First Impressions of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine promises to address a common complaint among Taurus 709 Slim owners: limited capacity. ProMag aims to deliver an extended magazine that seamlessly integrates with the pistol while providing a significant increase in rounds. I was intrigued by the potential for improved ergonomics and firepower, critical considerations for concealed carry and personal defense.
My journey to find this magazine stemmed from a desire to enhance the practicality of my Taurus 709 Slim for everyday carry. The factory 7-round magazine felt inadequate in certain scenarios, leaving me wanting greater capacity without sacrificing concealability. Aftermarket options for the 709 Slim are somewhat limited, making the ProMag offering a compelling solution on paper.
Upon receiving the ProMag magazine, the first thing I noticed was the weight. It felt substantial, hinting at the use of robust materials. The blued finish appeared consistent with the factory magazine, suggesting a reasonable attempt at matching the pistol’s aesthetics.
Compared to the factory 7-round magazine and a couple of other aftermarket magazines I’ve tried (mostly generic brands), the ProMag stood out due to its extended design. The others felt flimsy, and the fit was questionable. I ultimately chose this one because of ProMag’s reputation for producing reliable magazines, albeit with a mixed track record overall.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The build seemed solid, but I remained skeptical about reliability, as aftermarket magazines can sometimes be finicky. I was eager to put it through its paces at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range. I wanted to assess its performance in a controlled environment before considering it for everyday carry. I ran approximately 100 rounds of various 9mm ammunition through the magazine, including FMJ and JHP rounds.
The magazine performed adequately in dry conditions. Loading was initially stiff but loosened up after a few cycles. Ejection was positive, and I experienced no failures to extract with the ProMag.
However, after about 50 rounds, I started experiencing some failures to feed. The slide would occasionally fail to fully chamber a round, requiring me to manually tap the magazine to seat it correctly. This issue wasn’t present with the factory magazine, raising concerns about the ProMag’s reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 300 rounds fired, the ProMag magazine’s reliability remained a concern. The failures to feed persisted, occurring roughly every other magazine. I tried different types of ammunition and even disassembled and cleaned the magazine thoroughly, but the issue remained unresolved.
The blued finish showed minimal wear and tear. The magazine body held up well despite repeated loading and unloading. Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward, as the magazine disassembles easily.
The ProMag does not outperform the factory magazine in terms of reliability. It disappoints in that regard, as a carry magazine needs to be reliable. The factory magazine has fed every round without issue, while the ProMag has not.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This ensures compatibility with the Taurus 709 Slim.
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds. This is a significant increase over the factory 7-round magazine.
- Color: Blued. Aims to match the factory finish.
- Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel. Offers good corrosion resistance and durability.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and overall durability. The stainless-steel construction is particularly noteworthy, as it should withstand the rigors of daily use and exposure to the elements. The extended capacity is the primary draw for many users, but it’s crucial that this doesn’t come at the expense of reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition into the Taurus 709 Slim pistol. While it increases capacity, its performance is inconsistent. Reliability is paramount in a defensive firearm, and this ProMag magazine falls short.
The main strength is the increased capacity. The primary weakness is the aforementioned unreliability. It does not meet expectations for a carry magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine body is made of stainless steel, giving it a solid feel. The blued finish is acceptable, though not a perfect match to the factory magazine. The extended length adds a bit of bulk but doesn’t significantly impact concealability.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly. Loading can be a bit stiff initially, but it improves with use. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction suggests good long-term durability. The magazine body appears robust and resistant to wear. It should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care.
The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean. Regular maintenance should help maintain its functionality, although it hasn’t resolved the reliability issues in my experience.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine does not come with any accessories. It’s a self-contained unit designed to replace the factory magazine. There are no customization options for the magazine itself.
Compatibility with other accessories is limited. The magazine is designed specifically for the Taurus 709 Slim and is not compatible with other firearms or magazine extensions.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased capacity over the factory 7-round magazine. Provides more rounds for self-defense scenarios.
- Stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance. Offers a robust build.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean. Simplifies maintenance.
- Blued finish (attempts) to match the pistol’s aesthetics. Provides a cohesive look.
- Substantial feel inspires confidence (despite reliability issues). The weight of the magazine can give a feeling of quality.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability; failures to feed are common. This makes it unsuitable for everyday carry or defensive use.
- Loading can be stiff, especially when new. Requires more effort to load.
- Blued finish isn’t a perfect match to the factory magazine. Aesthetic mismatch.
Who Should Buy ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine might be suitable for range use or target practice, where absolute reliability isn’t paramount. It could serve as a practice magazine to save wear and tear on the factory magazine.
Those who rely on their Taurus 709 Slim for personal defense or everyday carry should absolutely skip this product. The reliability issues make it unsuitable for life-or-death situations. A reliable firearm is non-negotiable.
A must-have modification would be a complete overhaul of the magazine’s internal components, including the spring and follower. However, this would likely negate any cost savings compared to a more reputable aftermarket magazine (if one existed).
Conclusion on ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Taurus 709 Slim Round 10 Round 9mm Luger Extended Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity for the Taurus 709 Slim, but ultimately falls short due to reliability issues. While the stainless steel construction and blued finish are decent, the inconsistent feeding makes it unsuitable for serious use. The ProMag does not provide the peace of mind necessary for a carry weapon.
The price of $41.29 is not justified given the performance. A reliable magazine, even with a lower capacity, is worth far more than an unreliable one with extra rounds. I can’t personally recommend it for anything beyond casual range use.
Ultimately, I would advise Taurus 709 Slim owners to stick with the factory magazines or explore other potential options, prioritizing reliability above all else. Reliability is paramount, and this magazine simply doesn’t deliver.