Battle axe M4 drum mag

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T11:06:39+0000

Morning all, got one of these cheap. But cheap as we know ain't always good..

I was warned and read about comparability issues, and I have them. Tried 3 m4s and none of them accept it.
Before in sell it on eBay, any one have one or any advice please?

I think the issue is this raised bit below the cut out. Wondering if I file it down will it fit? Don't want to destroy the mag and end up with nothing.

Thanks in advance.
Rick

TheFull9 · 2026-03-07T11:31:03+0000

'Accept it' as in? Just won't insert at all? If that part highlighted is definitely blocking the insertion, then sure you can have a go at it. Obviously if you sell it there's good odds the next person will have the exact same issue so you'd just be lumping the problem on them. Personally in these situations I take the L, accept the cost of the item might well just be flushed and go to work on permanent mods to see if it can be fixed.

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T11:37:35+0000

Guy who sold it me, had same problem and was honest with me.
I think I will try modding it. Thanks

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T11:38:20+0000

It slides in but doesn't click and engage properly.

If I sell it on. I would of course be honest about my issues with it.

TheFull9 · 2026-03-07T12:11:25+0000

Right, so if the mag catch won't lock, then it's usually a slightly different spot you'll want to work on. Same area highlighted, but higher up. First thing is look at the mag catch on the left side of the gun, see if it's sitting proud with the mag stuck in as far as it'll go.

If it is, then that rectangular notch in the mag probably needs a bit of material taking off from it's upper internal surface. Have to take off tiny amounts and check fit in the gun regularly though, because if you take too much it'll sit too low and won't feed.

If the mag catch isn't the issue then probably the meeting point of the feed tube/hole on top of the mag and the base of the hop unit.

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T12:13:13+0000

Nope, unfortunately that didn't solve the issue. I shall take a break and have a think about it before I get frustrated...

Skara · 2026-03-07T13:47:53+0000

Measure the distance from the top of the notch to the top of the magazine feed tube (vertical) then repeat the process with a magazine that feeds, adjust from there.

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T14:24:08+0000

Skara said:
Measure the distance from the top of the notch to the top of the magazine feed tube (vertical) then repeat the process with a magazine that feeds, adjust from there.

Tried that thanks. The latch just won't engage, IE click in and hold the magazine in place. Frustrating. But I was warned...,

TheFull9 · 2026-03-07T16:36:25+0000

TheFull9 said:
First thing is look at the mag catch on the left side of the gun, see if it's sitting proud with the mag stuck in as far as it'll go.

?

What have you actually done so far? Nobody can give relevant advice without knowing what's actually going on.

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T16:39:55+0000

TheFull9 said:
?

What have you actually done so far? Nobody can give relevant advice without knowing what's actually going on.

I sanded the bottom notch off in stages. Without success.
I tried to match m4 mags that already fitted.
Then the top one. Down in layers.
I'm thinking to use a soldering iron to enlarge the slot next. To make hole slightly deeper. I may just have an expensive paperweight now...

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T16:43:21+0000

The latch doesn't go in far enough to engage and lock i think. Ilthe magazine sits deep enough inside the mag well I believe compared to the other mags. Everything else seems the correct dimensions far as I can tell.
As I said, I decided to step and think before taking any more action.
Thanks for the advice

Colin Allen · 2026-03-07T16:54:39+0000

Just to clarify, I think what you are saying is that the lug on the mag catch will not go into the rectangular cutout on the side of the upper part of the drum mag. Is this correct?

Can you take a photo of how the mag catch looks when the drum mag is inserted into the magwell, so that we can see how far it is sticking out?

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T17:29:30+0000

Colin Allen said:
Just to clarify, I think what you are saying is that the lug on the mag catch will not go into the rectangular cutout on the side of the upper part of the drum mag. Is this correct?

Can you take a photo of how the mag catch looks when the drum mag is inserted into the magwell, so that we can see how far it is sticking out?

Yes Colin, it won't go into the cut out. I'll get some pictures after tea. Thanks mate

ButcherBill · 2026-03-07T17:53:48+0000

How many ar15 style rifs have you tried it in?

Might sound daft but I have 'a couple' of ar15 type rifs that won't accept pmags but will accept stanags & an FN 2000 that will only accept stanags if there's a full moon on a Monday.

Austeyr · 2026-03-07T17:54:05+0000

It could be worth taking your mag catch out and inserting the drum mag to where it should sit. It should give you more of an idea of what needs modifying and where?

ButcherBill · 2026-03-07T17:54:24+0000

Austeyr said:
It could be worth taking your mag catch out and inserting the drum mag to where it should sit. It should give you more of an idea of what needs modifying and where?

TOP TIP.

Skara · 2026-03-07T17:55:10+0000

Before proceeding with further mayhem, if you hold the drum with your hand does the thing feed?

Austeyr · 2026-03-07T17:58:29+0000

ButcherBill said:
TOP TIP.

I've been called that a few times

It's what I had to do with one of my Dads old AEGs, the nuprol stanags would work but his G&G mags wouldn't lock in (Go figure?!)

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T18:02:16+0000

ButcherBill said:
How many ar15 style rifs have you tried it in?

Might sound daft but I have 'a couple' of ar15 type rifs that won't accept pmags but will accept stanags & an FN 2000 that will only accept stanags if there's a full moon on a Monday.

The 3 that I have here Bill.

Rickwales · 2026-03-07T18:02:54+0000

Skara said:
Before proceeding with further mayhem, if you hold the drum with your hand does the thing feed?

Yes it feeds as it should mate, works as expected. Bit slow. Wouldn't keep up with full auto on my fastest m4 i don't think

Battle axe M4 drum mag

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