First Impressions of ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced reliability for several classic Smith & Wesson pistols. As a firearms enthusiast and range instructor, I’m always looking for dependable magazines that can withstand heavy use. This ProMag magazine caught my eye because of its steel construction and higher round count compared to the factory magazines.
My search for a higher capacity magazine stemmed from a desire for extended range sessions without frequent reloads. I also wanted a reliable option for competition, where every second counts. Upon receiving the magazine, I immediately noted the sturdy steel body and the black oxide finish. It felt substantial in my hand, giving me confidence in its potential durability.
Compared to the standard 15-round magazines I usually run in my S&W 5906, this ProMag offered a significant increase in capacity. I also considered magazines from Mec-Gar, known for their quality, but the ProMag’s price point and 20-round capacity were appealing. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see how it would perform at the range.
I was excited to test this magazine, hoping it would live up to its promise of increased capacity and reliability. After all, a magazine is the heart of any semi-automatic firearm, and a failure there can ruin even the best shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and sunny, providing ideal conditions for testing. I loaded the magazine with 115-grain FMJ rounds and ran it through my Smith & Wesson 5906.
During the first few magazines, I experienced a few failures to feed, which was concerning. I inspected the magazine and the pistol, but couldn’t find any obvious issues. However, after about 50 rounds, the magazine seemed to “break in,” and the feeding issues subsided.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve put hundreds of rounds through the ProMag magazine. While the initial hiccups were concerning, the magazine has proven to be mostly reliable after the initial break-in period. There are a few instances where the slide fails to lock back on the last round, but it occurs sporadically.
Despite frequent loading and unloading, the magazine body shows minimal signs of wear. The black oxide finish has held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion. I regularly clean the magazine with a dry cloth and apply a light coat of lubricant to the spring to ensure smooth operation.
In comparison to the factory S&W magazines, the ProMag doesn’t quite reach the same level of flawless reliability. The slide failing to lock back consistently is a notable drawback, but the increased capacity is still a significant advantage.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for 9mm Luger caliber pistols. It is specifically made to fit Smith & Wesson models 910, 915, 459, and 5900 series. The magazine capacity is 20 rounds.
The magazine body is constructed of high carbon heat-treated steel for enhanced durability. The spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, ensuring consistent feeding and longevity. The base and follower are injection molded from polymer.
These specifications are crucial for reliable magazine performance. The steel body ensures the magazine can withstand the stresses of repeated use, while the heat-treated spring maintains consistent pressure on the rounds for reliable feeding. The polymer base and follower provide smooth movement and prevent damage to the pistol’s magazine well.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine performs adequately, providing increased capacity for compatible S&W pistols. While it offers the advantage of 20 rounds, the reliability isn’t always perfect. The occasional failure to feed and slide lock issues are concerning.
The magazine’s strength is its increased capacity, allowing for extended shooting sessions. The weakness lies in its occasional reliability issues, which can be frustrating. While it mostly meets expectations for a high-capacity magazine, it falls short of the flawless reliability of factory magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine features a simple, functional design. The steel body feels solid and well-made, and the black oxide finish adds a layer of corrosion resistance. While heavier than the factory magazines, the weight is not excessive.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills to load or unload. However, the slightly stiffer spring compared to the factory magazines can make loading the last few rounds a bit challenging.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine appears to be built to last. After weeks of use, there are minimal signs of wear and tear. With proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, it should provide years of service.
The magazine is relatively easy to maintain. Simply disassemble it, clean the body and follower with a dry cloth, and apply a light coat of lubricant to the spring.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any included accessories, and customization options are limited. However, it is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack 9mm magazines.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holds 20 rounds, significantly more than standard magazines.
- Durable Construction: Steel body and heat-treated spring offer good longevity.
- Affordable Price: Provides a budget-friendly alternative to factory magazines.
- Compatible with Multiple Models: Fits S&W 910, 915, 459, and 5900 series pistols.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple design makes cleaning and maintenance straightforward.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Occasional failures to feed and slide lock back.
- Stiffer Spring: Can be more difficult to load to full capacity.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters looking for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads. It is also suitable for competition shooters who need a higher round count. This magazine benefits anyone who values increased capacity and is willing to accept a slight trade-off in reliability.
Those who demand flawless reliability in every situation should skip this product. If you depend on your firearm for self-defense or duty use, I would recommend sticking with factory magazines.
A must-have modification would be to polish the follower and feed lips to help with smoother feeding.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Smith & Wesson 910/ 915/ 459 & 5900 Series 9mm, 20-Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for owners of compatible Smith & Wesson pistols. The increased capacity and durable steel construction are attractive features. However, the occasional reliability issues are a significant drawback.
At $36.99, the price is justified for range use and competition, provided you are aware of the potential for occasional malfunctions. Personally, I would recommend it with reservations, emphasizing the importance of testing and verifying its reliability in your specific firearm.
If you’re looking to boost the round count in your classic S&W, give the ProMag a try – just be prepared to work through the initial break-in period and keep an eye on its performance.