First Thoughts on the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is an aftermarket magazine designed to increase the capacity of the Taurus 709 Slim pistol. Known for its slim profile and concealability, the 709 Slim, unfortunately, only ships with a single 7-round magazine, which can be limiting for range use or even peace of mind. I was curious to see if this magazine from ProMag, a well-known name (albeit sometimes controversial) in the aftermarket magazine world, could improve the usability of my 709 Slim without sacrificing reliability.
I acquired a Taurus 709 Slim years ago for concealed carry. It was lightweight and easy to conceal. However, the limited capacity of the factory magazine always made me uneasy. I’ve tried other aftermarket magazines in the past with mixed results, but the positive user feedback about this particular ProMag model piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the magazine, I immediately noticed the blued steel construction. It felt solid in hand. The included grip extension added a noticeable amount of length to the magazine, promising a fuller grip area. Compared to the factory 7-round magazine and a couple of other aftermarket options from lesser-known brands, the ProMag seemed to be built to a higher standard, at least visually.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the increased capacity and the potential for a more comfortable grip. However, I also know that ProMag has a reputation for being hit-or-miss, so I reserved final judgment until I could get it to the range and run some rounds through it.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin was on a sunny afternoon at my local outdoor range. I brought a variety of 9mm ammunition, including FMJ rounds from Winchester and Federal, as well as some Hornady Critical Defense hollow points. My goal was to see how the magazine handled different bullet profiles and whether it would feed reliably.
The magazine loaded relatively easily, although getting the 10th round in required a bit of effort. I experienced no issues inserting the magazine into the pistol. The grip extension did, as expected, provide a much better grip. The first few magazines of FMJ rounds went off without a hitch. I did, however, experience a failure to feed with the hollow points around the 7th or 8th round in the magazine.
The ease of use was good overall. However, the hollow point issue was definitely concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, putting roughly 300 rounds through the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin, I have a better sense of its reliability. The magazine continues to perform well with FMJ ammunition. Failures to feed with hollow points remain an issue, although they have decreased somewhat as the magazine has been broken in.
There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear on the magazine body. However, the grip extension has started to slide off more easily, as some other users have noted. Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a cloth and some gun oil keeps it running smoothly (as long as I’m using FMJ rounds!).
Compared to the original 7-round magazine, the ProMag offers significantly more capacity and a better grip. However, its unreliability with hollow points makes it unsuitable for concealed carry in my opinion.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This magazine is specifically designed for the 9mm Taurus 709 Slim.
- Capacity: 10 rounds. A significant increase over the factory 7-round magazine.
- Finish: Blued steel. Provides a durable and corrosion-resistant coating.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Not manufactured by Taurus.
- Material: Steel. Offers good strength and durability compared to polymer magazines.
- Grip Extension: Polymer sleeve that extends the grip area for improved handling.
These specifications translate to improved capacity and handling, but with the caveat that the magazine is an aftermarket product, which can sometimes mean reduced reliability compared to factory magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin performs its primary job of increasing magazine capacity reasonably well. It is reliable with FMJ ammunition, feeding and ejecting rounds consistently. However, its performance with hollow points is less than ideal, with occasional failures to feed.
Its strengths lie in its increased capacity and improved grip. Its weaknesses lie in its ammunition sensitivity and the somewhat loose-fitting grip extension. It meets expectations for range use with FMJ rounds, but falls short for those looking for a reliable concealed carry magazine with defensive ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality feels adequate for an aftermarket magazine at this price point. The steel construction feels robust. The grip extension, while providing a better grip, feels a bit cheap and tends to slide around.
The magazine is user-friendly in terms of loading and unloading. However, the need to carefully select ammunition due to feeding issues adds a layer of complexity.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that the magazine should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended to maintain optimal performance. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, but not as easy as some other magazine designs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin does not come with any additional accessories beyond the included grip extension. There are no readily available customization options. However, the magazine is compatible with standard 9mm ammunition. It is designed specifically for the Taurus 709 Slim pistol and may not function reliably in other firearms.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased magazine capacity to 10 rounds.
- Noticeably improved grip area with the included extension.
- Affordable price point.
- Durable steel construction.
- Functions reliably with FMJ ammunition.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding with hollow point ammunition.
- Grip extension tends to slide off.
- Aftermarket origin may raise concerns about long-term reliability compared to factory magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for Taurus 709 Slim owners who primarily use their pistol for range practice and are looking for a higher capacity magazine for target shooting with FMJ ammunition. It is also suitable for those who find the standard 7-round magazine too short and desire a more substantial grip.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who rely on their Taurus 709 Slim for concealed carry and require 100% reliability with hollow point defensive ammunition. Also, users who prefer factory-made accessories or are unwilling to tolerate potential feeding issues should avoid this ProMag magazine.
A must-have modification would be to secure the grip extension more firmly with some adhesive, although this is not essential.
Conclusion on ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim (Post-2009) 9mm 10 rd Steel Blued – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin offers an affordable way to increase the capacity and improve the grip of the Taurus 709 Slim pistol. However, its unreliability with hollow point ammunition is a significant drawback for those who intend to use it for self-defense.
At a price of $18.99, the value proposition is decent for range use with FMJ rounds. However, the inconsistent performance prevents me from wholeheartedly recommending it for all applications.
I would personally recommend this magazine with reservations. It is a worthwhile addition for range practice but not as a primary magazine for concealed carry. If you’re looking to extend the life of your firearm, then consider this magazine.