First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is a significant departure from the standard, low-capacity magazines that the Shield is typically associated with. This drum magazine from ProMag promises to dramatically increase the firepower of the popular concealed carry pistol. As someone who has carried a Shield for years, primarily for its concealability, I was initially skeptical but ultimately intrigued by the possibility of significantly increasing its magazine capacity.
My primary interest was in exploring the potential of the Shield in a home defense scenario. Standard capacity magazines are great, but sometimes more is better. The promise of 30 rounds, versus the usual 7 or 8, was difficult to ignore.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight. It felt substantially heavier than the standard magazines. The polymer construction felt robust, though only time would tell how it held up to repeated use. I was curious to see if it was going to affect the concealability of my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
Compared to the standard Smith & Wesson magazines and a few extended baseplate options I’ve tried, the ProMag is a different beast altogether. While the extended baseplates offer a modest increase in capacity and grip length, the ProMag aims for maximum capacity, sacrificing concealability in the process. I chose this particular drum magazine to review due to the ProMag reputation, and also due to the Shield being my usual carry gun.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The increased capacity was appealing, but I also had concerns about reliability and how it would affect the overall handling and balance of the Shield. I went in hoping to be impressed, but prepared for potential issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first trip to the range with the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine was an eye-opener. I primarily tested it at an indoor range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and target acquisition. The range provided a controlled environment to assess its functionality and reliability.
The ProMag performed surprisingly well, although with a few caveats. Initially, I experienced a couple of failures to feed within the first few magazines worth of ammunition. Once I got past the “break-in” period, however, the magazine ran much smoother, with only the occasional hiccup.
The most noticeable difference was the change in handling. The added weight and bulk of the drum significantly altered the balance of the Shield, making it more muzzle-heavy. This took some getting used to, especially during rapid target transitions. After a little while, though, it felt more natural and controlled.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, I have a better understanding of the ProMag’s long-term reliability. I’ve put several hundred rounds through the magazine, using a variety of 9mm ammunition types. Durability has been so-so, as the polymer shell has scratches and wear marks easily.
The ProMag held up decently, but I still experienced occasional failures to feed, particularly with cheaper, steel-cased ammunition. Higher-quality brass ammunition generally ran more smoothly. Cleaning and maintenance are relatively straightforward; the drum disassembles easily for cleaning and lubrication.
Compared to my experiences with standard Smith & Wesson magazines, the ProMag definitely requires more attention to maintenance. Standard magazines are virtually trouble-free, while the ProMag benefits from regular cleaning and lubrication to ensure reliable feeding. The ProMag certainly doesn’t outperform the regular Shield mags when it comes to reliability, but the increased capacity definitely has a benefit.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. It boasts a 30-round magazine capacity, a significant increase over the standard 7 or 8-round magazines.
The drum is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, chosen for its durability and resistance to impact and wear. Internally, it features an injection-molded magazine follower and a stainless steel mag spring, designed to ensure smooth and reliable feeding. These materials and construction methods are crucial for maintaining functionality under stress and during extended use.
The specifications directly impact the performance and user experience by offering a substantial increase in firepower while attempting to maintain reliability. The polymer construction keeps the weight manageable, although it’s still heavier than standard magazines, and the stainless steel spring helps maintain consistent feeding pressure.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is to provide a significantly increased ammunition capacity for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. When it functions correctly, it fulfills this role admirably, allowing for extended shooting sessions and a greater sense of preparedness. However, reliability issues prevent it from being a top performer.
The magazine’s biggest weakness is its occasional failures to feed. As mentioned earlier, these issues seem to be more prevalent with certain types of ammunition and when the magazine is not properly maintained. When the magazine is well-maintained, and broken in, it meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag is designed with a focus on maximizing capacity while remaining compatible with the relatively compact Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. The build quality is decent, with the DuPont Zytel polymer providing a reasonably robust feel. It definitely adds weight, and the ergonomics of holding the pistol are noticeably different due to the drum shape.
There is a slight learning curve associated with using the ProMag, primarily due to the change in balance and handling. It may take some practice to become proficient with the added weight and bulk. Overall, the design prioritizes capacity over ergonomics, which may be a worthwhile trade-off for some users.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is adequate, but not exceptional. The DuPont Zytel polymer is resistant to impacts and scratches, but long-term exposure to harsh conditions may cause wear and tear. As I mentioned earlier, it definitely scratches easily.
Maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of the ProMag. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the internal components, especially the stainless steel mag spring, are necessary to prevent malfunctions. The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning, making the maintenance process relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any specific accessories. It’s designed as a standalone replacement magazine. Because it is a magazine, there are no real customization options either.
The ProMag is designed to be compatible with any Smith & Wesson M&P Shield chambered in 9mm Luger. The only real customization is which ammunition to use, and what method of carry you’re going to adapt.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased magazine capacity (30 rounds), offering a substantial firepower advantage compared to standard magazines.
- Made with DuPont Zytel polymer providing adequate durability for regular use.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean, facilitating maintenance.
- A very unique look that will make your Shield stand out at the range.
- Can be a cost-effective way to increase your Shield’s capacity, compared to purchasing multiple standard magazines.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed, especially with cheaper ammunition, impacting reliability.
- Substantial increase in weight and bulk, affecting handling and concealability.
- May require more frequent maintenance and cleaning compared to standard magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for home defense enthusiasts, recreational shooters who want extended range sessions, and those seeking a high-capacity option for their Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. It’s a good option for individuals who prioritize firepower and are willing to accept some trade-offs in terms of reliability and concealability.
This product should be skipped by concealed carry users who prioritize comfort and discretion, those who demand absolute reliability in their firearms, and individuals who are not willing to perform regular maintenance. For everyday carry, a standard magazine or a magazine with an extended baseplate would be a much better option.
A must-have modification would be to run the magazines with high-quality brass ammo. It may also be worth investing in higher-powered recoil springs for the Shield, to help improve feeding.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Luger 30 Round Pistol Magazine offers a significant boost in firepower for the popular Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. It provides a unique, high-capacity option for those who want more than the standard 7 or 8 rounds.
The value proposition is mixed. While the price may be lower than purchasing multiple standard magazines, the reliability issues and changes in handling make it a less compelling option for some. I would recommend this magazine with reservations.
Ultimately, the ProMag is a niche product that caters to a specific set of needs and preferences. If you prioritize increased capacity and are willing to accept some trade-offs, it may be worth considering. If, however, you demand absolute reliability and prioritize concealability, you may want to explore other options.