ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine promises to be a reliable and affordable option for those looking to add to their magazine collection or replace worn-out factory mags. ProMag is a well-known name, often associated with providing cost-effective alternatives to OEM magazines, and this particular offering aims to boost the capacity of the M&P Compact while maintaining reliable feeding. This magazine boasts a heat-treated steel construction and chrome silicone spring, promising durability and consistent performance.

As a seasoned shooter and tactical gear enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for quality magazines at reasonable prices. My main interest in this magazine stems from a desire to increase the round capacity of my M&P Compact for both range days and potential self-defense scenarios. I needed a magazine that was both reliable and budget-friendly, which led me to explore the ProMag option.

Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impression was that it felt solid and well-constructed, despite its lower price point. The blued steel finish looked decent, and the overall weight felt comparable to the factory magazine. I was curious to see how it would perform compared to the Smith & Wesson-branded magazines I already owned.

While I haven’t directly compared it to other aftermarket magazines for the M&P Compact yet, I’ve handled similar offerings from brands like ETS and Amend2 in the past. I opted for the ProMag due to its steel construction, which I generally find more durable than polymer options in the long run. It seemed to offer a good balance of price, capacity, and materials.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine appeared well-made, but the true test would be its performance on the range. I was eager to see if it could live up to its promises and deliver consistent, reliable feeding without any hiccups.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine primarily at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather conditions were typical for a summer afternoon – warm and slightly humid. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition types through it, including standard 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain FMJ, and some 147-grain hollow points.

The magazine was relatively easy to load, though the spring felt a bit stiff initially, especially when loading the last few rounds. It seated firmly into my M&P Compact without any issues. During the first few magazines, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, where the slide failed to fully chamber a round.

These malfunctions seemed to occur more frequently with the 147-grain hollow points, leading me to suspect a potential issue with the magazine’s feed lips. Despite those initial hiccups, the magazine functioned reasonably well after the first few rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine, I can provide a more comprehensive assessment of its reliability. The initial feeding issues seemed to diminish after the magazine was “broken in” with repeated use. I’ve experienced only one or two malfunctions in the last 300 rounds.

I haven’t observed any significant signs of wear and tear on the magazine body or feed lips. The blued finish has held up well, with only minor scratches from normal use. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward; I simply disassemble the magazine, wipe down the components with a CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant), and reassemble.

Compared to my experience with factory Smith & Wesson magazines, the ProMag isn’t quite as consistently reliable. However, considering the price difference, the performance is acceptable for range use and training. If I were to carry this magazine for self-defense, I would thoroughly test it with my preferred carry ammunition to ensure absolute reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine features a capacity of 12 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. It is specifically designed for use with Smith & Wesson M&P Compact pistols chambered in 9mm. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel, offering enhanced durability and resistance to deformation.

The magazine follower is injection-molded, ensuring smooth and consistent feeding of ammunition. The magazine spring is formed from chrome silicone wire, providing reliable spring pressure and longevity. The finish is a blued steel, which provides a degree of corrosion resistance. These specifications are critical for overall reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine generally performs adequately, but not flawlessly. The magazine body’s steel construction contributes to its robustness. However, as noted earlier, there can be occasional feeding issues, particularly with certain types of ammunition.

The magazine’s primary strength is its increased capacity of 12 rounds, providing a significant advantage over the standard 10-round magazines often found in compact pistols. While the ProMag meets expectations for range use, its reliability might be a concern for some users in self-defense situations. The magazine could use some improvement with feeding different grain bullets, requiring further testing.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine closely resembles that of the factory S&W magazines. The magazine body is constructed from stamped steel, and it feels relatively solid in hand. The weight is comparable to the original magazine, which is good for consistent balance.

While the magazine feels robust, the injection-molded follower could potentially be a weak point over the long term. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this magazine; it functions similarly to the factory magazines. The grip extension is crucial for the smaller M&P Compact frame.

Durability & Maintenance

The heat-treated steel construction of the ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine suggests that it should last for a reasonable amount of time. The blued finish provides some corrosion resistance, but regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for optimal performance. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward and requires no special tools.

With proper care, the ProMag should provide years of reliable service, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent shooters. Time will tell how the chrome silicone spring holds up after extensive compression.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the magazine itself. There are no direct customization options for the magazine, such as interchangeable baseplates. However, it is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack 9mm magazines.

The magazine is designed to work seamlessly with the S&W M&P Compact pistol and doesn’t require any modifications to the firearm itself. The availability of aftermarket accessories for the M&P Compact, such as different grip options, can further enhance the overall shooting experience.

Pros and Cons of ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine?

The ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want to increase the capacity of their M&P Compact pistols without breaking the bank. It is also a viable option for those who need extra magazines for training purposes.

However, those who prioritize absolute reliability for self-defense purposes might want to consider sticking with factory Smith & Wesson magazines. A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch for convenient carry and quick access.

Conclusion on ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag S&W M&P Compact 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine offers a reasonable balance of price, capacity, and durability. While it may not be as consistently reliable as factory magazines, its increased capacity and affordable price make it a worthwhile option for range use and training. The value proposition is strong for those seeking more rounds on a budget.

I would personally recommend this magazine to recreational shooters and those looking to expand their magazine collection without spending a fortune. However, it is essential to thoroughly test the magazine with your preferred ammunition before relying on it for self-defense. Consider adding this to your collection today!