ProMag Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Magazine Review

Does the ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine Live Up to Its Name?

The ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and reliable feeding for the Sig Pro SP2009 and SP2022 pistols. ProMag is a well-known name in aftermarket magazines, often offering more affordable alternatives to factory options. This particular magazine boasts a high-carbon steel construction, heat-treated for strength, and an 18-round capacity, exceeding the standard magazine’s round count.

My search for this magazine stemmed from a need for higher capacity options for my Sig Pro SP2022. Factory magazines can be expensive, and I wanted a more cost-effective solution for range days and training exercises. The promise of 18 rounds, coupled with the steel construction, piqued my interest.

Upon receiving the ProMag magazine, I immediately noticed its heft. It felt solid and well-made, though perhaps a bit rougher in its finish compared to my factory Sig Sauer mags. The steel body inspired confidence, a welcome change from some polymer alternatives I’ve encountered in the past.

I considered magazines from Mec-Gar and even sourced some surplus Sig Sauer magazines, but ultimately chose the ProMag for its balance of capacity and price. Mec-Gar is known for quality, but their options were pricier, and the surplus mags were often a gamble on condition. The ProMag seemed like a reasonable middle ground.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While the finish wasn’t perfect, the overall construction seemed sturdy. I was eager to test its performance at the range and see if it lived up to its capacity claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for the area – slightly humid with a light breeze. I loaded the magazine to its full 18-round capacity using various 9mm loads, from standard 115-grain FMJ to heavier 147-grain hollow points.

Initially, the magazine proved difficult to fully load. The last few rounds required significant effort to seat, and I worried about potential feeding issues. The first few magazines cycled without a hiccup.

However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed. The slide would lock back prematurely, even with rounds remaining in the magazine. This issue became more frequent as the magazine heated up from repeated firing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions spanning a few months, the reliability of the ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine remained inconsistent. It held up okay, but I would not trust it for serious use. The failures to feed persisted, occurring roughly once every two or three magazines.

There were no significant signs of wear and tear on the magazine body itself, but the finish began to show scratches and minor surface rust in a few spots. Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, but I noticed that the follower occasionally stuck inside the magazine body, requiring extra effort to dislodge. Compared to my factory Sig Sauer magazines, the ProMag consistently underperformed. The factory mags exhibited flawless feeding, even after thousands of rounds.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Sig Sauer Pro SP2009 and SP2022 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It has a magazine capacity of 18 rounds. This increased capacity provides a significant advantage in situations where more rounds are needed.

The magazine body is constructed of high carbon heat-treated steel with a black oxide finish, which is meant to enhance durability and resist corrosion. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire. An injection-molded polymer follower is used.

These specifications are intended to provide reliable feeding and long-lasting performance. However, in my experience, the spring tension seemed weaker than that of factory magazines, potentially contributing to the feeding issues.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine is a mixed bag. When it works, it works fine. The increased capacity is definitely a plus.

However, the reliability issues cannot be ignored. The frequent failures to feed made it unsuitable for defensive purposes or situations where consistent performance is critical. The primary weakness lies in its inconsistent feeding, which undermines its usability.

It does not fully meet my expectations. While the steel construction and increased capacity are appealing, the reliability issues outweigh these benefits.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for an aftermarket magazine. The high carbon heat-treated steel feels robust, and the black oxide finish provides some degree of corrosion resistance. The weight is comparable to a fully loaded factory magazine.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the magazine is easy to load, despite the stiffness of the spring when fully loading. No real learning curve is involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The magazine body itself appears to be durable and should last a long time. The black oxide finish seems reasonably resistant to wear, but I did observe some minor surface rust in areas where the finish had been scratched.

Maintenance is straightforward. The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning, and the parts are simple to wipe down and lubricate.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories are included with the ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine. There are no real customization options for a magazine like this beyond perhaps replacing the follower or spring with aftermarket parts, but that would defeat the purpose of buying a more affordable magazine.

As for compatibility, the magazine is specifically designed for the Sig Sauer Pro SP2009 and SP2022 pistols. While some users have reported success using it in other 9mm pistols, I would not recommend attempting to do so. Stick to the intended models to ensure proper fit and function.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine

Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine?

The ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters on a tight budget who want to experiment with higher capacity magazines for range use. These users should accept the possibility of occasional malfunctions. It will be useful for those who want to use it for less critical range purposes, as a low-cost choice.

This product is not suitable for individuals who rely on their firearm for self-defense or those who demand absolute reliability. The feeding issues make it a poor choice for such applications.

Must-have accessories: I would recommend thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the magazine before use.

Conclusion on ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine

The ProMag Steel Sig Sauer Sig Pro 9mm 18-Round Pistol Magazine offers an appealing combination of increased capacity and affordable price. However, its inconsistent feeding reliability makes it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. While the steel construction and ease of maintenance are positives, the risk of malfunctions outweighs these benefits for serious applications.

The value proposition is questionable. The lower price is attractive, but the potential for frustration and unreliability diminishes the overall value. I would not personally recommend it for anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or requires consistent performance.

Final thoughts: While the ProMag magazine may serve as a low-cost option for casual range use, it falls short of expectations for those seeking a reliable and dependable high-capacity magazine. Consider investing in factory magazines or higher-quality aftermarket options for critical applications. If you are on a very strict budget and only need it for some range time, proceed with caution and be prepared to deal with malfunctions.