[21HK]

At best we know they are the 100 round belt drum for the HK21/ FMP machine gun. All research leads to their origin being from Portugal. I have yet to find any literature, training manuals or brochures, showing this drum or hanger...only a few web photo. The first photo clearly shows an arm patch that reads Portugal but have no information when they were taken. As to a date when these may have been manufactured is uncertain, my guess would be early to mid 70's. It was stated in another post that these were seen on the surplus market in the mid to late 80's.

100 rounds?....no thanks!

Unfortunately this photo of a cutaway HK21 shown with a drum is not very clear, it would be nice to see it in detail. The most I can make out on the booklet is that it says MANUAL TECNICO. (TECHNICAL MANUAL)

Any further information or documentation about these drums would be most welcome.

Due to the number of photos below I'd like to ask and please consider culling any photos not in question if quoting. Subsequent pages of 6-32 photos would seem a bit much to scroll through....thanks!

 

[21HK]

What little seems to be known about these drums I've tried to make up for with photos.

The drum is stamped steel, spot welded construction and finished with paint over park. Very stout due to the multiple stiffening ribs, not a tin can by far. There are no identification markings anywhere that I have seen.

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[21HK]

There are two rings on the side of the drum that would allow for a carry or shoulder strap to be attached.

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Ammunition feeds through an opening that has a sliding cover that can be closed when not in use.

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[21HK]

The drum hanger is made of cast steel which also has a painted finish. It slides and locks into the rear bipod mount. The hanger arm is angled rearward to to align the drum with the feed mechanism.

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[21HK]

One end of the drum has a removable center disc that unscrews for loading the belt. The steel center spindle appears to have a ceramic type sleeve that spins as the belted ammunition is extracted.


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The latch that secures the drum to the hanger is cast and uses a single leaf spring for tension.

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[hkali]

so.... when are you going to start making these?

 

[21HK]

I can make you a 50 round drum, no hanger and missing the cover : )

 

[Gorgosaurus]

Great pics, thanks for sharing!

 

[AGG]

I am surprised that the blue, technical manuals did not mention these!!! :biggrin:

Tony