Let’s Dive into ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine is designed as a cost-effective alternative or additional magazine for your FNX-45 pistol. Manufactured by ProMag, it offers a 10-round capacity in a steel body, aiming to provide reliability at a competitive price point. For shooters in capacity-restricted states or those who prefer lower capacity magazines for specific applications, this magazine presents an interesting option.
I was looking for reliable, yet affordable magazines for my FNX-45 for range practice. Factory magazines are excellent, but expensive, so I wanted to find something that I wouldn’t mind dropping in the dirt or using heavily during training sessions. I chose to give ProMag a try.
My initial impression upon unboxing was that it felt solid, but definitely not as refined as the factory FN magazine. The steel body has a decent weight to it, and the black oxide finish looked even, but the polymer baseplate felt a bit cheap. The build quality seemed acceptable for the price, but I wasn’t blown away.
I considered magazines from Mec-Gar and a few other aftermarket brands, but chose the ProMag primarily based on price and availability. I was hoping to find something that could at least perform reliably for basic range use. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, but I reserved full judgment until I had a chance to get it to the range.
I wasn’t overly excited, but I wasn’t immediately disappointed either; it sat somewhere in the middle. The price point tempered my expectations, and I knew I’d need to put rounds through it to really see what it was capable of.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range on a typical sunny afternoon. I ran several drills involving rapid mag changes and controlled pairs, loading the magazine with various types of .45 ACP ammunition, including FMJ and hollow points. I wanted to simulate a realistic training environment.
The magazine performed reasonably well initially, but I noticed a few hiccups after about 50 rounds. I experienced two failures to feed where the slide failed to fully chamber a round. The magazine functioned okay in dry conditions, but I didn’t test in extreme conditions.
Using the magazine took a little getting used to, especially compared to the factory magazine. The polymer baseplate felt less comfortable during mag changes. I quickly discovered that the follower sometimes stuck near the top of the magazine when loading it, which required extra force.
The biggest surprise was the two failures to feed; I expected better reliability out of the box. It made me question its suitability for any serious defensive use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and a few hundred rounds, the ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine showed some signs of wear. The black oxide finish started to wear off around the feed lips. The polymer baseplate showed some scratches from repeated use.
The magazine’s durability is questionable; the finish is easily worn, and I worry about long-term reliability. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, but the polymer follower feels somewhat flimsy when disassembling and reassembling. Lubricating the spring helps with smoother feeding.
Compared to my experience with the factory FN magazines, the ProMag is a noticeable step down in terms of reliability and durability. The factory magazines consistently perform flawlessly, while the ProMag has occasional feeding issues. The lower price point reflects the difference in quality.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the FN FNX-45 pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Its primary purpose is to provide a lower capacity option for jurisdictions with magazine restrictions.
The magazine’s capacity is 10 rounds, complying with capacity restrictions in certain states. This limited capacity makes it legal for use in areas where standard capacity magazines are prohibited.
The magazine body is constructed of heat-treated steel. This construction aims for durability and resistance to deformation under stress.
It features a black oxide finish on the steel body. This finish offers some corrosion resistance and a low-glare appearance.
The magazine follower is injection-molded polymer. The follower’s design promotes reliable feeding of ammunition.
The magazine spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. This ensures consistent pressure and longevity of the spring’s performance.
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine is manufactured by ProMag. This brand is known for producing a wide range of aftermarket magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine functions adequately for range use, but I wouldn’t trust it for defensive purposes based on my experience. Its occasional failures to feed make it unreliable under stress.
The magazine’s primary strength is its affordability. Its main weakness is its inconsistent reliability.
It meets basic expectations for a range magazine but falls short of the performance of factory magazines. I had hoped for better performance considering that my factory magazines always function flawlessly.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price, but it’s evident that corners were cut in materials. The steel body feels reasonably sturdy, but the polymer baseplate feels cheap.
The magazine is user-friendly, although loading can be slightly difficult due to the follower’s tendency to stick. There isn’t a significant learning curve, but it requires more force when loading compared to the factory magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine’s longevity is questionable. The black oxide finish wears quickly, and the polymer components don’t inspire confidence.
It’s easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain. Regular cleaning and lubrication are necessary to ensure proper function.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. There are no significant customization options available for this specific magazine.
It is compatible with standard FNX-45 magazine pouches and loaders. No special adapters or modifications are needed for use with standard magazine accessories.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- Compliant with capacity restrictions in certain states, making it legal for use in those jurisdictions.
- Steel construction provides decent durability for range use.
- Easy to disassemble and clean, simplifying maintenance.
- Functions well enough for basic target practice.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with occasional failures to feed.
- Questionable long-term durability.
- Black oxide finish wears off quickly.
- Polymer baseplate feels cheap and flimsy.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters on a budget who need a compliant magazine for restricted states. It’s suitable for casual plinking and target practice where flawless reliability isn’t critical.
This magazine is not suitable for anyone who requires absolute reliability in a defensive situation or for duty use. Competition shooters needing consistent performance should also avoid this product.
A must-have modification would be replacing the polymer follower and baseplate with higher quality aftermarket parts. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain functionality.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine offers an affordable option for FNX-45 owners needing a 10-round magazine. However, its inconsistent reliability and questionable durability make it unsuitable for serious applications.
The price is justified for a range magazine, but not for defensive use. It’s a decent value if you understand its limitations.
I would cautiously recommend it for range use only, with the understanding that it may not perform flawlessly. Consider investing in factory magazines for defensive purposes. The ProMag Steel FN FNX-45.45 ACP 10 Round Pistol Magazine is a budget-friendly option, but be prepared for potential performance issues.