A drum magazine is a type of firearm magazine that is circular in shape and is designed to hold a high-capacity of rounds. It is typically constructed from metal or plastic and is most commonly used in assault rifles and submachine guns. Drum magazines differ from traditional box magazines in that they can hold an increased number of rounds, allowing the user to fire more ammunition without having to reload as often. This makes them ideal for long-duration engagements or tactical scenarios. Drum magazines also tend to be more reliable than their box magazine counterparts, as there are fewer moving parts that can potentially fail. However, due to their increased capacity, drum magazines are heavier and bulkier than traditional box magazines, making them less ideal for use in situations requiring mobility or quick reloading. While not commonly used by civilian shooters, they are often employed by military and law enforcement personnel due to their high capacity and reliability.