First Thoughts on the PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin magazine promises to boost the capacity of your Smith & Wesson M&P45 while maintaining reliability. A larger magazine capacity is always welcome, whether for range days, competition, or even defensive scenarios. This aftermarket option from PROMAG aims to deliver just that at a budget-friendly price point.
I’ve always been a fan of high-capacity magazines for my firearms; carrying fewer magazines on my kit is always a bonus. With my M&P45 being primarily a home defense weapon, increasing its capacity beyond the factory standard was a priority for me. I was looking for a cost-effective way to increase my firepower without sacrificing reliability.
Upon unboxing, the PROMAG magazine felt solid, the blued steel giving it a reassuring weight. The finish appeared even and well-applied, although I did notice a few minor machining marks upon closer inspection. This was to be expected at this price point, however.
Compared to factory Smith & Wesson magazines, the PROMAG felt slightly less refined. The PROMAG had a slightly rougher edge finish, and the spring felt a tad stiffer. Considering the considerable price difference between the two, I figured this was an acceptable tradeoff if it performed reliably.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The increased capacity was appealing, but I was also wary of potential feeding issues common with some aftermarket magazines. My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Real-World Testing: Putting PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin was conducted at my local outdoor range. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various .45 ACP ammunition through it, including ball ammo, hollow points, and some of my own reloads. The weather was dry and sunny, so I didn’t have to deal with any adverse conditions.
Initially, the magazine loaded easily, though the last few rounds required a bit more effort than the factory mags. The magazine seated positively into my M&P45 with a reassuring click. During the first 50 rounds, I experienced one failure to feed, where the round didn’t fully chamber.
The PROMAG initially was a bit stiff to load. I attributed this to it being a new magazine needing to be broken in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several more range trips and approximately 500 rounds, the PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin has held up reasonably well. The initial failure to feed issue seems to have resolved itself after the first couple of range sessions. I have not experienced any further malfunctions after the initial 50 rounds.
The blued steel finish has shown some minor wear marks around the feed lips and where it inserts into the magazine well. I have noticed no significant signs of degradation in the spring tension. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, requiring just a quick wipe down with a cloth and some lubricant.
Compared to my factory Smith & Wesson magazines, the PROMAG requires slightly more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. This could be due to the slightly rougher internal finish that seems to attract more residue. Overall, while not flawless, it has proven to be a reliable option for range use.
Breaking Down the Features of PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P45 pistol. It chambers the .45 ACP Caliber, holding a capacity of 13 rounds. The magazine body is constructed from blued steel.
This aftermarket magazine originates from PROMAG, not Smith & Wesson. The steel construction promises durability, and the increased capacity offers a significant advantage over standard magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin generally performs its primary job of feeding rounds into the chamber reasonably well. After the initial break-in period, reliability has been acceptable for range use. Its key strength is its increased capacity.
However, it’s not without its weaknesses. The initial stiffness and the single failure to feed experienced early on is something potential buyers should be aware of. Overall, it meets expectations for an aftermarket magazine in this price range, but doesn’t necessarily exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The blued steel construction gives the PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin a solid feel. It weighs slightly more than the factory magazine due to the added capacity and steel construction. The increased weight is barely noticeable when loaded in the pistol.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, though loading the last few rounds can be a bit challenging without a magazine loader. There is no significant learning curve associated with using it.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests reasonable durability, and after several range trips, it hasn’t shown any signs of significant wear or damage. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are recommended to keep it functioning smoothly. Disassembly for thorough cleaning is straightforward, requiring no special tools.
With proper care, the PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin should last for a reasonable amount of time. It may not be as robust as factory magazines. Regular inspection is key to ensuring reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is directly compatible with any standard Smith & Wesson M&P45 magazine pouches. There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself, beyond potentially changing the spring or follower, but this is not generally recommended.
It does not interface with any specific accessories. It is generally compatible with standard M&P45 accessories.
Pros and Cons of PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased 13-round capacity over standard magazines.
- Affordable price point compared to factory magazines.
- Solid steel construction for durability.
- Easy to load (with a loader).
- Generally reliable after break-in period.
Cons
- Initial failure to feed experienced.
- May require more frequent cleaning than factory magazines.
- Stiffer spring, especially when loading to full capacity.
Who Should Buy PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for recreational shooters and range enthusiasts looking to increase the capacity of their Smith & Wesson M&P45 without breaking the bank. It is also a good option for those who want to have extra magazines on hand for training or competition.
Those who demand absolute reliability for self-defense purposes may want to stick with factory magazines. Anyone unwilling to perform regular maintenance or inspect their magazines frequently should also avoid this product. A magazine loader is a must-have accessory for easy and efficient loading.
Conclusion on PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The PROMAG SW M&P45 45ACP 13RD BLUE STEEL – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin offers a budget-friendly way to increase the capacity of your M&P45. While it may not be as refined or inherently reliable as factory magazines, it provides acceptable performance for range use after a break-in period. The $19.49 price tag makes it a worthwhile investment for those on a budget.
I would personally recommend it as a supplementary magazine for range use or training. However, for critical self-defense situations, factory magazines remain the gold standard. Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing cost, capacity, and acceptable risk.