Hi Jer and George... In reading and rereading the posts... I see where we are not seeing the same livestock in the pasture?? I must clarify, ...When using a nice straight correct drum as you would at the range, and properly loaded, I really see no reason why they wouldn't work as designed for many hundreds and thousands of rounds... But, i was speaking of, and assumed we were looking at the same aspect of the drum, that once out of spec, damaged, sprung or expanded... even following repair, it would be vey tough to keep it in spec thru the following years of shooting ..... no matter what type of repair was effected.. Soft metal moves, even with strenghtening ribs, which are there as a concession to weigh & gauge to get the same strength as heavier material.... So, I"LL conceed they are probably some better than my initial position may have stated... but, they are still soft, and in my opinion, designed as disposable part of their battle inventory...
.... Got to love their stuff though... I'd a brought it all back....
...til...lat'r....GT BTW, best to all!