rag said:
Help decide on a drum, I know the CSM is more expensive, but is very reliable, and that Vector will fix any problem I may have with theirs.
But,
How does the overall quality and style compare?
And is the CSM drum "offset" like the Vector appears to be (the part that enters the magwell is angled in relation to the drum)?
Please post pics if you have them!
Thanks
From my experience, CSM drum worked flawlessly out of the box.
The dummy rounds are /look like dummy rounds, in that they are machined to look like a real cartridge shape. This appears to lend itself to better and possibly more reliable feeding. CSM drum also still had the lanyard loop on the drum, near the feed tower.
Yes they are both offset the same way. This facilitates a better feed angle inside the drum around the periphery, reducing the angle or bend that the ammo must take to get into the feed tower.
I also have Vector drums. One of them is a bit spotty in its function and will be going back to Vector shortly. The other works well. They have a harder time winding(pulling the copper tubing dummy rounds out of the feed tower) than the CSM drums but are basically the same thing.
One thing that Vector did was put a metal guard ring on the back of the drum to prevent "hand scrambling" if the button is pushed and the follower whirls back to its resting position and in the process, possibly chopping up your hand. This was a very smart move on their part and will no doubt save someone some pain and suffering along the line.
The Vector also gives you a "Winder" which is a PVC end cap that has been milled to act as a handle to wind the follower. This also is a safety feature, to prevent scrambled hands.
Other than these differences, they look very similar and are a blast to shoot. If you get a Vector for way less money, they will eventually make it right or replace it.
NOTE: If you send it back for a replacement, I'd record the serial on it just to be sure. This in no way implies that they would NOT replace it, just a check and balance.
Most who have bought the Vectors seem happy as the service is second to none. I just have a problem shipping a company's defective goods back at "MY" expense. I will ask for a call tag when I send mine back and see if they will honor my request.
CSM drums were a limited production as the ATF stopped their production midstream, so that may be a value factor...years from now, like the Thompson drums.
Fit and finish on both CSM and Vectors were almost identicle, but the parkerizing on one Vector drum was not etched as deep as the other and scratched more easily upon opening of the cover latch. I'm not a real finish fanatic, and fully expect it to scratch.
They were designed to be combat weaponry and will be treated as such....not crystal champaigne glasses.
you will be happy with either one. I bought my CSM drum when they were the only game in town. Now you have a choice, but they are both good.
