First Impressions of ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine
The AK-47, a rifle synonymous with reliability and ruggedness, has always held a special place in my arsenal. The ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine promises to enhance the platform’s already impressive capabilities by offering a significant increase in firepower. ProMag isn’t exactly known for top-tier quality but for affordable options, so my expectations were tempered going in. The allure of a 50-round drum, however, was too strong to resist – who wouldn’t want more rounds at their disposal during a range day or in a hypothetical SHTF scenario?
I was looking for a high-capacity magazine solution for my AK pattern rifle. Standard magazines, while reliable, require frequent reloads, disrupting the flow of shooting. A drum magazine seemed like the perfect solution for extended shooting sessions and increased confidence.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag drum felt surprisingly lightweight due to its polymer construction. The DuPont Zytel polymer felt sturdy, but only time and rigorous testing would reveal its true durability. It looked more like a toy than something to be trusted. Compared to steel drums, this was a featherweight. I chose this drum over a traditional steel drum mainly due to the perceived ease of loading and the promise of corrosion resistance offered by the polymer. However, initial impressions left me cautiously optimistic, hoping the lightweight construction wouldn’t translate to compromised reliability.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and skepticism. The increased capacity was appealing, but the plastic construction raised concerns about its long-term reliability compared to the steel magazines I typically use. Could this drum live up to the legendary AK’s reputation for unwavering performance?
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine was at my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for late spring – dry with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for testing. I loaded the drum with a mix of brass-cased and steel-cased 7.62x39mm ammunition.
The first few rounds fed smoothly, but then I experienced a series of failures to feed. The action jammed, requiring me to manually cycle the bolt to chamber a round. This happened repeatedly throughout the first 20 rounds, regardless of the type of ammunition. Frustration quickly set in as the drum failed to deliver the promised uninterrupted firepower.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds, the ProMag drum’s performance remained inconsistent. While it occasionally ran smoothly for a full 50 rounds, malfunctions were far too common. The polymer construction showed no significant signs of wear, but the feeding issues severely hampered its reliability.
Cleaning the drum was relatively straightforward, though disassembling it for a thorough cleaning proved more challenging than standard AK magazines. Compared to my experiences with steel AK magazines, which rarely malfunction and require minimal maintenance, the ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine was a significant disappointment. The unreliability was a glaring flaw.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm. This is the standard caliber for most AK-47 rifles, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Magazine Capacity: 50 rounds. The increased capacity provides a significant advantage in sustained fire scenarios.
- Material: DuPont Zytel Polymer. The polymer construction aims for weight reduction and corrosion resistance, but could sacrifice durability.
- Gun Model: AKM/AK-47. The drum is designed for standard AK-47 variants.
- Magazine Type: Drum. The drum design allows for a larger capacity compared to standard stick magazines.
These specifications theoretically translate to a high-capacity, lightweight, and durable magazine. However, the actual performance relies heavily on the quality of materials and construction, an area where the ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine falls short. The ProMag drum promises more rounds and less weight, yet the unreliability negates any potential benefit.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine underperforms significantly in terms of reliability. Feeding issues, including failures to feed and jams, are common, especially with steel-cased ammunition. Accuracy is unaffected, but the frequent malfunctions make sustained fire impossible.
The ProMag drum’s primary weakness is its unreliable feeding mechanism. While the increased capacity is a plus, the constant jams make it a liability rather than an asset. It simply does not meet the reliability standards expected of an AK-47 magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction makes the ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine relatively lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the rifle when fully loaded. However, the drum’s bulk can make the rifle unwieldy, especially when shooting from prone positions. There is a noticeable difference in how balanced it feels with a drum loaded in.
The drum’s loading process is relatively straightforward. However, the lack of a clear window to visually confirm the number of rounds remaining is a minor inconvenience. The ProMag drum’s design prioritizes capacity over ergonomics and ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The DuPont Zytel polymer appears durable and resistant to scratches and impacts. However, the long-term durability of the feeding mechanism remains a concern due to the frequent malfunctions. Only time will tell how it holds up to repeated use and exposure to harsh conditions.
Cleaning the ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine requires more effort than standard AK magazines. Disassembling the drum for a thorough cleaning can be challenging, and reassembly requires careful attention to ensure proper function. The ProMag drum demands more maintenance than a standard AK magazine due to its complex design and increased likelihood of fouling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine is not compatible with any specific accessories or modifications. It is designed as a standalone high-capacity magazine solution. Its compatibility with different AK variants may vary, particularly with those that have non-standard magazine wells.
There are no readily available accessories or modifications to improve the ProMag drum’s performance. The user is limited to using it as is, which is a significant drawback given its inherent reliability issues. There’s no way to polish this turd.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased magazine capacity (50 rounds).
- Relatively lightweight due to polymer construction.
- Corrosion-resistant polymer body.
Cons
- Frequent feeding issues and malfunctions.
- Difficult to disassemble and clean.
- Questionable long-term reliability.
- May not fit all AK variants without modification.
Who Should Buy ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for individuals who prioritize magazine capacity above all else and are willing to tolerate frequent malfunctions. Those who enjoy tinkering and troubleshooting firearms might find it an interesting project.
This product should be skipped by anyone who demands reliability and consistent performance from their AK-47. It is not suitable for self-defense, competition, or any situation where a malfunctioning firearm could have serious consequences. A reliable magazine is more important than a high capacity one.
Conclusion on ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine promises increased firepower but fails to deliver consistent reliability. While the increased capacity and polymer construction are appealing on paper, the frequent malfunctions make it a liability rather than an asset.
The price of $85.79 is not justified given the ProMag drum’s poor performance. There are more reliable standard-capacity magazines available for the AK-47 platform at a similar or lower price point. Reliability trumps capacity.
I would not personally recommend the ProMag Drum AK-47 7.62x39mm 50 Round Rifle Magazine. Its unreliability makes it unsuitable for serious use. If you value performance and reliability, invest in high-quality steel magazines instead. Save your money and avoid the frustration.