Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!
Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best AR-15 Drum Magazine 2024 in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!
What is AR-15 drum magazine? 🧐
They are high-capacity magazines designed to hold up to 60 rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition or .223 Remington, making them an excellent choice for modern sporting rifles.
Features 🔥
The drum magazine is an accessory for the popular AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. It offers several advantages over traditional magazines, including increased capacity and faster reloading.
- ➡️ Construction Materials: Most drum magazines are made from aircraft-grade aluminum which offers the perfect combination of lightweight and durability. This material also provides a high level of corrosion resistance so your magazine will last for many years if properly cared for. Some magazines may also feature polymer parts like feed lips or followers to reduce weight even further without sacrificing strength.
- ➡️ Ease of Use: Traditional magazines require you to load each round individually which can be time-consuming and tedious when reloading in a hurry. Drum magazines allow you to load multiple rounds at once which can speed up your reload time significantly by eliminating the need to reload each round.
- ➡️ Compatibility with Other Firearms: The majority of AR-15 drum magazines on the market today are built with universal compatibility in mind but not all models will work with every firearm out there so it’s important to double-check before making your purchase.
- ➡️ Overall Durability: Due to the construction materials they tend to be quite durable overall compared to traditional magazines although some models may be more resilient than others depending on how they were designed or built. It’s important to make sure that any drum magazine you choose is robust enough for regular tactical use as well as occasional recreational shooting activities without wearing out too quickly or becoming damaged from extensive use in harsh conditions like rain or mud.
How does it work? 🤔
Drum magazines are a popular choice for AR-15s due to their increased capacity and easy reloading.
- 💥 A drum magazine is essentially a large, rotatable cylinder that houses ammunition cartridges in various rows.
📌 When loaded into the gun, turning the drum allows each row of cartridges to be individually fed into the chamber of the weapon as it’s fired. This can provide a significant increase in firepower over standard magazines, making them an ideal choice for military or tactical situations that require sustained fire.
Benefits 🤩
- ❇️ Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the capacity of these magazines. With up to 100 rounds per magazine, drum magazines allow for an impressive amount of firepower. This makes them ideal for competitive shooting, home defense, and other applications that require a large number of rounds on tap.
- ❇️ Another major advantage is that they are far more reliable than traditional box magazines. Due to their construction, drum mags are less vulnerable to failure due to dirt or debris getting into the mechanism, making them ideal for use in adverse conditions such as outdoors or in dusty environments.
- ❇️ As well as this, their robust construction also makes them more difficult to damage in storage or during transit, leading to a long lifespan even with regular use.
- ❇️ The drum mags may also be beneficial when it comes to reloading speed and accuracy. Not only can reloading be done much faster and with fewer parts than traditional box mags, but they also provide increased accuracy when firing multiple shots at once due to their consistent feeding pattern from round to round.
- ❇️ Finally, one area where drum mags have an advantage over box mags is weight distribution. Thanks to their unique design, they distribute the weight of ammunition more evenly across the weapon which can reduce recoil as well as make it easier for shooters who need greater stability when firing multiple shots at once.
Top 14 🎯 AR 15 Drum Magazine 60
1# Pro Mag AR .308 Drum Magazine
The Pro Mag AR .308 Drum Magazine is a 50-round drum Magazine that fits most AR-308 / .308 Cal AR-type rifles using LR-308 (DPMS) or SR-25 pattern magazines. It features over-molded stamped steel feed lips and magazine catch, a magazine body constructed of a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer, and an injection-molded magazine follower. The heat-treated stainless steel magazine spring provides reliable feeding, and the patented design makes it a great choice for those who want a high-capacity magazine that meets all the requirements and regulations.
2# Black Dog Machine AR-15 50rd Drum Magazine
Looking for a dependable and super-capacity drum magazine for your AR-15? Look no further than the Black Dog Machine AR-15 50RD Drum Magazine. This rugged and easy-to-disassemble magazine lets you shoot extended 50-round strings of .22 LR, making it perfect for plinking fun with a semi- or full-auto conversion. With the same tough polycarbonate construction as the Brownells/Black Dog .22 LR box magazine, it’s sure to stand up to whatever you throw at it. So pick up a Black Dog Machine AR-15 50RD Drum Magazine today and enjoy extended shooting fun tomorrow!
3# Magpul AR-15 Drum Magazine
The Magpul PMAG is an exceptionally rugged and combat-ready magazine that is perfect for competition use. This magazine is constructed from a one-piece body of fiber-reinforced, molded polymer that is corrosion-proof and self-lubricating. The constant internal curve ensures smooth, unobstructed movement of the round stack and the anti-tilt follower stabilizes the stack to help prevent nose-diving and bolt-over-head failures. The heat-treated, stainless steel spring is stress-relieved for optimal performance and can withstand the heat from a prolonged full-auto fire. The exterior ribbing provides added gripping surface.
