The Drum Gun: A High-Capacity Weapon With a Rich History
When did the drum gun come out? This question might seem simple, but it’s a complex one with many twists and turns. To answer it, we’ll need to delve into the history of firearms, technology, and warfare. But before we get into that, let’s define what a drum gun is:
What is a Drum Gun?
A drum gun is a type of firearm that uses a cylinder or drum to store the ammunition, allowing for faster and more efficient reloading than traditional magazines. Drum guns are often used in scenarios where high-volume firepower is necessary, such as law enforcement, military operations, or hunting.
Early Experimental Drum Guns
The concept of a drum gun isn’t new. In fact, the first recorded idea of a drum-shaped weapon dates back to the mid-19th century. In 1857, German firearm engineer and inventor Alfred Krupp designed a hand-cranked, revolvable drum magazine for rifles. However, this experiment was never produced or manufactured.
The First Patented Drum Gun
In 1885, Swiss engineer and inventor Johann Caspar Wild designed and patented the first practical drum magazine. Wild’s design was a detachable drum with a capacity of 250 rounds, which could be attached to a rifle. Although this invention was novel, it never gained popularity due to the limited size of the drum and the complexity of the mechanism.
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) – A Modern Drum Gun
Fast-forward to the 20th century. In the 1980s, the United States military developed the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), a belt-fed, gas-powered machine gun that uses a 200-round drum magazine. This is often considered the modern equivalent of a drum gun. The M249 SAW was designed to provide suppressive fire during military operations and has become a staple in many army units worldwide.
Technical Specifications of the M249 SAW
Here is a table summarizing some key technical specifications of the M249 SAW:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Barrel length | 24.7 inches (62.9 cm) |
| Action | Gas-powered, select-fire |
| Magazine | 200-round drum, detachable |
| Fire rate | 800 rounds per minute |
| Cyclic rate | 60 rounds per minute (nominal) |
Adoption and Use of the Drum Gun
The M249 SAW has been used in various military conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world. It has gained popularity among special forces and infantry units due to its high-volume firepower and manageable weight. The drum gun has also been adopted by some law enforcement agencies, particularly SWAT teams, and has been used in limited numbers by hunters for situations where high-capacity firearms are necessary.
Alternative Drum Guns
In addition to the M249 SAW, there are several other drum guns available, including:
- LWRC M6-A2: A semi-automatic rifle with a 30-round drum magazine.
- HK MG43: A belt-fed machine gun with a 50-round drum magazine.
- FN Minimi: A belt-fed machine gun with a 100-round drum magazine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of a drum gun dates back to the mid-19th century, with the first patented design coming in 1885. However, it wasn’t until the development of the M249 SAW in the 1980s that a practical, reliable, and widely adopted drum gun was created. This article has highlighted the historical development of the drum gun, its technical specifications, and its adoption by military and law enforcement agencies.
When did the drum gun come out? The answer is that it’s a gradual process. From concept to first prototype to widespread adoption, the development of the drum gun spanned over a century and a half. The most significant milestone was the production of the M249 SAW in the 1980s, which solidified the drum gun as a viable option for modern warfare and law enforcement operations.
