooting range. The range environment was clean and controlled. I ran several magazines worth of ammunition through it, focusing on both slow, deliberate shots and rapid-fire drills.
Initially, I experienced a few failures to feed during the first two magazines. The slide wouldn’t fully return to battery after chambering a round. After the initial break-in period of approximately 20 rounds, the feeding issues seemed to resolve themselves, and the magazine functioned more reliably.
Using the ProMag mag, I appreciated the extra grip length it provided. I also was able to achieve a more secure hold on the pistol, which translated to slightly improved accuracy. However, I was still a little concerned about the initial feeding issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine has become more reliable. I have noticed, though, that it seems more susceptible to malfunctions when the magazine is fully loaded with nine rounds. One round short (8/9) appears to eliminate the vast majority of those issues.
There are no noticeable signs of significant wear and tear. The steel construction seems durable enough to withstand regular use. Cleaning and maintaining the magazine is relatively straightforward.
Compared to the factory Smith & Wesson magazines, the ProMag isn’t quite as consistent in its performance, especially when fully loaded. While the increased capacity is a definite plus, the occasional hiccups in reliability make it less trustworthy for everyday carry than the original magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield chambered in .40 S&W. It holds 9 rounds, offering a two-round increase over the standard 7-round magazine. The magazine body is constructed from steel, with a blue finish.
This extended magazine maintains the same width as the factory magazine. However, the increased length provides additional gripping surface. The steel construction ensures durability. The 9-round capacity provides extra rounds without drastically impacting concealability.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine functions adequately, providing increased capacity. But the magazine’s reliability is inconsistent, especially when fully loaded. It is crucial to thoroughly test it with your specific firearm and ammunition.
The magazine’s primary strength lies in its increased capacity, allowing for more rounds before needing to reload. The weakness is its occasional failure to feed, particularly during the initial break-in period and when fully loaded.
The magazine meets expectations in terms of capacity but falls short in terms of flawless reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Smith & Wesson Shield. The construction uses durable materials. The extended length of the magazine provides a more substantial grip, which enhances control and comfort for users with larger hands.
The magazine has a user-friendly design and requires no special tools or modifications to install or use. The extended length may require some adjustment in carrying method for concealed carry.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine suggests a reasonable lifespan. Regular cleaning and proper storage are essential for maintaining its performance. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is relatively simple, requiring no specialized tools.
With proper care, the magazine should withstand moderate use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine does not require any specific accessories for use. However, users may find that aftermarket magazine pouches designed for extended magazines provide a more secure and comfortable carrying option. The ProMag magazine is compatible with the standard Smith & Wesson Shield magazine release.
Users can also customize the magazine with aftermarket base plates or floor plates. There are options for enhanced grip or aesthetic customization. These modifications are generally straightforward and do not require professional gunsmithing.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Provides a two-round increase over standard capacity for the S&W Shield .40.
- Steel construction offers good durability for regular use.
- The extended length improves grip and handling, especially for larger hands.
- Affordable price point compared to other aftermarket magazines.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability, especially when fully loaded with nine rounds.
- Initial break-in period may be required for optimal feeding.
- Fit and finish may not be as refined as factory Smith & Wesson magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for shooters looking for a higher capacity magazine at a budget-friendly price. It may also be suitable for those with larger hands who benefit from the extended grip length. Recreational shooters may find it to be an acceptable upgrade.
This product may not be ideal for those who prioritize absolute reliability for everyday concealed carry. Anyone who depends on their firearm for self-defense should consider rigorously testing the ProMag magazine. Verify that it functions flawlessly with their chosen ammunition before relying on it in a critical situation.
A must-have modification would be thorough testing and a commitment to only loading to 8 rounds to ensure reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 40 S&W 9 Round Pistol Magazine offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your S&W Shield .40. However, the inconsistent reliability, particularly when fully loaded, is a significant drawback. While the extended grip is a plus for some users, the potential for malfunctions makes it less trustworthy than factory magazines.
The price is justified for range use and practice. However, it is difficult to recommend for serious self-defense without extensive testing and a willingness to download to 8 rounds.
I would cautiously recommend this product for range use or as a backup magazine. Just be sure to prioritize reliability and conduct thorough testing. Assess if the increased capacity outweighs the potential risks.