· top picks · 10 min read
Top 18 AR-12 Drums: Our Expert Reviews
A thorough comparison of AR-12 drums, examining their capacity, weight, reliability, and compatibility with different bolt-action rifles. This guide helps shooters choose the right drum magazine for their AR-12 setup.
The AR 12 drum combines exceptional capacity with reliable performance, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor storage needs. Our detailed comparison evaluates the most significant models, highlighting their durability, accessibility, and value as a storage solution.
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Reviews
Remo Fiberskyn Frame Drum AR 12
The Remo Fiberskyn frame drum brings traditional Middle Eastern sound to your playing with its durable synthetic head and lightweight ACOUSTICON shell. Whether you’re straddling it like a bongo or using traditional finger techniques, this 12-inch drum delivers plenty of projection and versatility for both practice and performance.
Supremo Select Chiseled Orange Series Djembe
The Supremo Select Chiseled Orange Series from AR 12 brings together sustainably sourced Mango Wood shells with expertly crafted finishes that give each drum its own personality. At the core of these exceptional djembes are rich, resonant bass tones that cut through any mix, paired with bright, articulate slap tones that pop with clarity. The sturdy 5mm non-stretch rope provides rock-solid tuning that stands up to frequent play, while the natural varnish allows the wood’s beautiful grain patterns to shine through.
Rhythm Band Hand Drum
These classroom-friendly hand drums combine a maple shell with a synthetic hide head for durable play. Tuned to stay in pitch, they work great with mallets or bare hands. Add a set to your teaching toolkit for rhythmic fun.
Toca JFD-12 Jamal Tunable Frame Drum
This lightweight PVC frame drum lets you tune the pitch, thanks to Jamal’s clever design. The Kenya Red finish really makes it stand out. It’s a pretty cool drum that’s both practical and looks awesome.
Pearl Reference Series 12x8 Tom
This maple shell tom combines warm tones with crisp articulation, thanks to its 7.5mm thickness and 45-degree bearing edge. The Chrome Aluminum Opti-Mount system and Mastercast hoops maximize resonance, delivering clear sustained notes that cut through a mix. The Glacier Blue Sparkle finish adds a touch of sophistication to your drum kit.
Pearl 8+10+12+13 Championship Maple Sonic Cut AR 12 Drum
These championship maple toms deliver deep, resonant tones with extra projection thanks to their 6-ply shell construction and Sonic Cut design. The lightweight aluminum tension casings and optimized tuning system give you precise control over your tone while keeping the drums rock solid under aggressive play. Whether you’re playing drill team or marching band, these toms have the strength and reliability to handle whatever you throw at them.
Goedrum GED12 Electronic Snare Drum
This 12” electronic snare packs professional-quality triggering into a portable package, with both drumhead and rim shots delivering crisp, accurate responses through its reliable dual-trigger system. The metal shell and mesh head construction create a distinct sound profile that works exceptionally well with R-brand V-drum modules, though users report mixed results with other manufacturers’ setups. The included 6.3mm stereo jack makes connecting to your favorite module straightforward, while the compact size and responsive design make it a practical addition to any home or studio setup.
Gretsch Rn2 8x12 Tom
This versatile Gretsch kit brings together classic maple shells with the brand’s signature 30-degree bearing edges and Silver Sealer interiors. The addition of the Gretsch 302 hoops gives these drums exceptional focus and resonance, while the GTS Suspension Mount ensures they sit perfectly in your setup. Whether you’re a working drummer needing a reliable kit or a serious player looking for incredible versatility, these drums deliver the traditional Gretsch sound with remarkable clarity and openness.
Pearl Export 12x8 Tom Drum
This 12”x8” Pearl Export tom has Asian mahogany blended shells with 6-ply construction for that classic Pearl sound quality. The Opti-Loc suspension system keeps it firmly in place, while chrome hardware and clear blue sparkle finish give it a polished look. At just 20 pounds, it’s a solid addition to any kit without weighing you down.
Pearl Reference Series 12” Tom
The Pearl Reference Series 12”x10” Tom brings together warmth and clarity in its expertly crafted Maple shell, while the rounded 45-degree bearing edge creates that vital 12” transitional note that defines the drum set’s character. The Mastercast hoops and BRL lugs work in harmony to enhance resonance, making every hit sing with crystalline clarity.
Pearl Reference Pure Series 12”x10” Tom
These 12x10 maple toms deliver impressive warmth with just the right amount of brightness, thanks to their 6-ply construction and rounded bearing edge. The chromed aluminum mounting system helps these toms really sing during your next practice session or studio recording.
Pearl Session Studio Classic Tom
The Session Studio Classic brings together premium birch and kapur wood in a 6-ply shell construction that delivers Pearl’s signature “Session sound” with its blend of strong attack and deep lows. The sleek Super High Gloss finish adds a touch of class, while the updated hardware pack includes SuperHoop II rims and precise lugs that allow for both tight sticks and open rides. The result is a versatile snare that handles everything from delicate jazz fills to powerful rock rhythms with equal brilliance.
Remo Ocean Drum
Combining an elegant white finish with Remo’s signature synthetic heads, this versatile 12-inch drum brings the sound of the ocean into your hands. The two-headed design, featuring clear Mylar and white Fiberskyn heads, lets you create everything from gentle wave sounds to powerful percussion beats. Whether you’re soothing a special needs child, creating ambient sounds for yoga classes, or adding a unique flair to your music, this ocean drum delivers versatile performance and lasting enjoyment.
