5 Best AR-15 Drum Magazines
Looking to find the best AR-15 drum magazines for your rifle? I have listed the best AR-15 drum magazines available and which ones you should buy.
Whether you’re looking for self-defense or having fun at the range, all the ones mentioned below will work great.
Drum magazines can be finicky and picking when it comes to ammo. The last thing you want is 100 rounds of ammo, but your gun constantly jams.
This post will list the best AR-15 drum magazines on the market.
Why Use A Drum Magazine?
Do you need a reason? Because they are cool is enough for me.
Seriously though, they aren’t that practical for most people. If you have a plate carrier, they are designed to hold magazine pouches that will accommodate 30rd magazines, which is standard.
Drum magazines can be useful for defensive positions like a gun tower or overwatch when you need a high volume of firepower.
You don’t want to be running and gunning with drum magazines. They are also less reliable compared to 30rd stick mags.
Just because they aren’t practical for most situations doesn’t mean you shouldn’t own any. I like to buy them because anti-gunners hate them and constantly want to ban them.
Everyone will have their own reason for having drum magazines, and that’s their right. Most people like them just because they are flat-out cool and a lot of fun at the range.
Are Drum Magazines Legal?
For most people in the U.S., there are no restrictions on magazine limits. However, some states and cities have a limit on magazine capacity.
Between 1994 and 2004, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban prohibited new magazines over ten rounds in the United States.
After the expiration of the ban, there is no nationwide prohibition against the possession of drum magazines, which are considered a regulated firearm accessory.
Hopefully, you do not live in a state with a magazine capacity limit. You should always check your local laws to verify. Laws change constantly, and I am not a lawyer, so do your research.
Best AR-15 Drum Magazines
Here are some great options to replace your standard grip. All of these are affordable and fairly priced.
We have also included a bonus AR-15 magazine recommendation at the end of the list.
Here are the best AR-15 drum magazines…
1. KCI 50-Round Drum Magazine
Combining clear, lightweight, steel-reinforced polymer construction with a cranking handle and a convenient carry case, the KCI 50-Round Drum Magazine is an affordable high-capacity magazine designed to deliver exceptional durability and lasting corrosion resistance in virtually any environment.
A heat-treated chrome silicon wire spring and injection-molded polymer follower work together to ensure smooth, reliable operation in high-stress tactical environments.
This magazine is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver for versatile field performance, while the precision-engineered feed lips offer a snug fit for added reliability.
These also come with a nylon carrying pouch which is nice.
Features:
- Translucent polymer construction
- Steel reinforcements
- Easy-loading crank handle
- Convenient carry case
Click Here to check the current prices of the KCI 50-Round Drum Magazine
2. ProMag 65-Round Drum Magazine
Maximize your firepower and enjoy fewer reloads with the ProMag 65-Round Drum Magazine, designed specifically for the .223/5.56x45mm cartridge.
This high-capacity drum magazine features over-molded steel feed lips and a precision-engineered magazine catch cutout for a snug, wobble-free fit.
The DuPont Zytel polymer body delivers exceptional durability, while the heat-treated chrome silicon wire internal spring eliminates binding for smooth, reliable feeding.
If that’s not enough, this centerfire rifle magazine is backed by a lifetime warranty for consistent field service you can truly depend on. These are made in the USA.
Features:
- DuPont Zytel polymer body
- Over-molded steel feed lips
- Heat-treated chrome silicon wire internal spring
- Injection-molded polymer follower
- Precision-engineered magazine catch cutout
Click Here to check the current prices of the ProMag 65-Round Drum Magazine
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3. X-Products X-15 50-Round Drum Magazine
The X-Products X-15 50-Round Drum Magazine is one of the most compact 50-round magazines ever produced for the AR-15. The X-15 is engineered around the proven coil magazine technology, which allows side-by-side staging of ammunition in a single stack.
Because of the tension relief device, the X-15 can operate for almost unlimited spring loads. It can even perform in weapons with capabilities of up to 1100 rounds per minute.
The streamlined design allows for zero separation of the ammunition during operation, preventing malfunctions and allowing for an exceptionally compact profile.
They also make a skeletonized version that looks awesome but allows dirt and debris to get inside, which may cause malfunctions.
The X-15 is shorter than a standard 30-round magazine and three inches shorter than a quad-stack magazine. The user-friendly ergonomics and sling ability make this magazine ideal for 3-gun competitors.
Manufactured of the highest grade materials, which give it unparalleled reliability and strength. The critical components of the mechanism are coated in Cerakote for friction reduction and proven reliability without the need for lubrication.
Features:
- Fits most M16/AR-15 rifles, Bushmaster ACR, and Stanag rifles with improved M4 feed ramps. Variants of this versatile magazine work in 5.56×45/.223 and most 300 AAC Blackout*.
- It may require modification in Robinson Arms XCR and the SCAR 16. It will not work in IMI Tavor.
- No tools are necessary to load or operate.
- Manufactured in the USA.
- Lifetime Warranty through X Products.
- 300 AAC Blackout will work in the drums, but due to them being designed around a 62 gr 5.56 cartridge, it is generally best to stick to the 208 gr and down 300 BLK. 220 gr will work but causes added stress on the internals. Soft Point and hollow point munitions are not recommended for use with the drum.
