If you’re someone who loves range days, appreciates having extra rounds at the ready, or just enjoys tricking out your Glock with some eye-catching accessories, you’ve probably looked into drum magazines. Specifically, for Glock 17 and Glock 19 users, drum mags can be an intriguing upgrade. But are they practical? Do they feed reliably? And are they worth the extra weight and cost?

This article dives deep into everything you need to know about Glock 17 and 19 drum magazines. We’ll cover what they are, why people use them, and give you an honest take on their performance, reliability, legality, and everyday usability. Plus, we’ll break things down into digestible sections, offer a helpful table comparison, and answer some frequently asked questions.

So whether you’re considering a drum mag for home defense, competition, or just for the fun factor, we’ve got you covered. Drum magazines for Glock pistols are high-capacity mags that typically hold between 50 to 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition. They’re compatible with full-sized (Glock 17) and compact (Glock 19) models and are most commonly made by third-party manufacturers such as KCI, ProMag, and ETS.

They look a bit wild—let’s be real—but they have their place. Some folks swear by them for their capacity and tactical applications, while others view them more as range toys or novelty items. So let’s break them down in a side-by-side comparison to get a better sense of what you’re dealing with.

Table: Glock 17/19 Drum Magazine Comparison

Let’s be honest—Glock doesn’t manufacture drum mags. All drum mags for Glock handguns are made by third-party companies, and that’s important to keep in mind. With that, you’re trading off some consistency and reliability for capacity and fun.

Key Features and Considerations: The Good, the Bad, and the Clunky

Alright, now let’s talk real talk. Here’s what you need to know when weighing the pros and cons of slapping a drum mag on your Glock 17 or 19.

Pros of Glock Drum Magazines

• Huge Capacity
  A 50 or 100-round drum means fewer reloads. Whether you’re running drills or playing weekend warrior at the range, it’s nice to keep shooting without pausing every 17 rounds.
• Fun Factor
  Let’s face it—they’re just cool. There’s something satisfying about pulling the trigger and staying in the action longer than everyone else.
• Tactical or Survival Use
  In a rare worst-case scenario like civil unrest or a serious self-defense situation, having 50+ rounds at the ready could make a big difference.
• Training Tool
  Want to improve your shooting without stopping every few minutes? Drum mags make extended sessions more efficient.
• Easy to Spot Malfunctions (in clear models)
  Some options, like those from ETS, are transparent, so it’s easy to see if there’s a feeding issue or if you’re running low on ammo.

Cons of Glock Drum Magazines

• Weight and Bulk
  These things get heavy, especially fully loaded. That extra weight changes the balance of your gun and adds bulk to your setup.
• Feeding Reliability
  This is a big one. Drum mags are notorious for being hit or miss when it comes to feeding rounds consistently. Some brands jam up more than others, especially when dirty or fully loaded.
• No Glock OEM Option
  Since Glock doesn’t make drum mags, you’re stuck with aftermarket options—which means quality can be all over the place.
• Legal Restrictions
  In certain states, drum mags are completely illegal. High-capacity magazine bans are real in places like California, New York, and others. Always check your local laws.
• Not Practical for Carry or Duty Use
  You’re not realistically going to conceal carry a drum mag. They’re great for range days and fun but not practical for most everyday situations.
• Difficult to Load
  Loading 50 or 100 rounds manually can get tedious and tough on your thumbs. Some people invest in speed loaders just for that reason.

FAQs: Glock 17/19 Drum Mags

Are drum magazines legal?

This heavily depends on where you live. States like California, New York, New Jersey, and a few others have bans on high-capacity magazines. Check your local laws before purchasing or transporting one.

Do drum mags work in both Glock 17 and 19?

Yes, they typically work in both since Glock 17 and 19 share similar magazine dimensions. However, the fit might be tighter on the Glock 19 due to its compact frame.

Which brand makes the most reliable drum mag for Glock?

It’s a bit of a toss-up. KCI and ETS are generally more reliable than ProMag, but even then, results vary between individual units. Drum mags are less consistent than standard mags, period.

Do these mags damage your Glock?

Not directly, but using low-quality mags that jam frequently can increase wear on your firearm or lead to malfunctions. Always test thoroughly before trusting it in a critical scenario.

How do you maintain a drum mag?

Clean and lubricate it like you would a standard magazine—but do it more often, especially if you shoot frequently. Pay special attention to the feed lips and follower spring.

Can I use a drum mag in a Glock carbine or PCC?

Absolutely. Drum mags are often used in Glock-compatible pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) like the KelTec Sub2000 or the Ruger PC Carbine. They add serious firepower for those platforms.

Are drum mags worth it?

It depends on your purpose. If you want a cool range toy or something for SHTF scenarios, it can be worth it. But if you’re looking for reliability and practical use, stick with OEM 17 or 33-round mags.

Conclusion

Drum magazines for the Glock 17 and Glock 19 fall into that category of “fun but flawed.” If you’re someone who loves spending hours at the range and hates reloading, they offer an obvious benefit. They’re also great conversation starters—no one sees a Glock with a drum and doesn’t have something to say about it.

But let’s be clear: they are not for everyone. The weight, potential feeding issues, and legal restrictions make them a questionable pick for serious applications like concealed carry, duty use, or defensive situations. And since Glock doesn’t manufacture their own drum mags, you’re always going to be gambling a little bit on aftermarket quality.

That said, if you manage expectations and use them for what they are—fun, high-capacity range gear—they can be a fantastic addition to your collection. Just make sure to test thoroughly, keep them clean, and check your local laws before going all in.

Whether you’re into prepping, plinking, or just pushing your Glock to its limits, a drum mag is a wild ride. Not essential—but definitely entertaining.