First Impressions of ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The Kel-Tec P-11 is a compact 9mm pistol known for its concealability and affordability. As someone who has carried various firearms for over a decade, I’m always intrigued by aftermarket accessories that promise to enhance a firearm’s capabilities. The ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine piqued my interest because it offered a significant increase in capacity for the P-11, potentially addressing one of its inherent limitations.
I often found myself wanting just a few more rounds when practicing rapid drills with my P-11. The standard 10-round magazine felt limiting, especially when compared to other pistols in my collection. I was looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t compromise the pistol’s overall ergonomics or concealability too much.
Upon receiving the ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was mixed. The blued steel construction felt robust, but the overall length of the magazine was noticeably longer than the factory magazine. Compared to the factory 10-round mag, or even a 12-round extended magazine from Kel-Tec, the ProMag offering was significantly longer. While I hoped for a dramatic improvement to ammunition availability, I immediately knew concealment would be more challenging.
Compared to a Mec-Gar magazine (known for their reliability), the ProMag felt less refined, especially the polymer baseplate. I chose the ProMag primarily for its higher capacity promise. My first thought was: “Can this live up to the hype without causing feeding issues?”.
I was cautiously optimistic. The increased capacity was appealing, but reliability is paramount in any defensive firearm. If this magazine doesn’t feed reliably, it’s a range toy at best.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine primarily at an outdoor shooting range. The weather conditions were relatively mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. I ran approximately 100 rounds of various 9mm ammunition types through the magazine, including FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) rounds from different manufacturers.
The first few rounds chambered and fired without issue. However, by the third magazine load, I began experiencing some failure-to-feed malfunctions. The slide would occasionally fail to fully return to battery, requiring a tap-rack-bang drill to correct. This happened more frequently with the JHP rounds than with the FMJ rounds.
The extended length of the magazine also made it slightly more difficult to seat the magazine fully, especially when the magazine was fully loaded. It required a more forceful push to ensure it locked into place.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, the reliability of the ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine remained inconsistent. I continued to experience occasional failure-to-feed malfunctions, particularly with hollow-point ammunition. Cleaning the magazine thoroughly after each range session seemed to help mitigate the issue slightly, but it didn’t eliminate it entirely.
The blued steel construction showed minimal signs of wear, even after repeated loading and unloading. The polymer baseplate, however, began to exhibit some minor scuffing. Maintenance was relatively straightforward, requiring only basic disassembly and cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents.
Compared to my experience with factory Kel-Tec magazines and Mec-Gar magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of reliability. While the increased capacity was appealing, the occasional malfunctions made me hesitant to rely on it for self-defense purposes. I would likely not trust this magazine for everyday carry.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Kel-Tec P-11 pistol, chambered in 9mm Luger. It boasts a 20-round capacity, a significant increase over the factory 10-round magazine. The magazine body is constructed of heat-treated steel, finished with a black oxide coating.
The magazine spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, intended to provide consistent feeding pressure. The follower is injection-molded from a durable polymer, and the baseplate is also made of polymer. These specifications contribute to the magazine’s overall durability and functionality.
The 20-round capacity addresses a common complaint about the P-11: limited firepower. However, this increased capacity comes at the cost of increased length and potential reliability issues. The steel body should provide good resistance to deformation and damage.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm’s chamber. As noted in my testing, the ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine performed inconsistently in this regard. While it worked well with some types of ammunition, it exhibited failure-to-feed malfunctions with others, especially JHP rounds.
The magazine’s extended length, while providing increased capacity, made it somewhat unwieldy and more difficult to conceal. The magazine did seat and lock into the magazine well with authority, which provided a good degree of confidence. Overall, its performance fell short of expectations, particularly considering the importance of reliability in a defensive firearm.
While the increased capacity is a definite strength, the reliability issues and concealability drawbacks detract from its overall functionality. I would not consider the ProMag magazine an upgrade, but a side-grade at best.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine features a simple, utilitarian design. The blued steel body is functional, but lacks any aesthetic refinement. The polymer baseplate is textured for improved grip during magazine changes, but feels somewhat cheap compared to the rest of the magazine.
The extended length of the magazine significantly impacts the pistol’s ergonomics. It extends well beyond the grip frame, making it more difficult to conceal and potentially interfering with the shooter’s grip. This design makes it very difficult to conceal carry.
There is no significant learning curve to using the magazine. However, the increased force required to seat it fully, particularly when fully loaded, can be a minor inconvenience. Overall, the design prioritizes capacity over ergonomics and concealability.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated steel construction of the ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine suggests good long-term durability. After several weeks of use, there were no signs of significant wear or damage to the magazine body. The polymer baseplate, however, is a potential weak point, as it is more susceptible to scuffing and cracking.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only basic disassembly and cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure reliable feeding, particularly after exposure to dirt or debris. Disassembly and reassembly are straightforward and require no specialized tools.
Given the all-steel construction of the magazine body, it is likely to last a long time under normal usage conditions. However, the polymer baseplate may require replacement over time. Regular maintenance will help prolong the magazine’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer many customization options. It is a standalone accessory designed to increase the capacity of the Kel-Tec P-11. There are no readily available aftermarket baseplates or followers specifically designed for this magazine.
While it is compatible with any standard 9mm ammunition, its performance may vary depending on the specific type of ammunition used. As noted earlier, I experienced more malfunctions with JHP rounds than with FMJ rounds.
Due to its specific design and purpose, the ProMag magazine is not compatible with accessories designed for other firearms or magazine types. It is a dedicated accessory for the Kel-Tec P-11 pistol.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased magazine capacity compared to the factory 10-round magazine. This offers a higher round count for range practice or potential self-defense scenarios.
- Durable heat-treated steel construction of the magazine body. This ensures resistance to deformation and damage.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean for maintenance purposes. No specialized tools are required for basic cleaning.
- The magazine does lock into the mag well with positive feedback.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability, particularly with hollow-point ammunition. Failure-to-feed malfunctions were a recurring issue during testing.
- Extended length significantly impacts concealability and ergonomics. The magazine extends well beyond the grip frame, making it more difficult to carry discreetly.
- The polymer baseplate feels less durable than the steel magazine body. It is more susceptible to scuffing and cracking.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine may appeal to recreational shooters who prioritize increased capacity over absolute reliability for range use. It could also be useful for those who want a higher round count during open carry scenarios, where concealability is not a primary concern.
Those who rely on the Kel-Tec P-11 for self-defense or concealed carry should skip this product. The potential for malfunctions makes it unsuitable for situations where reliability is paramount. Anyone prioritizing discreet carry will also find the extended length to be a significant drawback.
A must-have modification, if you choose to buy this product, would be thorough testing with your preferred self-defense ammunition. This is the only way to ensure it feeds reliably in your particular firearm. Also, a magazine pouch would likely be needed for carry due to the extended length.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Kel-Tec P-11 9mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant increase in firepower for the Kel-Tec P-11. However, its inconsistent reliability and compromised concealability make it a questionable upgrade for serious use. While the increased capacity is appealing on paper, the potential for malfunctions outweighs the benefits for self-defense purposes.
At a price of $38.89, the value proposition is debatable. Given the reliability issues, the price may not be justified for many users. The peace of mind offered by a reliable, factory magazine may be worth the extra cost.
Personally, I would not recommend this magazine for concealed carry or self-defense. While it may be acceptable for range use after extensive testing with your chosen ammunition, there are more reliable options available. If you value reliability and concealability, stick with factory magazines or reputable aftermarket brands known for their quality control.