ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Review

First Thoughts on the ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

The ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum promises increased firepower for the iconic AK platform. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer of aftermarket magazines, and this drum aims to deliver higher capacity for those seeking a tactical advantage or simply more range time between reloads. The promise of 50 rounds of 7.62x39mm is enticing, but aftermarket AK magazines can be a mixed bag, reliability-wise.

I was searching for a high-capacity option for my AK-47. I wanted something beyond the standard 30-round magazine. The idea of having 50 rounds readily available without frequent magazine changes appealed to me, especially for training scenarios.

The drum arrived in a simple cardboard box. The initial impression was its weight; it felt substantial, indicative of the spring tension required to feed 50 rounds. The black polymer construction looked reasonably durable, though the finish seemed a bit basic.

I’ve used Tapco and Magpul AK magazines before. I chose the ProMag drum because it offered the highest capacity at a relatively affordable price point, compared to other drum magazines on the market. However, I was aware that aftermarket AK magazines can be hit or miss, so I approached this purchase with cautious optimism.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The sheer capacity was exciting, but I also had a nagging feeling about reliability, given my past experiences with aftermarket AK magazines. I was eager to get to the range and see if it lived up to the hype, or if it would be another frustrating accessory.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at an outdoor shooting range. I ran the ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum through my WASR-10 AK-47 variant. The weather was dry and sunny, perfect for shooting.

I immediately encountered feeding issues. The first few rounds chambered fine, but then I experienced multiple failures to feed, with the bolt overriding the cartridges. This occurred roughly every 3-5 rounds throughout the entire drum.

It was not easy to use. The drum proved cumbersome to load and required significant effort to wind the spring. Furthermore, the constant malfunctions made the shooting experience frustrating.

After the first use, I was very disappointed. The feeding issues were unacceptable, rendering the drum almost unusable. My initial concerns about aftermarket AK magazine reliability were immediately validated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips and approximately 200 rounds fired through the ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum, the reliability issues persisted. The drum continued to suffer from frequent failures to feed.

The drum showed no significant signs of wear and tear, despite the malfunctions. The polymer body seemed durable, and the spring mechanism, while problematic, didn’t appear to be breaking down.

Cleaning and maintenance were relatively straightforward. Disassembling the drum for cleaning was easy, and the parts were accessible. However, no amount of cleaning or lubrication seemed to improve the feeding issues.

In comparison to my experiences with standard AK magazines, the ProMag drum was a significant disappointment. My standard 30-round steel magazines from various manufacturers perform flawlessly, while this drum consistently failed. It was a stark contrast in reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum is designed to fit most common variants of the Kalashnikov in 7.62x39mm. It has a capacity of 50 rounds. The drum is of aftermarket origin and made in the USA by ProMag.

These specifications are important because they define the compatibility and potential use of the magazine. The 50-round capacity promises extended shooting sessions, while the compatibility with most AK variants ensures a broad user base. However, the “aftermarket origin” designation is a potential red flag, as it often indicates a lower level of quality control compared to factory magazines.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum performs poorly in its primary function: feeding ammunition reliably. The drum consistently suffers from failures to feed, rendering it unsuitable for practical use.

The drum’s strengths are limited to its high capacity, in theory. Its weaknesses include unreliable feeding, difficult loading, and a bulky form factor. The performance clearly needs improvement.

It falls far short of expectations. A magazine’s primary purpose is to reliably feed ammunition, and the ProMag drum fails to do so consistently. It’s a significant disappointment.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum features a black polymer body. It feels relatively solid, but the weight is substantial when fully loaded. The ergonomics are poor due to the drum’s size and shape, which makes the AK-47 more difficult to handle.

The drum’s size makes it awkward to carry and manipulate the rifle. The winding mechanism feels cheap and flimsy. Overall, the design prioritizes capacity over practicality. There is a steep learning curve to get the tension right for feeding.

Durability & Maintenance

The ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum appears to be reasonably durable. After several range trips, the polymer body shows no significant signs of cracking or deformation.

The drum is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. The internal components are accessible, allowing for thorough cleaning. However, even with regular cleaning, the feeding issues persist.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum does not offer any accessories or customization options. It’s a standalone product with a fixed design.

The drum is generally compatible with any AK-47 variant that accepts standard AK magazines, with the exception of unconverted Saiga rifles. There are no additional accessories or modifications available for this product, other than potentially replacing the spring mechanism if it fails.

Pros and Cons of ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

Who Should Buy ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?

This ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum is maybe perfect for those who prioritize sheer capacity above all else and are willing to gamble on reliability. Perhaps for a range toy, but certainly not for serious use.

Anyone relying on their AK-47 for self-defense or serious competition should skip this product. Reliability is paramount in such situations, and this drum simply doesn’t deliver.

A must-have modification might be a higher-quality spring, but given the drum’s overall design, it’s unlikely to completely resolve the feeding issues. I would not recommend spending more money to fix a product that doesn’t work as intended.

Conclusion on ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

Overall, the ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum is a disappointing product. The high capacity is appealing, but the unreliable feeding renders it almost useless.

The price point of $62.49 might seem justifiable for a 50-round drum, but the lack of reliability makes it a poor value. A reliable 30-round magazine is far more valuable than a 50-round drum that doesn’t work.

I would not personally recommend the ProMag AK-47 7.62x39mm 50rd Black Drum. The consistent feeding issues make it unsuitable for any serious use. Save your money and invest in reliable standard-capacity magazines instead. The ProMag drum is a classic example of prioritizing quantity over quality, and in this case, the trade-off is simply not worth it.