First Impressions of ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine promises to address a common concern for owners of the S&W Bodyguard 380: limited capacity. The standard 6-round magazine can feel inadequate, especially for those who prioritize self-defense or extended range sessions. ProMag aims to alleviate this with a 15-round extended magazine, offering a significant increase in firepower for a compact platform.
My concealed carry pistol is the S&W Bodyguard 380, but the low capacity always felt like a compromise. I was seeking a reliable magazine to enhance the pistol’s capabilities without sacrificing concealability too much. I’d been looking at other extended magazines, but the reviews were mixed; I wanted something robust and trustworthy.
Upon unboxing the ProMag magazine, the first thing I noticed was the weight. It felt substantial, suggesting a durable build, and the heat-treated steel construction was immediately apparent. The finish was a uniform black, and the magazine body felt solid in my hand. Initial inspection revealed no obvious defects or manufacturing flaws.
Compared to the factory S&W magazine, the ProMag is significantly longer. Other extended magazines I considered were either of questionable quality or excessively bulky. The ProMag seemed to strike a balance between increased capacity and manageable size.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine appeared well-made, but the true test would be in its performance at the range. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promises and whether it could reliably feed ammunition without any hiccups.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran approximately 150 rounds of various .380 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) rounds. The weather was dry and sunny, with a temperature of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Initially, the magazine felt slightly stiff to load, especially towards the end of its capacity. However, after the first few rounds, it became easier to manage. I experienced one failure to feed within the first 50 rounds. This was likely due to the magazine spring still being new and needing to break in.
Aside from the initial hiccup, the magazine functioned without issue. The extended length of the magazine did require some adjustment in my grip, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. There were no other surprises, and the added capacity was a welcome improvement over the standard magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine has held up reasonably well. The initial stiffness has subsided, and loading is now smoother. I have experienced only one additional failure to feed after the initial testing.
There are minor signs of wear and tear on the magazine body, particularly where it inserts into the magazine well. This is to be expected with regular use. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my experience with other aftermarket magazines, the ProMag has performed adequately. It offers a significant capacity increase, but its reliability is not quite on par with the factory S&W magazine. Still, for the price, it’s a worthwhile addition.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- The ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 pistol. This ensures compatibility and proper fit.
- It holds 15 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition. This more than doubles the capacity of the factory magazine.
- The magazine body is constructed of heat-treated steel. This provides durability and resistance to deformation under stress.
- It features an injection-molded magazine follower. This helps ensure smooth and reliable feeding of ammunition.
- The magazine spring is formed from music wire. This material is known for its strength and ability to maintain its spring force over time.
These specifications contribute directly to the magazine’s functionality and longevity. The increased capacity is the primary selling point. The steel construction and quality components aim to ensure consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine performs adequately, offering a significant capacity increase for the S&W Bodyguard 380. While it has proven mostly reliable, it is not without occasional issues. I have experienced a couple of failures to feed.
Its strength is the added capacity. The main weakness is the slightly reduced reliability compared to the factory magazine. It mostly meets expectations, but a higher degree of reliability would be ideal.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is constructed from heat-treated steel, giving it a solid feel. The added length increases the grip area. It is heavier than the factory magazine when fully loaded.
The design is functional, but not particularly refined. There is a slight learning curve due to the increased magazine length. It requires a firm seating to ensure proper engagement.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated steel construction should ensure reasonable durability. The magazine should last for a considerable time with proper care.
Maintenance is simple; disassembly for cleaning is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring will help maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself.
It is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for .380 ACP pistols. However, its extended length may require specialized pouches. No modifications are required for use with the S&W Bodyguard 380.
Pros and Cons of ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased magazine capacity (15 rounds vs. 6 rounds).
- Durable heat-treated steel construction.
- Relatively affordable compared to other extended magazines.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Provides a more substantial grip on the pistol.
Cons
- Slightly less reliable than factory S&W magazines.
- May require specialized magazine pouches due to its extended length.
- Can be stiff to load when new.
Who Should Buy ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is perfect for S&W Bodyguard 380 owners who desire a significantly increased magazine capacity for range use or self-defense. It is also suitable for those who prioritize having additional rounds available without carrying multiple magazines.
This product may not be ideal for those who require absolute, unwavering reliability and depend on their Bodyguard 380 for primary self-defense. In this case, sticking with factory magazines may be a better choice.
A must-have accessory would be a magazine pouch designed to accommodate extended magazines. Consider also investing in a magazine loader to ease the loading process, especially when the magazine is new and stiff.
Conclusion on ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The ProMag S&W Bodygua Round .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine offers a compelling upgrade for S&W Bodyguard 380 owners seeking a higher capacity. While it may not be as flawlessly reliable as the factory magazine, the added firepower it provides is a definite advantage.
At a price of $29.89, the value proposition is reasonably justified. The steel construction and increased capacity make it a worthwhile investment for many.
I would recommend this magazine with a slight reservation. It’s a great option for range use and provides a noticeable boost in capacity for self-defense scenarios. However, I strongly advise thoroughly testing the magazine with your chosen ammunition to ensure reliable feeding before relying on it for personal protection. If you’re comfortable with the occasional malfunction and prioritize capacity, this magazine is a solid choice. Upgrade your S&W Bodyguard 380 today and experience the benefits of increased firepower!