Beta C-Mag

The Beta C-Mag is a 100-round capacity STANAG Magazine designed for rifles and submachine guns firing the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO, 7.62 x 51 mm NATO, and 9 x 19 mm Parabellum cartridges. C-Mag is short for century magazine, referring to its hundred-round capacity. It has two drum units, each of which hold half of the cartridges inserted into the magazine. The latest version of the magazine features a transparent backing to allow the user to see the number of rounds remaining in the magazine. A C-Mag weighs about 2.1kg when loaded with 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition.

A Beta C-Mag undergoes field testing on an M16-derived M4 Carbine.‎

One such magazine has been designed for the M16 rifle, in use by the US Military. This is of particular interest, as it was developed at a time when the United States was embroiled in a conflict in a region employing similar drum magazines on the AK-47 rifle. The National Stock Number for the M16 version is 1005-01-363-6670. The magazine design, including drawings, is covered in detail in U.S. patent 4,658,700.

Though previously a somewhat obscure firearm accessory, the C-Mag has become more popular after being used in video games, movies and TV shows.

Problems

Reliability

A test by US Army soldiers in Afghanistan found the C-Mag unreliable in simulated combat conditions, with frequent failures to feed among the issues. Problems are exacerbated in dusty and sandy environments. The C-Mag also stresses the magazine release, since a fully loaded C-Mag weighs more than three fully loaded 30 round magazines. U.S. Army TACOM has issued a Ground Precautionary message, GPM-02-017, warning about its use in operations. The GPM predates the initiation of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Beta C-Mag is not in wide-spread use by US military forces, and has not been type-classified.

Tolerances

The interchangeable feed clip (or "tower") on older Beta C-Mag editions have some problems in later AR-type weapons with closer tolerances for the magazine well. The old feed clip which inserts into the rifle's magazine well is encircled by "ribs" molded into the exterior of the upright tower. As a result, the magazine cannot be inserted into the magazine well far enough to fully seat.

Civilian ownership

In 1994, the United States Federal Assault Weapons Ban passed, prohibiting manufacture of magazines with capacity of more than 10 rounds for civilian use. Civilian purchase and ownership of previously manufactured magazines was legal, though as a result of a limited supply, the C-Mags became rare and expensive. The ban expired on September 13, 2004, and Beta Company has resumed production of the C-Mag for the civilian market. Some states though, have enacted their own laws against "high capacity" magazines.

See also

• Magazine
• Drum Magazine

External links

• Beta Company
• C-MAG Results: ‘I’ll Stick with 30 Rounds’ on Defend America