If you are a firearm enthusiast, you might be familiar with different types of magazines. Magazines are devices that store and feed ammunition to a firearm. They come in various shapes, sizes, and capacities. One of the most distinctive and versatile types of magazines is the drum magazine.
Drum magazines are cylindrical magazines that store rounds in a spiral around the center of the magazine. They can hold more rounds than standard box magazines, which store rounds flat. Drum magazines have been used in various firearms, from pistols to machine guns, throughout history.
But how does a drum magazine work? What are its advantages and limitations? How did it evolve over time? And what are some legal and practical considerations when using a drum magazine? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will explore the mechanics, history, and significance of drum magazines in detail.
Introduction
The Evolution of Firearm Magazines
The first firearm magazines developed in the late 19th century. They were designed to increase the rate of fire and reduce the reloading time of firearms. The earliest magazines were fixed or internal magazines that were attached to the firearm and could not be removed. They had to be loaded manually or with clips or chargers.
The first detachable or external magazine was invented by James Paris Lee in 1879. It was a box-shaped magazine that could be inserted into the firearm from below. It was used in the Lee-Metford rifle, which was adopted by the British Army in 1888.
The first drum magazine was patented by William H. Elliot in 1871. It was a revolving magazine that stored rounds in a circular chamber around the barrel of a firearm. It was used in the Remington Double Derringer pistol
The Versatility of Drum Magazines
Drum magazines have been used for various purposes and applications over time. They have been used in military and civilian firearms, as well as in sports shooting and pop culture. Drum magazines have also been adapted to different types of firearms, such as rifles, submachine guns, and pistols.
Drum magazines offer some benefits over standard box magazines, such as increased firepower, ease of loading and unloading, and durability. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as weight and bulkiness, reliability and maintenance issues, and legal and practical restrictions.
Understanding Drum Magazines
Definition and Basic Components
A drum magazine is a type of high-capacity magazine for firearms that stores rounds in a spiral around the center of the magazine, facing the direction of the barrel. Drum magazines are contrasted with more common box-type magazines, which have a lower capacity and store rounds flat.
A drum magazine consists of three basic components: the drum housing, the feed mechanism, and the spring system.
Drum Housing
The drum housing is the outer shell of the magazine that holds the rounds inside. It is usually made of metal or plastic and has a cylindrical shape. The drum housing has an opening at the top or bottom where the rounds are fed into the firearm.
Feed Mechanism
The feed mechanism is the part of the magazine that moves the rounds from the drum housing to the firearm chamber. It can be either a rotating disk system, a coil system, or a drum-and-shaft system.
- A rotating disk system uses one or more disks inside the drum housing that rotate around an axis to align the rounds with the feed opening.
- A coil system uses a spiral-shaped spring inside the drum housing that pushes the rounds toward the feed opening.
- A drum-and-shaft system uses a smaller drum inside a larger drum that rotates around a central shaft to align the rounds with the feed opening.
Spring System
The spring system is the part of the magazine that provides tension to move the feed mechanism and advance the rounds toward the firearm chamber. It can be either an internal spring or an external spring.
- An internal spring is located inside the drum housing or within the feed mechanism itself. It can be either a coil spring or a leaf spring.
- An external spring is located outside the drum housing and attached to a winding key or knob. It has to be manually wound before loading or after each shot to provide tension to the feed mechanism.
Types of Drum Magazines
There are three main types of drum magazines: single-stack drum magazines, double-stack drum magazines, and Beta C-Mag drum magazines.
Single-Stack Drum Magazines
Single-stack drum magazines are drum magazines that store rounds in a single row or column inside the drum housing. They have a simple and reliable feed mechanism, but a limited capacity. They are usually used for pistols and handguns, such as the Luger P08 and the Glock 18.
Double-Stack Drum Magazines
Double-stack drum magazines are drum magazines that store rounds in two or more rows or columns inside the drum housing. They have a more complex and prone to jamming feed mechanism, but a higher capacity. They are usually used for rifles and submachine guns, such as the AK-47 and the Thompson SMG.