4# Pro Mag AR-15 Drum Magazine
The Pro Mag AR-15 Drum Magazine is the perfect way to ensure that you always have plenty of ammunition on hand for your AR-15 rifle. This 65-round drum magazine fits any AR-15 5.56mm rifle and features over-molded stamped steel feed lips and magazine catch for reliable feeding and durability. The magazine body is constructed of a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer for strength and flexibility, while the injection molded follower and spring formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire ensures smooth performance. Made in the USA, this magazine is an essential piece of gear for any serious shooter.
5# Pro Mag AR-15 SMG Drum Magazine
Introducing ProMag AR-15 SMG Drum Magazine. Built from impact-resistant polymer and featuring tough stainless steel springs, this magazine is designed for ultimate reliability and functionality. The heat-treated carbon steel upper housing and handy reloading crank make it easy to keep this magazine in action, while the lifetime guarantee ensures years of trouble-free use. USPSA competition shooters have field-tested and proven the ProMag AR-15 SMG Drum Magazine, so you can be confident that it will perform when you need it most. Order yours today!
6# Pro Mag AR-15 Glock Style Drum Magazine
The new Pro Mag AR-15 Glock Style Drum Magazine is perfect for those who want to take advantage of the pistol-caliber carbine concept. With a capacity of 50 rounds, this magazine gives you plenty of firepowers to work with. It’s compatible with all Glock magazine-compatible ARs on the market and backed by ProMag’s lifetime warranty, so you can be confident in its quality and performance.
7# Pro Mag Saiga 12 Drum Magazine
The ProMag Saiga-12 20-round drum magazine is a reliable and fun addition to your semi-automatic shotgun. Its AK-47-based reputation makes it special and makes using the ProMag Saiga-12 20-round drum a total blast. Its hard-wearing, injection-molded polymer construction ensures reliable service. The access cover keeps out dirt, dust, and debris, yet can be removed for cleaning or maintenance. So if you’re searching for a high-quality and reliable magazine for your Saiga shotgun, look at the ProMag Saiga-12 20-round drum!
8# Pro Mag CZ Scorpion Drum Magazine
The PMAG D-50 EV9 is a reliable, high-capacity drum magazine for large-format pistols and pistol caliber carbines that feed from CZ Scorpion EVO 3-pattern magazines. Made in the USA from a lightweight but incredibly strong polymer, the D-50 EV9 features a ratcheting loading lever that removes tension from the internal spring, making it easy to disassemble for cleaning. With a similar capacity to its 5.56 and 7.62 predecessors, the PMAG D-50 EV9 is the perfect choice for users who need maximum firepower in a compact package.
9# KCI USA AK-74 95RD Drum Magazine
The KCI USA AK-74 95RD Drum Magazine is just what you’ve been searching for. High capacity and reliability guaranteed. This magazine is constructed of black polymer with a clear polymer front plate and features high-tensile compression springs that keep the ammo moving smoothly and reliably. The dual-drum design has an alternating feed system that draws one round from one drum, then the next round from the other drum, for maximum stability and reliability during sustained fire. So if you need a top-quality, high-capacity magazine that you can rely on, pick up a KCI USA AK-74 95RD Drum Magazine today!
10# Pro Mag Springfield M1A/M14 Drum Magazine
The Springfield M1A is a classic American rifle, and now thanks to Pro Mag, it can be enjoyed with a 50-round drum magazine. This magazine is made in the USA from high-quality materials, and it is designed for use with .308 Win./7.62 NATO cartridges only. The all-black finish gives this magazine a sleek and menacing look, and it is sure to be a blast at the range. Order your Pro Mag Springfield M1A/M14 Polymer Drum Magazine today!
11# Pro Mag Saiga 12 Drum Magazine
The Pro Mag Saiga 12 Drum Magazine is the perfect accessory for your Saiga 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. This high-capacity magazine holds 10 rounds of 2-3/4″ ammunition, giving you plenty of firepower for any situation. The magazine is constructed of a durable black polymer with steel reinforcement inserts, ensuring that it will stand up to even the most demanding use. Don’t wait any longer – order one just now!
12# Adaptive Tactical Venom-SE Shotgun Magazine
The Venom-SE 10-Round Box Kit from Adaptive Tactical is an easy-to-install kit that offers faster cycle times, increased shell capacity and lightning-fast reload, making it ideal for defense, range shooting, or competition use. The included Wraptor forend integrates three Picatinny rails for mounting multiple accessories, an integrated heat shield with threaded inserts for mounting an optional kelly grip, and a patented “sight tunnel” which allows you to quickly acquire targets. Whether you need ultimate performance for competition shooting or you need a reliable and effective option for defense, the Venom-SE 10-Round Box Kit from Adaptive Tactical has you covered.
