From the J.A.Freeman AK47 / AK74 Website
AK47 drum and magazine overview

Drums

The 2 types of drums imported for use in AK-47 rifles that are chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge are the Chinese type and the Russian type. The Chinese type drums are easy to spot as the feed tower that is inserted into the magazine well of the rifle is about 90 degrees perpendicular to the body of the drum.

When the drum is inserted into a rifle it hangs straight down. These drums also have 2 clasps that hold the hinged rear cover on the drum.

All Chinese drums come with a carry handle? I use the handle to tie the drum pouch to the drum.

There were 2 sizes of Chinese drums imported the 75 round and the 100 round. All the parts are the same on both drums except the 100 round is just larger. Loading and function are the same for both sizes.

The 100 round drums are unmarked and have the same style winding key as the 36 in a triangle marked 75 round drums.

Chinese drum markings

There are 2 types of markings on the 75 round drums. A 36 in a triangle and a 9396 in a oval. I have measured the parts of both types of drums and they are identical. The only difference besides the markings is the winding key on the 9396 in a oval drums has a elongated oval cut out in it.

Russian type drums

Russian type drums were produced in Russia and several of the Russian satellite countries. They don't have the back that opens up, but must be loaded by inserting one round at a time while pushing the loading lever each time.

In this picture you can see the difference in the angle of the feed towers. The Russian drum is on the left and the Chinese on the right. When inserted into a rifle the Russian drum angles foreword and the Chinese pretty much hangs down straight.

Magazines

Magazines were produced in many countries and with capacities from 5-55 rounds. There are larger capacity ones produced but they were experimental or custom made not standard production. This page will cover the common magazines imported by country. As with drums there are basically two types Chinese and Russian patterns. The pic below there is a one of each and they can be distinguished by the Russian pattern having a rib down the back (right one) and the Chinese (left one) doesn't. Also notice the different type of reinforcing ribs on the bottom sides of the mags. Measuring both types with calipers the thickness of the metal in the different parts of the mags is the same. The mag bodies are made of two stamped pieces spot welded together. The front of both pattern mags are folded over each other then spot welded as is the back of the Chinese mag also done this way. The Russian mag has the back of the two mag halves folded out then spot welded forming the rib you see in the pic.

Chinese

Chinese magazines were imported in 2 calibers 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm/223 Remington. 7.62x39mm mags were imported with capacities of 5,10,20,30,and 40 rounds. 5.56x45mm mags were imported in 10 and 30 rounds. Here is a pic of a 30rd 7.62 and a 30rd 5.56 mag. Notice how the curve of the 7.62 mag is greater than the 5.56. This is because the taper of the 7.62 cartridges from the back to the front is greater than the 5.56 cartridge and the curve is needed so it will feed smoothly from the mag.

10rd 7.62 on the left and 10rd 5.56 on the right.

For more information use the links below

• Pre & Post Ban Chinese AK47 Rifle Overview

  AK type rifles were imported from the People Republic of China (PRC) till imports were cut off in May of 1994. They were... Click Here for more

• Romanian AK47 Rifle Overview

  It was not untill 1997 that the arms embargo was completly lifted that rifles were allowed to be imported from Romania. So there is no such thing as a .... Click Here for more

• Egyptian AK47 Rifle Overview

  Semi automatic AKM rifles were / are imported from Egypt. The factory was shipped to Egypt lock, stock, and barrel from Russia. The Russian's set up.... Click Here for more

• Russian AK47 Rifle Overview

  The first semiautomatic AK-47 type rifles imported from Russia were the Saiga 7.62x39mm imported by B-West Tucson, AZ USA in 1994..... Click Here for more

• How to change handguards on AK rifles
  

  TOOLS NEEDED:  Vise or Quick Clamp, hammer, rubber / wood / rawhide mallet, screwdriver, punch, adjustable wrench, padding for vise jaws (old leather belt, rubber, rags, etc..). After removing the bolt carrier from the rifle... Click Here for more

• How to load a 75rd and 100rd AK47drum

  The 7.62x39mm drums for AK type rifles were made in 75rd and 100rd versions. The only difference between them besides capacity is ... Click Here for more

• AK47 drum and magazine overview

  The 2 types of drums imported for use in AK-47 rifles that are chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge are the Chinese type and the Russian type. The Chinese type drums are easy to spot ... Click Here for more

• AK47 rifle ammo identification

  The 7.62x39mm cartridge was invented by the Russians and adopted as the M-43 cartridge in 1943. The cartridge was developed in response to.. Click Here for more