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C-MAG Technical Description
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 in each of the
drums. The double rows are formed in the interior magazine by spacer rounds. The solid spacer rounds occupy the feed clip when the magazine is empty. 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 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 feed clip in an empty C-MAG is tapered and linked to the round below it. 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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