Aeroband Pocket Drum 2 Plus
If you’ve ever wanted to play drums without disturbing neighbors or filling your apartment with gear, the AeroBand pocket drum set delivers the fun of drumming in a surprisingly portable package. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless play with your favorite music, though setup might require some initial calibration. With 8 different drum kits and adaptive training modes, it’s suitable for all skill levels and even serves as a handy MIDI controller for electronic music performances.
Grizzly G0459 12” AR 12 Drum Sander
This versatile 12” drum sander handles wood up to 12 inches wide with its powerful 1.5 HP motor and precision adjustments. The steel dust hood and 2 adjustable pressure rollers make cleanup and control a breeze, while the independent conveyor motor keeps your boards moving smoothly.
Evans Red Hydraulic Drum Head
These red hydraulic drum heads blend vintage 1970s rock tones with modern durability, featuring a simple yet effective design that’s pleased drummers for decades. The two-ply construction keeps tuning quick and consistent, while the thin oil layer between the films cuts through the mix without sacrificing that classic fat bottom end. The included 360 Technology collar makes installation a breeze, though you might want to have some drum keys on hand just in case.
Evans UV2 Coated Drum Head 12in
The Evans UV2 Coated Drum Head combines remarkable durability with consistent tone across your kit. With two plies of 7-mil reinforced film, these heads deliver a punchy attack similar to their G2 cousins but with added focus and depth. The UV-cured coating stands up beautifully to heavy playing, maintaining its pristine appearance and responsive feel even after months of use.
The One EDM-200 Electronic Drum Set with Smart Interaction
The ONE EDM-200 combines comfortable mesh pads with real-drum feel, while its Bluetooth connectivity and drum learning app turn practice into a interactive session. The built-in cymbals and audio outputs make it a complete practice system for all skill levels.
Buyer’s Guide
The AR-12 drum magazine is a critical component for your semi-automatic rifle, determining magazine capacity and reliability. Understanding the key aspects of these magazines ensures you select one that matches your shooting needs and preferences.
Capacity and Reliability
AR-12 drums typically offer higher capacities than standard magazines, with options ranging from 20 to 30 rounds. The magazine’s reliability affects your ability to maintain consistent follow-up shots. Choose a reputable manufacturer known for durable, spring-loaded magazine designs that prevent misfeeds and failures-to-feed.
Material Quality and Durability
Magnesium and aluminum alloy drums provide a balance of weight and durability, though magnesium options are lighter at the expense of strength. Steel drums offer the highest resistance to dents and damage, suitable for harsh environments where magazine integrity is crucial.
Spring Strength and Performance
Drums with replaceable, adjustable springs allow customization of the magazine’s pressure and feeding characteristics. Consider the spring’s compatibility with different ammunition types and the ease of adjustment for optimal performance across various loadings.
Interoperability and Compatibility
The magazine’s compatibility with different AR-12 models and modifications is essential. Ensure the drum fits your specific rifle configuration and any attached accessories. Additionally, check that the magazine will clear your rifle’s action without interference from extended grip plates or muzzle devices.
FAQ
What is an AR-12 drum?
The AR-12 drum is a high-capacity magazine designed for semi-automatic rifles chambered in. 223 Remington (5.56 NATO) or similar cartridges. It features a 30-round capacity and is compatible with various AR-15 platform rifles.
This magazine’s distinctive 12-round capacity makes it stand out from standard 20-25 round drums, offering users an extended magazine option while maintaining lighter weight and more manageable size compared to 30-round magazines.
What are the key specifications of an AR-12 drum?
Standard AR-12 drums measure approximately 7.5 inches in length and weigh around 6.4 ounces unloaded. They are typically constructed from heavy-duty polymer for durability and feature a distinctive 12-round feed window.
The magazine’s internal design includes dual-stacks and follower springs optimized for consistent feeding, while the cylindrical shape provides ergonomic grip during magazine changes.
Which rifles chambered in. 223 Remington are compatible with AR-12 drums?
AR-12 drums are compatible with most AR-15 rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO or. 223 Remington. This includes both standard AR-15s and popular variants like the HBAR, Mid-Length Gas System (MLGS), and Carbine Length Gas System (CLGS) configurations.
Always verify compatibility with your specific rifle model, especially for gas system lengths and bolt carrier groups that may affect magazine engagement.
How reliable are AR-12 drums in feeding and cycling?
AR-12 drums are generally reliable when used with proper ammunition and compatible rifles. The dual-stack design and follower spring system work well with standard 5.56 NATO ammunition for consistent feeding.
However, feeding reliability can be affected by factors such as dirty magazines, worn springs, or improper ammunition seating depth. Regular cleaning and proper magazine maintenance can significantly impact feeding reliability.
Are there any weight considerations when using AR-12 drums?
AR-12 drums weigh approximately 6.4 ounces unloaded, making them lighter than traditional 30-round drums while still providing extended capacity. This weight difference is noticeable but minimal during use.
Users should consider their specific preferences regarding weight balance, especially when building or modifying their AR-15 platform rifle. Some shooters prefer the lighter weight, while others prioritize the capacity boost without additional weight.
What maintenance is required for AR-12 drums?
AR-12 drums require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance, particularly after use with dirty or corrosive ammunition. Use mild soap and water to clean the exterior, and ensure the magazine is completely dry before storage.
Check the feed lips and follower spring for wear every 50-100 uses. Worn feed lips can affect feeding reliability, while loose follower springs may cause misfeeds or stuck rounds. Replace parts as needed to maintain proper magazine function.
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