First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine promises to enhance the ergonomics and capacity of the popular S&W Shield. As someone who appreciates a good grip and extra rounds, I was eager to see if this magazine could deliver on both fronts. ProMag is a well-known name, and while not always lauded for premium quality, their affordability often makes them a compelling option for range use and experimentation.
I’ve always found the standard Shield magazine, especially the 7-round version, a little short for my hands. The pinky extension of the 8-round factory mag is better, but I was curious if ProMag could improve upon that design, potentially offering a more substantial and comfortable grip extension while adding that extra round. I was seeking a better grip without sacrificing concealability drastically.
Upon receiving the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was a mixed bag. The steel construction felt solid enough, but the blue finish seemed a bit cheap compared to the factory magazine’s black finish. It was lighter than expected.
I considered other options like the MagGuts +1 conversion for the factory magazine, but the ProMag offered a complete solution with a built-in extension at a similar price point. The deciding factor was really the all-in-one design. I wasn’t initially thrilled, but remained cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local indoor shooting range. I primarily focused on evaluating its feeding reliability and grip comfort. I ran approximately 100 rounds of various 9mm ammunition through it, including FMJ and some defensive hollow points.
The initial experience was less than stellar. The magazine was difficult to load, requiring significantly more force than the factory magazines. The ProMag magazine didn’t always seat easily. There were a couple of failures to feed in the first few magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine’s reliability improved slightly. The initial feeding issues lessened, but occasional hiccups still occurred, roughly one or two failures per 100 rounds. The steel body has shown minimal wear, though the blue finish has started to scratch.
Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, as it disassembles easily. Overall, the ProMag falls short of the reliability of factory Smith & Wesson magazines. I’ve come to view it primarily as a range magazine rather than one I’d trust for defensive purposes.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag
- Gun Make: Smith & Wesson
- Gun Model: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 8 Round
- Color: Blue
- Condition: New
- Fabric/Material: Steel
The specifications indicate a standard 8-round capacity for the 9mm Shield, constructed from steel. These factors influence its durability and compatibility. The color is a departure from the norm, potentially impacting resale value.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine is to reliably feed 9mm ammunition into a Smith & Wesson Shield pistol. It provides an extended grip. While it functions adequately after a break-in period, its reliability is not on par with factory magazines.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its extended grip and increased capacity. Weaknesses include loading difficulty and less-than-perfect reliability. It partially meets expectations, offering enhanced ergonomics, but falling short in dependability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine features a steel body with a blue finish and a polymer baseplate that extends the grip. The weight is slightly less than the factory magazine, which impacts handling. It does fill the hand better than the standard 7-round magazine, but the polymer base feels a little cheap.
There’s a slight learning curve associated with loading due to the stiff spring, but otherwise, it’s relatively user-friendly. The extension improves the overall grip, making the Shield more comfortable to shoot for those with larger hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests reasonable durability, but the blue finish shows wear easily. Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain optimal function. Disassembly is easy for cleaning, ensuring that the magazine can be kept in good working order.
With proper care, the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine should last a reasonable amount of time, but I anticipate needing to replace the spring sooner than with a factory magazine. The magazine is fairly simple to maintain with the help of solvent and brushes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself, such as different baseplates or spring upgrades, which limits its adaptability. It is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for the S&W Shield.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Improved grip ergonomics due to the extended baseplate.
- Increased capacity to 8 rounds.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory magazines.
- Durable steel construction.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Cons
- Loading can be difficult due to a stiff spring.
- Less reliable than factory Smith & Wesson magazines.
- Blue finish looks cheap and scratches easily.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters looking for an affordable way to increase their Shield’s capacity and improve grip comfort. It is also suitable for those who want to experiment with different magazine options without investing heavily.
This product should be skipped by anyone who prioritizes absolute reliability for self-defense or duty use. Those with smaller hands might also find the extended grip unnecessary or even uncomfortable.
A must-have modification, if you plan to use it for defensive purposes, would be a thorough testing and break-in period. If you still experience malfunctions, you should stick to using it for range practice only.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm 8 Round Pistol Magazine offers a budget-friendly way to enhance the ergonomics and capacity of your S&W Shield. While it provides a more comfortable grip and an extra round, its reliability issues prevent it from being a top-tier choice. The price is justified for range use, but not for critical defensive situations.
I would cautiously recommend this magazine for range use, with the caveat that it should be thoroughly tested before relying on it. If you’re on a tight budget and want to experiment with an extended magazine, it’s worth considering. Always prioritize reliability.