Thompson Drum Cover

Type L Drum Cover

This is a replacement cover for the 50-round Type L drum magazine used with Thompson submachine guns chambered in .45 ACP. The cover closes the drum and carries the spiral track the cartridges ride in, so a bent, cracked or missing cover leaves the magazine unusable. It suits Thompson owners restoring a damaged drum, collectors completing a parts set, and anyone keeping a spare on the bench.

Features

• Type L Pattern — The face is stamped MAGAZINE TYPE "L", the designation for the 50-round Thompson drum.
• 50-Round .45 Caliber Marking — A raised panel reads 50 CARTRIDGES CAL. 45, matching the capacity and chambering of the drum it closes.
• Winding Instructions — WIND TO 9 CLICKS is stamped on the plate, a reminder to turn the drum's winding key nine clicks after loading to tension the feed spring.
• Spiral Cartridge Track — The inner face has a pressed spiral groove that guides the rounds toward the feed opening as the spring turns them.
• Center Spindle Hole — A round hole at the center lets the drum's spindle and winding key pass through the cover.
• Riveted Instruction Plate — The marked plate is fixed to the cover with two rivets and finished along its top edge with a rolled bar.
• Rim Cutout — A notch in the outer edge sits under the instruction plate and lines up with the drum body during assembly.
• Dark Finish — The cover has an even dark blue-black finish across both faces.

Build and Fit

United Defense makes this cover as a single pressed disc with the instruction plate riveted to the outer face, following the layout and markings of the original Type L part. It fits the 50-round Type L drum only. It is not made for the 100-round Type C drum or for stick magazines, so check the marking on your drum body before ordering.