The BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds Made a Bold First Impression
The BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds is an ambitious undertaking. Attempting to reliably feed 20 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition through a semi-automatic shotgun is no small feat, and I was eager to see if this drum could live up to the hype. Coming from a background in competitive shooting and tactical training, I’ve always sought an edge, and higher capacity is definitely part of the equation.
I was constantly frustrated by the limited capacity of standard shotgun magazines during 3-gun competitions. Reloading frequently slowed me down, impacting my overall performance; this BRM drum promised a solution to that problem. Upon unboxing, the sheer size of the drum was immediately apparent. The grey and black finish gave it a tactical look, and the heft suggested a robust build, although I was slightly concerned about the added weight.
I’ve used extended tube magazines from Nordic Components and various stick magazines from different manufacturers for my AR-12 style shotgun, however, I felt that the drum magazine would offer a more significant capacity increase. I picked the BRM over another brand, the XRail system, because of the drum configuration and the reports of easier loading. My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, hoping it would deliver on its promise of increased firepower and reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the BRM Battle Drum Magazine was at an outdoor range during a relatively dry, sunny day. I was testing it with my Charles Daly AR-12S. The first attempt to load the drum was a bit awkward due to its size.
I quickly adapted and utilized the “EZ LOAD hand wheel”, though, which made the process significantly smoother. The initial rounds cycled flawlessly, but by the 10th round, I experienced a few failures to feed, especially when using lighter target loads. I suspect the shotgun needed a bit of breaking in with the added weight of the drum.
Extended Use & Reliability
After about 200 rounds, the BRM Battle Drum Magazine started to perform more reliably, even with the lighter loads. The key seemed to be ensuring the drum was fully seated and that I was using high-quality ammunition. There were a few times when the drum became slightly loose after rapid firing, so I had to check it between stages to keep it securely seated.
After several months of use, I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the drum. Cleaning is fairly straightforward, involving disassembly and wiping down the interior components. Compared to my previous experiences with stick magazines, the BRM drum offers a higher capacity and similar reliability after a break-in period, but is more cumbersome to carry and reload.
Breaking Down the Features of BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds
Specifications
The BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds is designed for 12 Gauge shotguns that accept AR-12/MKA 1919 style magazines. It boasts a 20-round capacity for both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. Weighing in at 35 ounces, the drum is constructed with heat-treated internal metal components and features a proprietary “EZ LOAD hand wheel” for easier loading.
The fact that it can handle both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells is critical. This allows for flexibility in ammo selection. The heat-treated components suggest that the BRM drum is built to withstand the stresses of repeated use, enhancing its overall lifespan and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
When functioning correctly, the BRM Battle Drum Magazine significantly increases the firepower of compatible shotguns. At the range, the ability to fire 20 rounds without reloading is a definite advantage. However, it’s not without its quirks. Heavier loads, such as buckshot or slugs, cycle more reliably than lighter target loads.
The “EZ LOAD hand wheel” is a welcome addition, making loading much easier than other high-capacity magazines. While the drum generally meets expectations for capacity and ease of loading, it requires a break-in period and a preference for heavier loads to achieve optimal reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The BRM Battle Drum Magazine features a grey and black polymer exterior with metal internal components. The build quality feels solid, although the drum’s weight is noticeable, especially when fully loaded. The ergonomics are decent, considering its size, but it does add bulk to the shotgun.
The textured hand wheel provides a good grip for loading. The drum can be a bit cumbersome to maneuver, particularly in tight spaces. There is a slight learning curve involved in efficiently loading and managing the drum, but it becomes more intuitive with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated metal components and robust polymer exterior suggest that the BRM Battle Drum Magazine is built to last. After several range trips and drills, there are no signs of cracking or deformation. Regular cleaning is required to maintain optimal performance.
Disassembly is relatively straightforward, allowing for easy access to the internal components. Proper lubrication of the spring and follower can help prevent malfunctions. With proper care and maintenance, the BRM drum should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BRM Battle Drum Magazine itself does not offer many customization options. Its main selling point is its high capacity and compatibility with specific shotgun models. It is not compatible with any aftermarket accessories beyond the ammunition it holds.
While you can’t customize the drum itself, its compatibility with a wide range of shotguns means you can tailor your shotgun with various stocks, grips, and optics. This makes for a highly adaptable platform.
Pros and Cons of BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds
Pros
- High Capacity: Holds 20 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition, significantly increasing firepower.
- EZ LOAD Hand Wheel: Makes loading the drum much easier compared to other high-capacity magazines.
- Durable Construction: Features heat-treated internal metal components and a robust polymer exterior for enhanced lifespan.
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with a variety of AR-12/MKA 1919 style shotguns.
- Increased Firepower: Minimizes the need for frequent reloads.
Cons
- Weight: The drum is relatively heavy, especially when fully loaded.
- Reliability Issues: May experience failures to feed, particularly with lighter target loads, before a break-in period.
- Cumbersome Size: The large size can make the shotgun less maneuverable in tight spaces.
Who Should Buy BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds?
The BRM Battle Drum Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters in 3-gun competitions who need a high-capacity solution to minimize reloading time. It’s also suitable for tactical shooters and home defense enthusiasts who prioritize increased firepower. This drum is ideal for those who want to maximize their shotgun’s capacity and are willing to invest time in ensuring reliability through proper maintenance and ammunition selection.
This product should be skipped by casual shooters who prefer the simplicity and lighter weight of standard magazines. Also, those who primarily use lighter target loads may find the BRM drum less reliable without significant break-in and tuning. A must-have accessory would be a quality shotgun sling to help manage the added weight of the loaded drum.
Conclusion on BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds
The BRM Battle Drum Magazine 20rd 12Ga- Grey/Black – 12 Gauge Caliber, 20 Rounds offers a significant increase in firepower for compatible shotguns, although it comes with certain trade-offs. The “EZ LOAD hand wheel” is a standout feature, simplifying the loading process. While it may require a break-in period and a preference for heavier loads to ensure optimal reliability, the BRM drum ultimately delivers on its promise of higher capacity.
At $105.99, the price is justified for those who need the added firepower and are willing to invest the time in maintenance and tuning. I would personally recommend it to competitive shooters and tactical users who understand its limitations and are prepared to address them. If you need maximum capacity and are ready to commit to proper maintenance and ammunition selection, the BRM Battle Drum Magazine is a worthwhile addition to your arsenal.