Magpul have unveiled their latest drum magazine, building on the success of their D-60 5.56x45mm drum PMAG they have developed a 7.62x51mm variant. The D-50 can hold 50 rounds of 7.62 and weighs in at 1.7 lbs unloaded.
Magpul say the D-50 incorporates proven GEN M3 technology:
which includes next-generation impact and crush-resistant polymer construction and the ability to seat fully loaded on a closed bolt. Robust stainless-steel internals withstand corrosion and long-term storage while loaded with no loss of function, spring fatigue, or reliability concerns. A slip-on semi-rigid dust cover prevents grit and debris intrusion during storage and transport.
The D-50 weighs 4.5 lbs when fully loaded, with Magpul describing it as “one of the lightest 50-round 7.62×51/.308 drums available.” The D-50 is 8.34 inches tall in theory making it around the same height as Magpul’s 25 round 7.62x51mm PMAG. It’s 4.65 inches wide and 4.35 inches long. It is optimised for use with .308/7.62 but use with other calibers such as .260 Remington or 6.5 Creedmoor is not recommended by the manufacturer. It can, however, be used with “longer-than-SAAMI-spec match ammunition, up to 2.830” OAL, such as M118LR.”
Magpul have put together a short video showing the D-50 in action:
The new D-50 has a ratcheting loading lever which removes spring tension and makes the D-50 easier to load by hand according to Magpul. It also has an anti-glare translucent window on the rear of the drum which makes for fast positive visual indication of remaining ammunition in the magazine. Magpul also note that “the D-50 can be disassembled quickly with a simple flat blade screwdriver or similar tool and it comes with a dot matrix pattern that allows for easy marking and identification.”
The D-50 PMAG is currently only available in black and has an MSRP of $149.95. You can find out more about the D-50 over on Magpul’s site, here.