First Impressions of ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine promises to enhance the capacity of your Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, offering three extra rounds over the standard magazine. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer in the aftermarket magazine world, often providing more affordable options compared to factory magazines. My initial curiosity stemmed from a desire to increase my M&P’s capacity without sacrificing reliability or significantly altering its profile.
As a firearms instructor and competitive shooter, I’m always looking for ways to optimize my gear. Standard capacity magazines can sometimes feel limiting during training exercises or in competitions where every second counts. I needed a magazine that offered a higher capacity without compromising the handling and balance of my M&P.
Upon receiving the ProMag, I immediately noticed its blued steel construction. The weight felt substantial, inspiring a degree of confidence, though I was also slightly concerned it might add noticeable heft to the pistol. Comparing it to my factory S&W magazines, the finish appeared comparable, but the ProMag lacked the subtle smoothness of the factory product.
I considered other extended magazines from brands like Magpul and Strike Industries, but the ProMag’s lower price point swayed me initially. The reviews were mixed, with some users praising its reliability and others reporting feeding issues, which set my expectations cautiously optimistic. I was eager, yet slightly apprehensive, to see if the ProMag could live up to its promise of enhanced capacity and reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine was at my local shooting range. I ran it through several drills, focusing on reload speed and magazine retention. It was a controlled environment to assess its initial functionality.
The magazine performed adequately for the first few rounds. However, by the second magazine, I experienced two failures to feed, with the slide failing to fully chamber the rounds. This occurred using standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition in dry conditions. I was immediately concerned about its reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the ProMag, the performance remained inconsistent. I cleaned and lubricated the magazine thoroughly, hoping to resolve the feeding issues, but the problem persisted intermittently. The durability seemed acceptable, with no visible signs of significant wear, but reliability issues outweighed this aspect.
Compared to my factory S&W magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of dependability. My factory mags have consistently performed flawlessly through thousands of rounds. The ProMag, however, has become a magazine I cannot trust for anything beyond casual range use.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is designed as an extended capacity option for the S&W M&P 9mm pistol. It features a 13-round capacity, providing a slight increase over standard magazines. The magazine is constructed from heat-treated steel and features a blued finish.
The magazine follower is injection molded, and the mag spring is formed from chrome silicone wire. These specifications are significant because they directly impact the magazine’s durability and feeding reliability. While steel construction offers strength, the quality of the spring and follower are crucial for consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The functionality of the ProMag is hindered by its inconsistent feeding. While it does offer the advertised increased capacity, this benefit is undermined by reliability issues. It fails to meet my expectations for a reliable magazine, particularly in a defensive firearm.
The magazine’s primary weakness lies in its feeding consistency. The spring tension seems inadequate, causing rounds to sometimes fail to properly align for chambering. This directly impacts its usability and lowers confidence in its performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag‘s design is straightforward, resembling the overall dimensions of standard M&P magazines, but slightly extended. The build quality is acceptable, though the steel feels less refined than factory magazines. The magazine adds a minor amount of weight to the pistol, but it is not overly noticeable.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, loading similarly to factory magazines. However, the rougher finish can make insertion and removal slightly less smooth. There is a slight learning curve due to the occasional need to manually adjust rounds for proper feeding.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag’s steel construction suggests decent long-term durability. After several range sessions, there are no signs of significant wear or deformation. Maintenance is simple, requiring standard cleaning and lubrication.
The blued finish may be prone to scratching with extended use, but this is mostly cosmetic. The magazine disassembles easily for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag does not come with any accessories. Being a magazine, customization options are limited. It’s designed to fit standard S&W M&P 9mm magazine pouches.
There are no specific aftermarket accessories tailored for this ProMag magazine. Compatibility with generic magazine pouches and loaders is the extent of customization.
Pros and Cons of ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible option.
- 13-round capacity provides a slight increase over standard magazines.
- Steel construction offers decent durability.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding and reliability issues are a significant concern.
- Rougher finish compared to factory magazines.
- Questionable spring tension.
Who Should Buy ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine might be suitable for casual range shooters looking for an inexpensive way to increase their magazine capacity. It could be used for practice or recreational shooting where absolute reliability is not paramount.
Someone who should skip this product is anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or professional use. The inconsistent feeding makes it unsuitable for critical situations where reliable performance is essential.
A must-have modification would be a replacement spring, as the factory spring tension appears to be a contributing factor to the feeding issues. However, this adds cost and effort.
Conclusion on ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The ProMag S&W M&P 9mm Luger 13 Round Extended Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag. While the price is attractive, and the increased capacity is appealing, the reliability issues are a significant drawback. The price of $33.89 is attractive, but I’m not convinced it’s justified given the inconsistent performance.
I would not personally recommend this magazine for anyone prioritizing reliability, especially for self-defense or professional use. It is better to invest in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers, even if they cost more.
Ultimately, while the ProMag offers an affordable option for increased capacity, its unreliability makes it a risky choice. Consider investing in higher-quality magazines for dependable performance.