Let’s Talk About ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine promises to be a reliable and affordable alternative to factory magazines for the popular Taurus PT709 Slim. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless aftermarket magazines come and go, some brilliant, some downright dangerous. I was drawn to the ProMag offering because the 709 Slim’s magazines can be difficult to find at times and additional magazines are always welcome for any defensive firearm.
My journey with the Taurus 709 Slim started as a search for a lightweight, easily concealable 9mm for everyday carry. The factory magazines were dependable, but I always prefer to have a few spares for training and peace of mind. Unboxing the ProMag magazine, my initial impression was that the blued steel construction felt solid, although the finish wasn’t quite as refined as the factory magazine. The injection-molded follower appeared functional, and the spring seemed robust enough for reliable feeding.
Compared to factory Taurus magazines and Mec-Gar magazines (which are often considered top-tier), the ProMag felt slightly less polished. However, the price point was significantly lower, making it an attractive option if performance held up. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – hoping that the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine would deliver reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, even if it lacked some of the refinements of more expensive alternatives.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range, under typical range conditions. The weather was mild and dry, providing a neutral environment for initial testing. Loading the magazine proved to be slightly more challenging than the factory magazine, requiring a bit more force to seat each round.
During my first few magazines, I experienced a few failures to feed, where the slide would close on an empty chamber despite rounds remaining in the magazine. After about 50 rounds, the magazine seemed to break in slightly, and the feeding issues subsided. I did notice that the slide consistently failed to lock back on an empty magazine, a crucial function for efficient reloading during training or a defensive situation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range use, the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine has shown some signs of wear, mainly minor scratches on the finish from inserting and removing it from the magazine well. The magazine body itself seems durable, with no signs of bending or cracking. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a bit of solvent removes any residue.
Compared to my experience with the factory Taurus magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. While the factory magazines have been flawless through thousands of rounds, the ProMag’s occasional feeding issues and consistent failure to lock back the slide are definite drawbacks.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Taurus PT709 Slim pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. It features a blued steel magazine body for durability. The magazine also has an injection-molded polymer follower and a magazine spring formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire.
The ProMag magazine is designed to be a standard capacity magazine, holding 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition. This capacity is standard for the Taurus 709 Slim, maintaining the pistol’s slim profile. The choice of heat-treated steel and chrome silicone wire suggests a focus on longevity and resistance to wear and tear, crucial for a magazine that will see regular use.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition into the Taurus PT709 Slim pistol. While it generally performs this function adequately, the aforementioned occasional failures to feed and consistent failure to lock back on empty are significant performance drawbacks. The magazine’s strengths lie in its robust construction and relatively low price point.
The biggest weakness is the slide not locking back. This is a major flaw in a defensive pistol. It doesn’t quite meet expectations due to the aforementioned slide lock issue.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine is designed to closely mimic the dimensions of the factory Taurus magazine, ensuring a flush fit in the pistol’s magazine well. The blued steel finish offers a decent level of corrosion resistance, though it’s not as durable as some more advanced coatings. The magazine is relatively easy to load, although it requires slightly more effort than the factory magazine.
There’s a slight learning curve due to the slightly stiffer spring. The build is decent enough for the price.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, constructed from heat-treated steel that should withstand regular use and handling. With proper care and maintenance, including regular cleaning and inspection, the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only basic tools and knowledge.
Maintenance is also simple, like most magazines. The longetivity should be acceptable for the price.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer many customization options in itself, as it’s primarily a replacement magazine. There are no readily available aftermarket followers or baseplates specifically designed for this magazine. Its main compatibility lies with the Taurus PT709 Slim pistol, and it’s designed to function with standard 9mm ammunition.
There are no accessories sold with the magazine. There are few customization options for pistol magazines.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol MagazinePros
- Affordable price point, making it a budget-friendly option for spare magazines.
- Durable steel construction for decent longevity.
- Functions adequately for range practice after a break-in period.
- Fits flush with the Taurus 709 Slim frame.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Consistent failure to lock back the slide on an empty magazine.
- Occasional failures to feed, especially when new.
- Finish not as refined as factory magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine?
Pros
- Affordable price point, making it a budget-friendly option for spare magazines.
- Durable steel construction for decent longevity.
- Functions adequately for range practice after a break-in period.
- Fits flush with the Taurus 709 Slim frame.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Consistent failure to lock back the slide on an empty magazine.
- Occasional failures to feed, especially when new.
- Finish not as refined as factory magazines.
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need extra magazines for range practice and are willing to accept some compromises in reliability. It’s also suitable for those who want to have spare magazines for their Taurus 709 Slim without investing heavily in higher-priced factory magazines. Those who rely on their Taurus 709 Slim for self-defense should probably skip this product.
If using for self-defense, stick with factory magazines. There are no must-have modifications.
Conclusion on ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim 9mm Luger Pistol Magazine offers a budget-friendly alternative to factory magazines, but it comes with some significant drawbacks in terms of reliability. While it may be acceptable for range practice after a break-in period, the consistent failure to lock back the slide on empty is a serious issue for defensive use. The price is justified if you’re simply looking for inexpensive range magazines and understand its limitations.
I would personally recommend this product with reservations. It’s an okay option for range use only, but I cannot recommend it for self-defense or concealed carry. If you need reliable magazines for your Taurus 709 Slim, invest in factory magazines or higher-quality aftermarket options.
