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Construction and Design
The C-MAG is a twin-drum, high capacity ammunition magazine for rifles, light support weapons, firing port and other specialized weapons in 5.56mm caliber. Its main components are
constructed of high impact plastic. Avoiding trouble-prone compression springs, the C-MAG utilizes a unique rotation device and low torsion stress springs which ensure positive control of each round and proper
feeding. The design provides for equal distribution of the ammunition in each of the twin drums located on either side of the weapon. This results in a fixed center of gravity during firing, an important
attribute during full automatic performance. The compact design allows for better ground clearance.
Loading
The C-MAG loads and functions just like standard magazines. It may be reloaded and reused repeatedly. Loading does not demand disassembly or special tools. The cartridges are loaded
by pressing them into the feed aperture in the same way as a normal straight magazine. The cartridges will automatically feed alternately into each drum. Loading can be done by hand or with a choice of loading
devices. The springs are tensioned during the loading operation, without the need for any supplementary operations. The magazine does not need to be empty to be loaded and remains completely operational at all
times; loading may be stopped at any point, the magazine inserted into the weapon, ready for immediate operation.
Operation
The key feature of the C-MAG is the formation of the double rows of cartridges (yellow) in each of the drums.
Diagram 1 illustrates how these double rows are formed in the interior magazine. Also shown are spacer rounds (gray) and two pusher arm assemblies (blue). The solid spacer rounds (gray) occupy the feed clip
when the magazine is empty (Diagram 2). The number required depends on the length and style of the feed clip, which is specific to an individual weapon system. The pusher arm assemblies (blue) transfer the spring energy to the cartridges while being loaded and unloaded. They also serve to maintain the proper orientation of the leading solid spacer rounds.
The upper half of the top spacer round positioned at the open end of the fee d clip in an empty C-MAG (Diagram 2) is tapered and linked to the one below (red). The weapon bolt will pass over it and stop in the closed position, after the last round has been fired.
During loading the live cartridges are pressed into the feed clip. The column of spacer rounds and live cartridges are pushed into the drums. The cartridge column splits at the point
where the feed clip joins the storage housing; this allows for the concurrent division of the stored ammunition on each side of the magazine. Further into each drum the
cartridges are allowed to divide into two concentric rows for storage.
Unloading during firing is the reverse. As cartridges are stripped from the feed clip, the column of cartridges
advances to fill the space. The springs in the C-MAG are designed to provide virtually a constant amount of tension, regardless of the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine.
Weapon types
Due to the geometry of its construction, the C-MAG can be used on almost any modern 5.56mm combat rifle or
other weapon without any modification to the weapon itself being required. The C-MAG consists of two main
components, the centrally located feed clip which is weapon specific and the main storage housing which is a
standard for all types of weapons. The feed clip is detachable from the storage housing for maintenance or weapon compatibility purposes.
C-MAG TECHNICAL DATA
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NATO standard 5.56mm, .223 caliber
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Variable, 1 to 100 rounds
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Interchangeable feed clips to fit all weapons
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Adjust to rate of fire of weapon; exceeds 1300 rds/min.
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9.85 x 4.60 x 3.13 inches (25.0 x 11.7 x 7.95 cm)
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Main Components- impact resistant thermoplastic materials / Minor Components- corrosion resistant ferrous and non-ferrous materials
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9mm x 19, Ball, Hollow-point
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Variable, 1 to 100 rounds
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Variable up to 1500 rds/minute
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Main Components- filled termoplastic Minor Components- non-corrosive steel, alloy materials
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