ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Magazine Review

Uncovering the ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine: Real Review

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine promises to significantly boost the capacity of your Ruger 10/22, offering a high-capacity option for range days or small game hunting. ProMag, known for its aftermarket magazines, aims to provide a reliable and affordable alternative to factory magazines. Let’s delve into whether this magazine lives up to the hype.

After years of using standard capacity magazines, I was looking for a way to extend my range time without constantly reloading. I wanted a magazine that would hold a significant amount of .22 LR rounds, be durable enough to withstand regular use, and of course, reliably feed ammunition into my 10/22 Charger.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly lightweight, a testament to its polycarbonate construction. The smoke-colored polymer felt reasonably sturdy, although it didn’t inspire the same confidence as a steel magazine might. The build quality seemed acceptable for the price point, but I did notice some slight molding imperfections.

I considered other high-capacity magazines from Butler Creek and Champion, but ultimately chose the ProMag due to its attractive price point and generally positive (albeit mixed) reviews. While some complained about reliability issues, others praised its high capacity and ease of use; I decided to take a chance and see for myself. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for more shooting and less reloading.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine primarily at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for testing its performance. I used a variety of .22 LR ammunition types, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal Automatch, and Remington Golden Bullets, to assess its feeding reliability with different loads.

The first few rounds fed flawlessly, but by the tenth round, I experienced a failure to feed. This occurred intermittently throughout the first few magazines, regardless of the ammunition used. This initial hiccup was concerning, but I chalked it up to a break-in period for the magazine spring and follower.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine, the initial feeding issues did subside to some extent. However, the magazine still exhibited occasional failures to feed, particularly when fully loaded to its 32-round capacity. It seems to perform best when loaded with only 28-30 rounds, minimizing the strain on the magazine spring.

After cleaning after each range visit, I noticed no significant signs of wear and tear on the polymer body. The magazine spring, however, seemed to lose some of its initial tension over time. Compared to my experience with factory Ruger 10-round magazines, the ProMag‘s reliability is noticeably lower. The factory magazines consistently feed without issue, while the ProMag requires more vigilance and occasional adjustments to ensure proper function.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

• The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine is designed for the Ruger 10/22 platform. It holds 32 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition.
• It is constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate with a smoke finish. The ProMag features an injection-molded magazine follower and a heat-treated chrome silicone wire spring.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the Ruger 10/22. While it offers the advantage of a high capacity, its reliability falls short compared to factory magazines.

Its strengths lie in its increased capacity and relatively low cost. The main weakness is the occasional failure to feed, especially when fully loaded. I found the magazine to function more reliably after a break-in period, but it still requires careful loading and occasional monitoring to ensure proper feeding.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s polycarbonate construction makes it lightweight, but the overall build quality feels less robust than that of factory magazines. The smoke-colored finish is aesthetically pleasing, but the polymer body does flex slightly under pressure.

The magazine is relatively easy to load, although the last few rounds require significant thumb pressure. No specialized tools are required for loading or unloading, which is a plus.

Durability & Maintenance

The impact-resistant polycarbonate construction is reasonably durable. However, the magazine spring may lose tension over time, potentially impacting feeding reliability. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions.

Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a punch or similar tool to depress the magazine floorplate retainer. This allows for easy access to the internal components for thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine does not come with any accessories. The magazine itself is the primary component.

It’s compatible with any Ruger 10/22 platform firearm that accepts standard 10/22 magazines. There are no specific customization options available for the magazine itself, but it can be used with various aftermarket Ruger 10/22 accessories.

Pros and Cons of ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

Who Should Buy ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine?

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading at the range. It is also a decent choice for small game hunters who need increased firepower.

This magazine is not suitable for those who require absolute reliability in their firearms. Competitive shooters or those using their Ruger 10/22 for self-defense should stick to factory magazines. A speed loader can be useful for quickly loading the magazine at the range.

Conclusion on ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag 10/22 Charger .22 LR 32 Round Rifle Magazine offers a high-capacity solution for Ruger 10/22 owners at an affordable price. However, its reliability issues are a significant drawback.

The value proposition is questionable. While the initial cost is low, the occasional failures to feed can be frustrating and potentially compromise performance. I would only recommend this magazine with reservations.

I would personally recommend it only for recreational shooting where absolute reliability is not paramount. For critical applications, stick with factory magazines. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to extend your range time with your Ruger 10/22, the ProMag might be worth a try, but be prepared for occasional hiccups. Always prioritize reliability and safety, and consider investing in higher-quality magazines if performance is critical.