Promag for Star PD? Ammo advice?

[TrueGrit]

I just put a Star PD .45 on layaway at a local gun shop for $250. Not NIB, somewhat used, but comes with original box, papers, and an extra mag. I know PD mags are expensive and hard to find.

I want to get a third mag, but originals sell for $36 to $40. ProMags are half as much, but I heard they have a terrible reputation. Anyone here use the 7 shot ProMag with his Star PD--and find it reliable? I guess the real question is--would you bet your life on a ProMag for this gun?

Also, since this pistol has a light alloy frame, is any one .45 load better than another in regards to putting less stress on the frame, or should I just not worry about it? I don't plan to shoot +P's though it.

Thanks.

 

[bestseller92]

I wouldn't bet my life on ANY mag for that gun, or the gun as a whole, till it had proven itself through use to be reliable. And I say that about any gun, not just the Star.

I'd start out with hardball to make sure the gun is reliable in general, then probably try out something like a standard velocity 230 grain JHP.

 

[railroader]

I use to have a firestar 45acp. I had both the factory mags and some promags. The factory mags were more reliable and better made. The feed angle of the promag was a little steeper which effected the reliability. Go factory if you can. You might want to invest in some buffers too. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=148476009 Mark

 

[Rex B]

I have a couple or new Promags. I tested them, but only a couple mags full each. No problems with those.
Of course you can get NOS mags from "Star" on Gunboards for $45.
If this will be your SD arm, that is what you should buy, period. He also has the factory grip extensions.
There's a guy who has made some reasonably-priced buffers now: [email protected] $4 - $5 each
I had a friend load me up some light-charge hardball for mine. Even light loads will put enough energy on target to do the job. I got these for practice though, if I carry the gun (not likely) I'll use full-power SD commercial ammo.

 

[techmike]

I'd start out with hardball to make sure the gun is reliable in general, then probably try out something like a standard velocity 230 grain JHP.

Not bad advice. I you have any feeding problems with the PD it will likely be due to bad mags. IIRC the PD's were set up to reliably feed hollowpoints from the factory. I remember my dealer telling me that specifically when I bought my PD in 1987. It fed "Flying ashtrays" with no problem at all.

 

[Jed Carter]

Pro Mag or factory at twice the price... get the factory mag. Mec Gar makes good magazines, check and see if they make one for your pistol, otherwise use factory magazines.