The AK-47 design virtually tripled the firepower of the SKS carbine it replaced. The SKS had a capacity of 10 rounds that were loaded via a stripper clip into the SKS’s internal magazine.
- RELATED: AK Upgrades: 14 Top Optics, Sights & Lasers
- RELATED: Birth of the AK: A History of the Avtomat Kalashnikova
The AK-47 was originally designed to use a stamped steel, 30-round magazine that offered more firepower and faster reloads. As the firearm’s design evolved, AK magazines were enhanced. Polymer magazine bodies offered lighter weights and resistance to denting and corrosion. Drum magazines further increased firepower, typically offering a 75-round capacity.
Here is a look at the latest variety of AK magazines and drums, ranging from newly manufactured steel and polymer variants to battle-tested military surplus.
For more information on the AK magazines and drums listed above, please visit the following websites:
- Arms of America AK-74 Drum: (armsofamerica.com; 888-729-7815)
- Arsenal Bulgarian M-47W: (arsenalinc.com; 702-643-2220)
- Izhmash Magazines From Atlantic Firearms (atlanticfirearms.com; 410-352-5183)
- CAA Polymer Magazine: (commandarms.com; 215-949-9944)
- Century Romanian AK Drum: (centuryarms.com; 800-527-1252)
- Gibbs Matra Magazine: (gibbsrifle.com; 304-274-0004)
- K-Var M-47W40: (k-var.com; 702-364-8880)
- PMAG 30AK/AKM: (magpul.com; 303-828-3460)
- ProMag AK-A16: (promagindustries.com; 800-438-2547)
- SGM Tactical Vepr 12 Gauge: (sgmtactical.com; 865-980-0510)
- TAPCO Intrafuse Magazine: (tapco.com; 800-554-1445)
- TAPCO Smooth Side Magazine: (tapco.com; 800-554-1445)
- US Palm AK30-10: (uspalm.com; 602-281-2940)




