First Impressions of ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine
The FN Five-seveN is a unique pistol, chambered in the high-velocity 5.7x28mm cartridge, offering a flat-shooting experience and impressive terminal ballistics. However, factory magazines can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find, making aftermarket options appealing. That’s where the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine enters the picture, promising a more affordable and readily available solution for high-capacity feeding.
As a long-time Five-seveN owner, I was intrigued by the potential cost savings and the promise of steel construction for increased durability. I’ve used ProMag magazines in other platforms before, with mixed results, so I approached this with cautious optimism. My primary concern was reliability – would it consistently feed the bottlenecked 5.7x28mm rounds?
Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impression was positive. The steel body felt robust, and the black oxide finish gave it a clean, tactical look. Compared to the factory FN magazine’s polymer construction, the ProMag offered a different feel – heavier, but seemingly more durable. It certainly felt sturdier than some of the other aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered in the past.
Compared to the factory magazine (retailing around $50), the ProMag at $36.89 presents a clear price advantage. I considered other options, such as the Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazines, which are known for their transparency, but ultimately chose the ProMag for its steel construction and potential for increased longevity. I was hoping for a cost-effective and reliable alternative to keep my Five-seveN running smoothly.
My first impression was a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The steel construction and the promise of 21 rounds were enticing, but the ultimate test would be how it performed on the range. I was eager to see if the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded it with 21 rounds of American Eagle 5.7x28mm ammunition and inserted it into my FN Five-seveN USG. The magazine seated firmly, with a reassuring click.
Initially, the magazine performed flawlessly, cycling rounds smoothly and locking the slide back on empty. I ran through several magazines, focusing on rapid-fire drills and target acquisition. However, after about 100 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed, where the round would nose-dive into the feed ramp. These malfunctions occurred intermittently.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine during various range sessions. I estimate I put approximately 500 rounds through it, using different brands of ammunition, including Federal, Fiocchi, and Speer. While it performed adequately most of the time, the intermittent failures to feed persisted, occurring roughly once every two or three magazines.
Regarding durability, the steel body has held up well, showing no signs of bending or cracking. The black oxide finish is starting to show some wear around the feed lips, but this is purely cosmetic. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; I simply disassemble it and wipe down the components with a cloth and some CLP.
Compared to the factory FN magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. The factory magazines have consistently fed flawlessly, regardless of ammunition type or shooting conditions. The ProMag, while offering a lower price point, introduces a level of uncertainty that I wouldn’t trust in a self-defense situation.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the FN Five-seveN IOM and USG models. It features a 21-round capacity, offering a slight increase over the standard 20-round factory magazine. The magazine body is constructed of high carbon, heat-treated steel for strength and durability.
The magazine spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, designed to maintain consistent tension and feeding reliability. The follower is injection molded from a durable polymer, intended to provide smooth and reliable cartridge presentation. The black oxide finish provides some corrosion resistance. The use of steel for the magazine body is its primary selling point, providing a more robust feel compared to polymer alternatives.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of performance, the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine functions adequately, but not flawlessly. Its primary strength is its increased capacity and perceived durability. However, the intermittent failures to feed detract from its overall usability.
The magazine meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding ammunition, but it falls short of the reliability offered by the factory magazines. The feeding issues are a significant weakness. While it’s generally functional, it requires users to be aware of the potential for malfunctions.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine is similar to the factory magazine, with a few key differences. The steel construction adds weight, but also provides a more solid feel. The ergonomics are generally good, as it seats and releases easily from the Five-seveN pistol.
However, the follower design may contribute to the feeding issues. There’s no significant learning curve, as it operates similarly to the factory magazine. It is a simple drop-in replacement.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests good long-term durability. After several range sessions, the magazine body shows minimal wear and tear, with only minor cosmetic blemishes on the finish. Maintaining the magazine is easy. Disassembly is straightforward, and cleaning can be accomplished with basic solvents and lubricants.
The heat-treated steel construction is intended to withstand repeated use and harsh conditions, suggesting good longevity. The design is simple, minimizing potential points of failure and making maintenance relatively easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine does not come with any accessories. It’s designed as a direct replacement for the factory magazine. There are no customization options available for the magazine itself.
It is compatible with the standard FN Five-seveN IOM and USG pistol magwells. It does not require any modifications to the firearm. There are no aftermarket baseplates or followers specifically designed for this magazine, limiting customization possibilities.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased 21-round capacity.
- Durable steel construction.
- More affordable than factory FN magazines.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Solid feel compared to polymer magazines.
Cons
- Intermittent failures to feed.
- Not as reliable as factory FN magazines.
- Black oxide finish can show wear over time.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters and plinkers looking for a more affordable alternative to factory magazines, particularly if a higher capacity is desired. It’s also suitable for those who prefer the feel and perceived durability of steel magazines.
Those who rely on their Five-seveN for self-defense or duty use should skip this product. The intermittent feeding issues make it unreliable for critical situations. It is not a good choice for anyone prioritizing absolute reliability.
A must-have accessory would be extra springs and followers. If the feeding issues persist, replacing these components may improve reliability. Polishing the feed lips might also help.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine offers an enticing combination of increased capacity and durable steel construction at a lower price point than factory FN magazines. However, its intermittent failures to feed ultimately undermine its value proposition. While it may be suitable for casual range use, it’s not reliable enough for self-defense or duty applications.
The lower price is justified by the acceptable performance. This magazine is a decent alternative, but not a replacement. I would not personally recommend it for anyone who depends on their Five-seveN for serious purposes.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly range magazine and are willing to accept occasional malfunctions, the ProMag Steel FN Five Seven IOM & USG 5.7X28mm Pistol Magazine might be worth considering. However, for ultimate reliability, stick with factory FN magazines. Invest wisely, and always prioritize reliability when it comes to your firearms.