The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish promises to nearly double the capacity of the standard BodyGuard 380 magazine. It’s an aftermarket magazine designed to offer more rounds downrange, which can be crucial in certain situations, or simply for extended range sessions.
My search for this magazine began with a simple desire: more shooting, less reloading. The factory 6-round magazine of the BodyGuard 380 always felt inadequate for longer range visits.
Upon receiving the ProMag magazine, the first thing I noticed was its weight. The blued-steel construction felt solid, and the DuPont Zytel polymer baseplate seemed durable enough. It was definitely longer than the factory magazine, which I expected, but it wasn’t unwieldy.
Compared to the factory magazine and a couple of other aftermarket options (a 7-round extension and a flush-fitting 6-round from a different manufacturer), the ProMag stood out due to its significantly higher capacity. While others offered a slight increase, the promise of 15 rounds was what ultimately swayed me to try this product.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The increased capacity was appealing, but aftermarket magazines can be hit or miss, especially with a pistol as compact and sometimes finicky as the BodyGuard 380.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish at my local indoor shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate the magazine’s performance.
The first few magazines were a mixed bag; approximately every other round experienced a failure to feed. This was frustrating, particularly because I had cleaned and oiled the magazine prior to use. The extended length didn’t seem to impact handling, but the reliability issues overshadowed any perceived benefit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and approximately 300 rounds through the ProMag magazine, the initial jamming issues have not fully resolved. While the frequency of failures has decreased slightly, I still experience at least one or two malfunctions per magazine. The durability appears solid, with no visible signs of wear on the steel body or polymer baseplate.
Maintenance is straightforward; I disassemble and clean the magazine after each range session, but this has not eliminated the reliability issues. Compared to my experience with the factory magazine (which has been flawless), the ProMag is undeniably disappointing. The promise of increased capacity is overshadowed by its inconsistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .380 ACP. The magazine is specifically designed to feed this caliber of ammunition.
- Capacity: 15 rounds. This is the primary selling point – significantly increasing the firearm’s capacity.
- Finish: Blued-steel. Provides corrosion resistance and a traditional aesthetic.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Not manufactured by Smith & Wesson.
- Material: Heat-treated blued steel magazine body with a DuPont Zytel based polymer follower, lock-plate, and base-plate. These materials balance durability and weight.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and durability. The increased capacity, if reliable, offers a significant tactical advantage.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish‘s primary function is to feed ammunition reliably. Unfortunately, it falls short in this critical area.
Its strength lies in its high capacity, while its weakness is the inconsistent feeding. It does not meet expectations for a reliable magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality appears decent at first glance. The steel body feels robust, but the reliability issues suggest potential design flaws.
The extended length doesn’t significantly impact ergonomics, but the overall functionality needs improvement. There is a slight learning curve due to the tightness of the magazine spring when loading.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests reasonable longevity. Routine cleaning and maintenance are simple.
However, the underlying reliability issues may reduce its lifespan if malfunctions cause excessive wear on the firearm’s components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself doesn’t offer any customization options. It is a self-contained unit.
It is compatible with the S&W BodyGuard 380, but performance varies significantly, affecting accessory choices that might depend on reliable cycling.
Pros and Cons of ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- High capacity (15 rounds) offering more rounds between reloads.
- Steel construction provides a durable feel.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some other aftermarket magazines.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with frequent failures to feed.
- Difficult to load to full capacity without a magazine loader.
Who Should Buy ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish might appeal to those who prioritize high capacity above all else. It might be suitable for range practice if you are willing to tolerate frequent malfunctions.
However, those seeking a reliable magazine for self-defense or situations where consistent performance is critical should avoid this product. The factory magazine remains the gold standard for reliability. A magazine loader is almost a must-have due to the tight spring.
Conclusion on ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Overall, the ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish is a disappointing product. While the increased capacity is enticing, the unreliability makes it unsuitable for serious use.
The price might seem attractive, but the cost of dealing with constant malfunctions outweighs any potential savings. I would not recommend this magazine based on my experience. Spend the extra money on factory magazines, or other brands that have higher user satisfaction.