Beta C-Mag Drum Magazines
Beta C-Mag drum magazines are drum magazines that consist of two drums connected by a central shaft. They have a unique and efficient feed mechanism that alternates between the two drums, but a very high capacity. They can be used for various firearms, such as the M16 and the MP5.
Drum Magazine Capacity
The capacity of drum magazines varies depending on the type, size, and caliber of the magazine and the firearm. However, it is generally between 50 and 100 rounds.
Standard Capacity
Standard capacity drum magazines are drum magazines that have a capacity of 50 rounds or less. They are usually single-stack or double-stack drum magazines that are compatible with most firearms. They are also more common and legal in most states.
High-Capacity Drum Magazines
High-capacity drum magazines are drum magazines that have a capacity of more than 50 rounds. They are usually double-stack or Beta C-Mag drum magazines that are compatible with specific firearms. They are also less common and illegal in some states.
Drum Magazines for Specific Firearms
Some firearms have drum magazines that are designed specifically for them. These drum magazines have a capacity that matches the firearm’s specifications and performance. For example, the PPSh-41 submachine gun has a 71-round drum magazine, while the MG42 machine gun has a 75-round drum magazine.
Inner Workings of Drum Magazines
Loading Mechanism
The loading mechanism is the process of filling the drum magazine with rounds before using it in a firearm. There are three main methods of loading a drum magazine: manual loading, clip loading, and stripper clip loading.
Manual Loading
Manual loading is the method of loading a drum magazine by inserting each round individually into the drum housing or the feed mechanism. It is the simplest and most universal method, but also the most time-consuming and tedious.
Clip Loading
Clip loading is the method of loading a drum magazine by inserting a clip or charger of multiple rounds into the feed mechanism at once. It is a faster and easier method than manual loading, but requires a compatible clip or charger for each type of drum magazine.
Stripper Clip Loading
Stripper clip loading is the method of loading a drum magazine by inserting a stripper clip of multiple rounds into the feed opening at once. It is the fastest and easiest method of all, but requires a compatible stripper clip for each type of firearm.
Feeding Mechanism
The feeding mechanism is the process of moving the rounds from the drum magazine to the firearm chamber when firing. There are three main types of feeding mechanisms: rotating disk system, coil system, and drum-and-shaft system.
Rotating Disk System
A rotating disk system is a type of feeding mechanism that uses one or more disks inside the drum housing that rotate around an axis to align the rounds with the feed opening. The disks are driven by an internal or external spring that provides tension to move them forward or backward.
- A rotating disk system is simple and reliable, but has some limitations:
- It can only store rounds in one direction, which limits its capacity.
- It can only feed rounds in one direction, which limits its compatibility with different firearms.
- It can cause rim lock or double feed if the rounds are not properly aligned or spaced on the disk.
Coil System
A coil system is a type of feeding mechanism that uses a spiral-shaped spring inside the drum housing that pushes the rounds toward the feed opening. The spring is driven by an internal or external spring that provides tension to compress or expand it.
- A coil system is efficient and versatile, but has some drawbacks:
- It can cause spring fatigue or failure if the spring is overwound or underwound.
- It can cause jamming or misfeeding if the spring is not properly lubricated or maintained.
- It can cause bullet setback or deformation if the rounds are subjected to excessive pressure from the spring.
Drum-and-Shaft System
A drum-and-shaft system is a type of feeding mechanism that uses a smaller drum inside a larger drum that rotates around a central shaft to align the rounds with the feed opening. The smaller drum is driven by an internal or external spring that provides tension to rotate it.
- A drum-and-shaft system is unique and efficient, but has some challenges:
- It can cause balance and stability issues if the smaller drum is not properly centered or secured.
- It can cause compatibility and interchangeability issues if the smaller drum is not properly sized or shaped for different firearms.
- It can cause noise and vibration issues if the smaller drum is not properly isolated or cushioned.
Advantages and Limitations of Drum Magazines
Drum magazines have some advantages and limitations compared to standard box magazines. Some of them are:
- Increased FirepowerDrum magazines can hold more rounds than box magazines, which means less frequent reloading and more sustained firing. This can be useful for military and law enforcement applications, as well as for sports shooting and self-defense.
- Weight and BulkinessDrum magazines are heavier and bulkier than box magazines, which means more weight and space to carry and store. This can affect the mobility and comfort of the user, as well as the balance and handling of the firearm.
