I was told that there is a steel Pre ban Drum Magazine for the AR15, not the Beta C magazine.  If so, does anyone know anything about these, what is a good price for one?

Thank you for your input

Are you possibly referring to a Chinese or Romanian 75 round drum mags "converted" to fit the AR-15?

IIRC, I have seen some of those at the gunshow on occasion, at least that's what they looked like to me......

Mike

120 Round Chinese made drum magazine.

I have one that I paid $80.00 for at a gunshow years ago.   I wish I had bought all that the guy had.  They now go for $300.00

Look around, you can still find them, but they are expensive.  The one I have works great, I use it in my Pro Ordinance AR 15 Pistol.

I saw one for sale on gunbroker.com a week or so ago.

Cableman, you use a 120 round drum in your AR pistol?

The gun control groups must love you =)

hehe!

If I remember correctly people have had problems with the converted models. Might be better to just save up and buy the Beta.

I dont know if I would trust my life to a beta, if that the purpose.  If its just for the range I guess it would be ok.  Ive personally heard of dead troops found with these things jambed.

Yes, there were Noranco 120-rd drum mags build specifically for the AR-15/M-16.  I posted pics and the owner's maual on another thread but I will repost here as well...

Here is the manual in a pdf format...

[url]http://quarterbore.com/library/pdf_files/mdg3-120rdmag.pdf[/url]

In case you want the pics, here you go...

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_120_drum_01.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_120_drum_02.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_120_drum_03.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_120_drum_04.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page01.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page02.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page03.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page04.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page05.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page06.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.quarterbore.com/images/mdg3_page07.gif[/img]

There was a steel drum made and sold by a co. MWG, that was I believe a 75 rounder. It was also a jama matic.
Jack

While the Beta mag is getting mixed reviews from the troops as a possible addition to SOPMOD II, I have yet to see anything about deaths related to this mag.  Care to provide a source for your info?

I kinda like em all loaded with tracers as a way to direct gunships, if I actually ever saw a gunship :-)

PSY_WAR,

I (heard) this, but I do believe that I may have read it too,  I will try to find the written report.  If its in my fax pile I will shoot it to you or re-type.

I would not bet my life on the beta mag.  Even if they were completely reliable there are some other tactical considerations:

1) If the mag jams or is damaged, a SUBSTANTIAL substantial portion of your ammo load is not readily accessible.
2) They are awkward to handle during mag changes, therefore more likely to be dropped and DAMAGED (see 1, above)
3)  They are heavy. I can't add much to that.


These three considerations apply to all the AR drum mags I'm aware of.  That said, they are great fun to play with on the range.

southern

I have the MWG 75 rounder, plastic, and it seemed to work well enough in full auto, but I only used it once or twice.  I did not like how it stuck out to the side, was bulky, and made the rifle very off balance.  I got the Beta C mag, but except for pictures, I haven't actually used it.  I have a problem with abusing my gas tube.  I have heard bad reports about the Beta C, but from what I understand, they were not built for endurance but were supposed to be more of a one time then throw away deal.

Once the AWB sunsets, perhaps the Beta mags will drop back down in price to something reasonable.  They should not have to cost the price of an entire stinking rifle.  I will also be wanting a Beta C for my MP5, FAL, and others I am sure will want the HK91/93 units.  What I really want are some .22 rimfire drum mags! YEAH!!!!

And I am hoping for a 9mm Beta Mag for the UZI and Colt 9mm systems!!!

I have a couple Betas...the only times I've *ever* had a problem with them was when I didn't lube up the dummy rounds at the bottom with some of the graphite lube that the mag came with. So long as I remember to sprinkle some on before I load the sucker up, it'll run all day without a problem.

I seem to recall not long ago a field advisory notice went out, recommending the boys in green not use beta mags...as if you drop a fully loaded one, you might snap one of the snails off.

For a SAW gunner who doesn't/can't carry a belt, a handful of betas would do the job nicely. Because they can be stored in a loaded state without worry about a set taking place, they can be loaded and stored right now, and be ready to go when you need them.

My only real complaint about it..is it's noisy. It rattles. Then again, if I actually need to use it...it won't be the mags rattle that anyone'll hear [;)]