13# Blueguns Training Magazine
The Blueguns Training Magazine is made with strong, impact-resistant polyurethane and steel reinforcement, ensuring that it will withstand any type of training. The detail, handling, and balance of this gun are accurately replicated, making it the perfect tool for law enforcement and military training. The magazine has a capacity of 30 rounds, making it the perfect size for training purposes.
14# Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Drum Magazine
Introducing the Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Drum Magazine Conversion Kit for Mossberg 500 Series Shotguns. This great kit allows you to quickly and easily transform your Mossberg 500 into a mag-fed Sidewinder Venom shotgun system. These Magazines from Adaptive Tactical deliver lightning-fast cycle times, thanks to their durable polymer and alloy construction. So if you’re searching to customize your shotgun with a higher capacity for defense or competition shooting, look no further than the Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit!
How do disassemble and load? 🛠️
Drum magazines are an excellent way to increase the capacity of your AR-15, but they can be tricky to assemble and load. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can easily learn how to disassemble and load it.
- ☑️ First, make sure that all safety precautions are being followed before attempting to handle any firearms or components.
- ☑️ Once you have confirmed that everything is secure and safe, begin by examining the construction of the drum magazine. It generally consists of two metal plates that fit into one another with a set of springs between them.
- ☑️ To disassemble the drum magazine, carefully separate these metal plates using your fingers or pliers if necessary. Then remove the spring and slide out the follower.
- ☑️ Now that the drum magazine is disassembled, it’s time to load it. Start by inserting the follower back into the magazine and then follow up with the spring.
- ☑️ After that, you can begin to add ammunition rounds one at a time into each chamber of the drum. Make sure that all rounds are inserted correctly and securely so there is no chance of misfiring or jamming when using your AR-15.
- ☑️ Finally, insert both metal plates back together and firmly secure them in place with a few turns of your fingers.
FAQ 🤠
Conclusion 😊
So, there you have it – pick the best AR-15 drum magazine! We hope this article has helped to inform your decision and that you find the perfect product for your needs. Remember to always do your research before making a purchase, and don’t forget to check out our other gun accessory guides for more helpful tips and advice. Thanks for reading! ❤️ 🔥
Tags: #ar 15 drum magazine / #ar 15 drum magazine 50 / #ar 15 drum magazine 60 / #ar-15 drum magazine / #ar 15 double drum magazine
The reliability of drum magazines for AR-15 rifles is a subject of debate. Some individuals have had positive experiences with certain models and have found them to be reliable, while others have reported issues with jamming or misfeeding. So, is the drum mag for AR-15 reliable?
As someone who has used drum magazines for the AR-15, I consider them to be a fun range toy. In my personal experience, I have not encountered any malfunctions with the drum magazine, due to the use of graphite powder. I loaded the magazine with both brass and steel cases and fired it using a binary trigger, without any issues. However, I have noticed that inserting the drum magazine can be quite tight.
Hey! I am seeking information on drum magazines for AR platforms. Magpul’s version of the drum magazine is priced at around $100, while X Products is significantly more expensive at $300. My question is, are they worth the high cost?
For me, convenience, dependability, and ease of handling are of greater importance when it comes to protecting myself and my loved ones. I would prefer to have a compact Magpul AR-15 Drum Magazine in my rifle rather than two longer 40-round magazines. Although I would have preferred to pay around $75 for the D60 instead of the current market price of over $100, I believe that having 60 rounds of ammunition readily available without the need to switch magazines makes the cost worth it for me. I keep a couple of these drum magazines on hand for added security.
Hello! I have typically used 30-round magazines in the past and haven’t considered anything larger. However, I am now considering purchasing one or two drum magazines and I would like to know more about their reliability.
As a drum magazine user, I own several mags. I have found that with proper care and the use of dry lubricant, they perform well. However, it is essential to note that after each full service, it must be cleaned and lubricated, which can be a bit of a hassle.
I recently viewed a video about the reliability of an AR-style rifle. In the video, the gas tube became very hot after firing several hundred rounds in full-auto mode, but the firearm continued to operate without issue using 30 and 60-round magazines. However, a failure occurred after just 5-7 rounds were fired using a 100-round drum magazine. The user had to drop the drum as a round failed to feed and cooked off, firing out of the battery in the chamber. The rifle would likely have kept running without interruption if standard magazines were used instead.