First Impressions of ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine promises to boost the capacity of two popular and compact Taurus pistols. This magazine, manufactured by ProMag, aims to address a common desire among PT111 G2 and G3 owners: increased firepower without sacrificing reliability. My initial interest stemmed from the need to have higher-capacity magazines for my Taurus G3 for both range practice and home defense.
For years, I’ve relied on factory magazines, but their limited capacity felt restrictive in certain situations. I was looking for a dependable magazine that could provide more rounds, hold up under heavy use, and seamlessly integrate with my Taurus pistols. The promise of a heat-treated steel body and chrome silicon spring appealed to my desire for enhanced durability.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and curiosity. The magazine arrived in simple packaging, its steel body exuding a sense of robustness. Picking it up, the weight felt reassuringly solid, suggesting a higher build quality than some aftermarket magazines I’ve handled in the past. Compared to the factory 12-round magazine, the ProMag felt more substantial.
I had been considering other extended magazines, including those from ETS and some lesser-known brands on eBay. However, the ProMag won out due to its promise of steel construction, which seemed more durable than polymer options, and the ProMag name, which I associated with decent, though not always perfect, aftermarket magazines. While not a top-tier brand like Mec-Gar, ProMag offered a balance of price and potential reliability.
Initially, I was cautiously excited. I’ve had mixed experiences with aftermarket magazines, but the ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine’s steel construction and higher capacity intrigued me. My hope was that this magazine would provide the added rounds I wanted without compromising the reliability of my Taurus G3.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine primarily at an outdoor shooting range. I ran it through a series of drills, focusing on rapid firing, reloading, and malfunction clearing with my Taurus G3. The weather was slightly humid, but overall, conditions were favorable for testing.
The initial loading of the magazine was a little stiff, requiring a bit more force than the factory mags. Once loaded, the magazine seated firmly in the G3 with a positive click. During the first few rounds, I noticed a slight hesitation in the slide cycling.
There were two failures to feed within the first 50 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine began to show some improvement, but the initial issues persisted intermittently. The failures to feed decreased, but still occurred approximately once every three or four magazines worth of rounds. The steel body showed no signs of significant wear, but the black oxide finish was starting to wear around the feed lips.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine was relatively straightforward. The magazine body disassembles easily, allowing for thorough cleaning of the internals. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket magazines, the ProMag requires more frequent cleaning to maintain reliable function.
The ProMag doesn’t quite outperform the factory magazines in terms of reliability, but it offers a significantly higher capacity. While the factory magazines have proven nearly flawless, the ProMag provides five extra rounds, which can be valuable in certain situations, but that comes at the expense of some reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Taurus PT111 G2 and G3 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It features a 17-round capacity, significantly increasing the firepower compared to the factory magazines. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel, providing strength and durability.
The spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, ensuring consistent and reliable feeding. The magazine follower is injection-molded from a durable polymer, designed to minimize friction and ensure smooth cycling. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability and longevity. A high-capacity magazine is only useful if it functions consistently.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine aims to provide a higher capacity solution for Taurus owners. The extended capacity is a definite advantage, especially for those who use their pistols for home defense or competition. However, the magazine’s performance is somewhat inconsistent.
While it generally feeds rounds smoothly, the occasional failures to feed are a concern. The main weakness is the inconsistent feeding, especially when compared to the flawless performance of the factory magazines. It meets expectations in terms of capacity, but falls short in terms of overall reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine is designed to closely resemble the dimensions of the factory magazine, albeit with an extended length to accommodate the extra rounds. The steel body feels robust, but the finish is somewhat lacking. The weight is noticeable but not excessive.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, although the initial loading can be stiff. There’s a slight learning curve in terms of recognizing potential feeding issues and addressing them quickly. The extended length might make it slightly less concealable for concealed carry purposes.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated steel body suggests that the ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, the wear on the black oxide finish around the feed lips raises some concerns about long-term corrosion resistance. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain its function.
Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, and replacement parts (springs, followers) are potentially available from ProMag or other aftermarket suppliers. The magazine is reasonably easy to maintain, but it requires more frequent attention than factory magazines to ensure reliable performance. Proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of this magazine.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack 9mm magazines. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, but users can explore aftermarket baseplates or magazine extensions to further tailor it to their needs.
It should be compatible with most magazine loaders designed for 9mm double-stack magazines. Be sure to use a loader appropriate for steel-lipped magazines to avoid damaging the feed lips. There are no glaring incompatibilities with popular accessories, but users should always test new combinations to ensure proper function.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Provides a significant increase in magazine capacity for Taurus PT111 G2 and G3 pistols.
- Steel construction offers enhanced durability compared to polymer magazines.
- Relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with standard 9mm double-stack magazine pouches and loaders.
- Cost-effective way to increase your pistol’s firepower.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding, with occasional failures to feed experienced.
- Black oxide finish is prone to wear, potentially leading to corrosion over time.
- Requires more frequent cleaning than factory magazines to maintain reliability.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters who want to minimize reloads and practice malfunction drills. It can be useful for home defense scenarios where increased capacity may be beneficial. It’s also suitable for those who are willing to accept a slight compromise in reliability for the sake of more rounds.
Those who demand absolute reliability and prefer flawless performance should skip this product. Those who primarily use their Taurus for concealed carry may find the extended magazine length less comfortable and harder to conceal. A must-have modification would be to replace the magazine spring with a higher-quality aftermarket spring in an attempt to improve reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Taurus Pt 111 G2/G3 9mm 17-Round Pistol Magazine offers a tantalizing promise of increased capacity for Taurus owners. While the steel construction and higher round count are appealing, the inconsistent feeding issues are a significant drawback.
The price is justified if you understand and accept the potential for malfunctions. However, if you value absolute reliability above all else, the factory magazines are a better choice. I would cautiously recommend it to range shooters who are willing to troubleshoot occasional issues.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing capacity versus reliability. If you choose to purchase this magazine, be sure to thoroughly test it and consider upgrading the spring for improved performance. Consider this magazine, but purchase with caution.