Click Here to check the current prices of the X-Products X-15 50-Round Drum Magazine
4. Magpul PMAG D-60 60-Round Drum Magazine
With durable polymer construction and double the capacity of a standard AR-15 magazine, the Magpul PMAG D-60 60-Round Drum Magazine is the perfect upgrade for your AR-15 rifle.
Magpul’s PMAG magazines have revolutionized how we think about combat gear—raising the bar regarding quality, reliability, and durability.
Get double the firepower in a lightweight drum with Magpul’s D-60.
Designed to be left-loaded for long periods without any loss of function, these drum magazines contain corrosion-resistant internals and a feed tower compatible with USGI stripper clips and most loading devices.
A clear window on the back of the drum allows for quick and easy ammo checks.
Features:
- Compatible with a wide range of NATO firearms such as the M4, M16, SCAR MK16/16S, HK416, MR556, M27 IAR, and others
- Next-generation impact and crush-resistant polymer construction
- Constant-curve internal geometry for smooth feeding
- Anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability
- Multi-use Impact/Dust Cover keeps dust and dirt out of the magazine and protects the top cartridge from potential damage during storage and transit
- High-quality stainless steel spring for corrosion resistance
- Ribbed gripping surface and new aggressive front and rear texture for positive magazine handling
- Paint pen dot matrix panels on the bottom of the body to allow for identification marking
- Flared floorplate aids magazine handling and disassembly yet is slim enough for use with many pouches
- Made in the U.S.A.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul PMAG D-60 60-Round Drum Magazine
5. KCI 100-Round Gen 2 Drum Magazine
Featuring steel-reinforced feed lips and an advanced polymer over-molded body, the KCI 100-Round Gen 2 Drum Magazine is a tried and true drum magazine specifically engineered for volume target shooters and tactical shooters alike.
Combining clear, lightweight, steel-reinforced polymer construction with a cranking handle and a convenient nylon carry case, this drum magazine is an affordable high-capacity magazine designed to deliver exceptional durability and lasting corrosion resistance in virtually any environment.
A heat-treated chrome silicon wire spring and injection-molded polymer follower work together to ensure smooth, reliable operation in high-stress tactical environments.
This magazine is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver for versatile field performance, while the precision-engineered feed lips offer a snug fit for added reliability. Backed by KCI’s legendary lifetime warranty.
This also comes with a nylon carrying pouch and a loading assist device.
Features:
- Translucent polymer construction
- Steel-reinforced feed lips
- Easy-loading crank handle
- Convenient carry case
- 100-round capacity
Click Here to check the current prices of the KCI 100-Round Gen 2 Drum Magazine
Bonus: Surefire AR-15 60-Round Magazine
So this is a bonus magazine that I recommend everyone should own at least one of these. It isn’t a drum magazine, but it is still a high-capacity mag and works great.
The Surefire AR-15 60-Round Magazine features anodized aluminum construction, cadmium-coated springs, and special nesting followers. These extended magazines are the perfect upgrade for your AR-15 rifle.
Trusted by the US military for over half a century and favored by top competition shooters, the AR-15 is an ergonomic masterpiece and the most customizable rifle today.
Combined with Surefire’s massive extended magazines, it delivers practically unlimited firepower and rock-solid reliability.
These magazines can be used with any STANAG 4179-compatible rifle. They fit in standard MOLLE pouches and can be stored loaded for extended periods.
Features:
- Compatible with all weapons that accept standard STANAG 4179 compliant magazines
- Reliable functioning due to mechanical simplicity and high-quality non-binding coil springÿ—no lubricants required
- Long-lasting springs are cadmium coated for low friction and excellent corrosion resistance
- Easily seated in weapon with bolt forward
- May be kept fully loaded for extended periods without spring fatigue
Click Here to check the current prices of the Surefire AR-15 60-Round Magazine
Best AR-15 Drum Magazines FAQ
Are Drum Magazines Reliable?
Perhaps one of the most notable disadvantages of a drum is its lack of reliability compared to a box magazine. It’s true that all magazines eventually fail, but some are far more durable than others.
Are Magpul Drum Magazines Good?
Magpul PMAGs have long been known to be reliable and the “go-to” mag for many shooters. The D60 is just as good and reliable as the PMAGs.
What Is The Highest Capacity Drum Magazine?
The capacity of drum magazines varies but is generally between 50 and 100 rounds. You might consider converting your rifle to belt-fed if you want more.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- KCI 50-Round Drum Magazine
- ProMag 65-Round Drum Magazine
- X-Products X-15 50-Round Drum Magazine
- Magpul PMAG D-60 60-Round Drum Magazine
- KCI 100-Round Gen 2 Drum Magazine
- Surefire AR-15 60-Round Magazine
Have you ever used a drum magazine on your AR-15? Which one did you decide to go with?
Let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?
This list of the Best Red Dot Sights can help you choose the best optic for your rifle.
In addition, here are the Best AR-15 Upgrades & Accessories that can help you get more out of your primary battle rifle.