- Reliability and MaintenanceDrum magazines are more prone to jamming and malfunctioning than box magazines, due to their more complex feeding mechanisms and more tension on the springs. They also require more care and maintenance to keep them in good working condition.
Historical Significance
Drum Magazines in Military Applications
Drum magazines have been used in military applications since the early 20th century. They have been used in various wars and conflicts, such as World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terror.
Some of the most notable firearms that used drum magazines in military applications are:
- The Luger P08 pistol, which used a 32-round drum magazine known as the “snail magazine” or “trommel magazin”.
- The Thompson submachine gun, which used a 50-round or 100-round drum magazine known as the “L drum” or “C drum”.
- The PPSh-41 submachine gun, which used a 71-round drum magazine that was copied from the Finnish Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun.
- The MG42 machine gun, which used a 75-round drum magazine that was incorporated into a linked belt.
Drum Magazines in Civilian Use
Drum magazines have also been used in civilian use for various purposes, such as hunting, target shooting, plinking, and collecting. They have also been used for self-defense and home protection, as well as for recreational and entertainment purposes.
Some of the most popular firearms that use drum magazines in civilian use are:
- The AK-47 rifle, which can use a 75-round or 100-round drum magazine that is compatible with various AK variants.
- The AR-15 rifle, which can use a 50-round or 100-round drum magazine that is compatible with various AR variants.
- The Glock pistol, which can use a 50-round or 100-round drum magazine that is compatible with various Glock models.
Iconic Drum Magazines Throughout History
Drum magazines have become iconic symbols of firearms throughout history. They have been associated with various historical figures, events, and movements, such as:
- Al Capone and other gangsters of the Prohibition era, who used Thompson submachine guns with drum magazines to conduct their criminal activities.
- Bonnie and Clyde and other outlaws of the Depression era, who used Browning Automatic Rifles with drum magazines to rob banks and evade law enforcement.
- Che Guevara and other revolutionaries of the Cuban Revolution, who used PPSh-41 submachine guns with drum magazines to fight against the Batista regime.
- Rambo and other action heroes of the 1980s, who used M60 machine guns with drum magazines to fight against various enemies and villains
Legal Considerations and Restrictions
Laws and Regulations
Drum magazines are subject to various laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. These laws and regulations vary depending on the type, size, and capacity of the drum magazine, as well as the type, model, and caliber of the firearm.
Federal Regulations
At the federal level, there are no specific laws or regulations that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of drum magazines. However, there are some general laws or regulations that apply to all types of firearms and accessories, such as:
- The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA), which regulates certain types of firearms that are considered to be dangerous or unusual, such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, destructive devices, and any other weapons (AOWs). These firearms require a tax stamp and a background check to be legally owned and transferred.
- The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), which regulates the interstate commerce of firearms and ammunition, as well as the licensing and record-keeping of firearms dealers, manufacturers, and importers. It also prohibits certain categories of people from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition, such as felons, fugitives, drug addicts, mentally ill, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged veterans, and domestic abusers.
- The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA), which amended the GCA to prohibit the manufacture and transfer of new machine guns for civilian use, as well as to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners to transport their firearms across state lines.
- The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 (Brady Act), which established the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to conduct background checks on prospective firearm purchasers from licensed dealers. It also imposed a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases, which was later replaced by the NICS.
State and Local Laws
At the state and local levels, there are various laws and regulations that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of drum magazines. These laws and regulations vary depending on the state and locality, but some common examples are:
- Bans or limitations on the capacity of drum magazines, such as 10 rounds or less in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington D.C.
- Bans or limitations on the type or model of firearms that can use drum magazines, such as assault weapons or large-capacity feeding devices in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
- Bans or limitations on the sale or transfer of drum magazines, such as requiring a license or permit in Illinois and Massachusetts.
- Bans or limitations on the importation or possession of drum magazines, such as requiring registration or proof of ownership in Connecticut and New York.
Restrictions on Drum Magazine Capacity
One of the most common and controversial restrictions on drum magazines is the restriction on their capacity. Many states and localities have enacted laws or regulations that ban or limit the capacity of drum magazines to a certain number of rounds, usually 10 rounds or less.
