An ammunition transfer system and method of loading a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In the video tape recorder, the recording position of the head of each pack unit is set so as to have a predetermined relationship with the recording position determined by the corresponding time management information. The driving transistor includes a first node connected to a second voltage source, a second node, and a third node connected to the anode. A monitoring circuit detects a break in continuity of one or more of the electrical conductors, and preferably renders the assembly inoperable. The uppermost frame is fastened to the fixture frame with screws.