Bans and Limitations
- The rationale behind these bans and limitations is to reduce the potential for mass shootings and gun violence by limiting the amount of ammunition that a shooter can fire without reloading. Proponents of these bans and limitations argue that they can save lives by giving victims and law enforcement more time to react and intervene.
- However, these bans and limitations have also faced criticism and opposition from gun rights advocates and firearm enthusiasts. Opponents of these bans and limitations argue that they infringe on the constitutional right to bear arms and self-defense by limiting the choices and options of law-abiding gun owners. They also claim that they are ineffective and arbitrary by targeting a specific type of magazine rather than addressing the root causes of gun violence.
Exceptions and Exemptions
Some states and localities that have enacted bans or limitations on drum magazine capacity have also provided some exceptions or exemptions for certain categories of people or situations. These exceptions or exemptions vary depending on the state and locality, but some common examples are:
- Grandfather clauses that allow people who owned drum magazines before the ban or limitation took effect to keep them legally.
- Law enforcement exemptions that allow law enforcement officers and agencies to possess or use drum magazines for official purposes.
- Military exemptions that allow active duty military personnel and veterans to possess or use drum magazines for official or personal purposes.
- Competition exemptions that allow sports shooters to possess or use drum magazines for authorized shooting events.
Drum Magazines in Action
Application in Firearms
Drum magazines can be used in various types of firearms, such as rifles, submachine guns, and pistols. They can provide increased firepower, ease of loading and unloading, and durability to these firearms.
Rifles and Assault Weapons
Rifles are long-barreled firearms that fire high-powered projectiles at long ranges. Assault weapons are semi-automatic rifles that have certain features that resemble fully automatic rifles used by the military.
Some examples of rifles and assault weapons that can use drum magazines are:
- The AK-47 rifle, which is a gas-operated rifle that fires 7.62x39mm rounds. It can use a 75-round or 100-round drum magazine that is compatible with various AK variants.
- The AR-15 rifle, which is a gas-operated rifle that fires 5.56x45mm rounds. It can use a 50-round or 100-round drum magazine that is compatible with various AR variants.
- The M16 rifle, which is a gas-operated rifle that fires 5.56x45mm rounds. It can use a 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazine that is compatible with various M16 variants.
Submachine Guns and Machine Pistols
Submachine guns are short-barreled firearms that fire pistol-caliber rounds at high rates of fire. Machine pistols are handguns that can fire in fully automatic or burst modes.
Some examples of submachine guns and machine pistols that can use drum magazines are:
- The Thompson submachine gun, which is a recoil-operated submachine gun that fires .45 ACP rounds. It can use a 50-round or 100-round drum magazine known as the “L drum” or “C drum”.
- The PPSh-41 submachine gun, which is a blowback-operated submachine gun that fires 7.62x25mm rounds. It can use a 71-round drum magazine that was copied from the Finnish Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun.
- The Glock pistol, which is a recoil-operated pistol that fires various calibers of rounds. It can use a 50-round or 100-round drum magazine that is compatible with various Glock models.
Pistols and Handgun
Pistols and handguns are short-barreled firearms that fire pistol-caliber rounds and are designed to be held and operated with one hand.
Some examples of pistols and handguns that can use drum magazines are:
- The Luger P08 pistol, which is a toggle-locked pistol that fires 9x19mm rounds. It can use a 32-round drum magazine known as the “snail magazine” or “trommel magazin”.
- The M1911 pistol, which is a recoil-operated pistol that fires .45 ACP rounds. It can use a 28-round drum magazine that is compatible with various M1911 variants.
- The Beretta 92 pistol, which is a recoil-operated pistol that fires 9x19mm rounds. It can use a 50-round drum magazine that is compatible with various Beretta 92 variants.
Drum Magazines in Sports Shooting
Drum magazines can also be used in sports shooting, such as competitive shooting and practical shooting. They can provide increased firepower, ease of loading and unloading, and durability to these shooting activities.
Competitive Shooting
Competitive shooting is a sport that involves testing the accuracy, speed, and skill of shooters using various types of firearms and targets. It has various disciplines, categories, and rules depending on the type of firearm, target, distance, and course of fire.
Some examples of competitive shooting disciplines that can use drum magazines are:
- Three-gun shooting, which is a discipline that involves using a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol in various stages of fire. Drum magazines can be used for the rifle and the pistol to increase the firepower and reduce the reloading time.
- Steel challenge shooting, which is a discipline that involves shooting at steel targets with a handgun or a rifle in various stages of fire. Drum magazines can be used for the handgun or the rifle to increase the firepower and reduce the reloading time.
- IPSC rifle shooting, which is a discipline that involves shooting at paper and steel targets with a semi-automatic rifle in various stages of fire. Drum magazines can be used for the rifle to increase the firepower and reduce the reloading time.
Practical Shooting
Practical shooting is a sport that involves simulating realistic scenarios and situations using various types of firearms and targets. It has various disciplines, categories, and rules depending on the type of firearm, target, distance, and course of fire.
Some examples of practical shooting disciplines that can use drum magazines are:
- IPSC action air shooting, which is a discipline that involves shooting at paper and steel targets with an airsoft gun in various stages of fire. Drum magazines can be used for the airsoft gun to increase the firepower and reduce the reloading time.
- IDPA defensive pistol shooting, which is a discipline that involves shooting at paper targets with a handgun in various stages of fire. Drum magazines can be used for the handgun to increase the firepower and reduce the reloading time.
- USPSA multi-gun shooting, which is a discipline that involves shooting at paper and steel targets with a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun in various stages of fire. Drum magazines can be used for the rifle and the handgun to increase the firepower and reduce the reloading time.
Drum Magazines in Pop Culture
Drum magazines have also been featured in pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, video games, and comics. They have been used to portray various characters, themes, and genres, such as action heroes, gangsters, revolutionaries, and dystopias.
Some examples of pop culture media that have featured drum magazines are:
Movies and TV Shows
Scarface (1983), which is a crime drama film that depicts the rise and fall of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a Cuban refugee who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami. He uses an M16A1 rifle with a 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazine in the final shootout scene.
The Untouchables (1987), which is a crime drama film that depicts the efforts of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team of federal agents to bring down Al Capone (Robert De Niro) and his gang of bootleggers in Chicago. They use Thompson submachine guns with drum magazines to fight against Capone’s men.
The Matrix (1999), which is a science fiction film that depicts the struggle of Neo (Keanu Reeves) and his allies to free humanity from the enslavement of machines in a simulated reality. They use various firearms with drum magazines to fight against the agents and the sentinels.
Video Games
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), which is a first-person shooter video game that features various weapons that can use drum magazines, such as the RPD light machine gun, the P90 submachine gun, and the M240 machine gun.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010), which is a role-playing video game that features various weapons that can use drum magazines, such as the 12.7mm submachine gun, the light machine gun, and the riot shotgun.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013), which is an action-adventure video game that features various weapons that can use drum magazines, such as the assault rifle, the combat MG, and the heavy shotgun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a drum magazine differ from a standard magazine?
A drum magazine differs from a standard magazine in several ways:
- A drum magazine has a cylindrical shape, while a standard magazine has a box-like shape.
- A drum magazine stores rounds in a spiral around the center of the magazine, while a standard magazine stores rounds flat.
- A drum magazine has a higher capacity than a standard magazine, usually between 50 and 100 rounds.
Are drum magazines legal in all states?
No, drum magazines are not legal in all states. Some states and localities have enacted laws or regulations that ban or limit the capacity of drum magazines to a certain number of rounds, usually 10 rounds or less. These laws or regulations vary depending on the state and locality.
Can drum magazines be used in any firearm?
No,
How does a drum magazine affect the balance of a firearm?
A drum magazine can affect the balance of a firearm by adding weight and bulkiness to it. This can make the firearm more difficult to handle and maneuver. However, some users may prefer this effect as it can also reduce recoil and muzzle rise.
Are drum magazines reliable?
Drum magazines are not as reliable as standard box magazines. They are more prone to jamming and malfunctioning due to their more complex feeding mechanisms and more tension on the springs. They also require more care and maintenance to keep them in good working condition.
