The L5 Translucent Magazine 30 rounds capacity made by Lancer Systems (Magpul’s PMAG with window shown in the background for comparison)
Lancer Systems created their version of translucent mags developed for the 5.56mm M16/ M4/ AR15 rifle, marked made in the USA and plans to release them at the SHOT Show.
They didn’t gave me a specific price, but from what I have heard they will be very reasonable.
I just received this new mag for testing and evaluation and without actually firing it at the range yet I tried to fit it and hand cycle it on my LMT and Colt ARs.
It have a green USGI follower, metal reinforcement at the rear of the feed lips and a rubber floor plate also a small plastic tool to remove the floor plate to disassemble the mag.
The fit is the same as any USGI aluminum, Colt, C Products SS, HK, and PMAG that I’m currently using, it holds the bolt open and drops free when empty.
Inserting it with full 30 rounds on a closed bolt is easy just like PMAG and USGI mags with 28 rounds.
I’ll report back after I take it out to the target range in several weeks from now.
What’s the point? Magpul will be making clear mags.
I think having a clear mag just for the sake of having a clear mag is stupid anyway. The windowed PMAG is all you need if you really need even that much.
I believe Magpul said their clear and smoke mags were going to be for range/training use only because of the plastic not being as reliable as the regular polymer. If Magpul cant get the clear ones up to speed for real use im kinda doubtful of these new ones.
I certainly would not call the greenie anti tilt. It may offer slight tilt resistance over the black follower, but not much. The greenie works good, and I use them. But I wouldn’t say it works perfect.
But regardless, the market will favor the true anti tilt design.
The lancer mags use a diffent material then magpul, also thier companies background is in advanced polymers so they have been working with them for a while.
I also was lucky enough to test these mags, I was VERY VERy sceptical at first but I absolutly fell in love with them after using them.
After a few conversations with the great people at Lancer I have also realized that I dont belive they made these to “take over” the market or even to compete against the pmags…these mags are different then the pmags and simply offer us, the consumers, another option when we choose what to buy…
I think the future will show what these mags have to offer…I realy beat the crap out of them in my testing…
also about the green follower…lancer told me that they decided not to go with the anti tilt because it was not needed, the constant curve of thier mags ellimates feeding problems…they did tell me though that most testers and consumers they spoke with still wanted to see one so it looks like they will probobly offer a second model down the line that has them…
you make a great point there…i have to admit, i dont care what new mags ever come out in the future, ill always keep AT LEAST a dozen of the good old GI mags around…
Everyone benefits from more selection, and I’m glad to see more polymer products on the market. I’ll certainly be by their booth at SHOT this year to check them out first hand. I’d love to see some published data on the mags (tech specs, durability, etc.). Clear polymers are finicky, I understand, but maybe they’ve found the secret.
Ok, you tell me, what do YOU need a clear mag for? If we are talking about actual needs, and I was in total error, please elaborate.
If we both have differing opinions then just leave it at that.
There is no need for clear in my mind and I see any attempt to make clear mags as just a throwback to the old days when an AUG was the cool thing to have and the clear mags were part of what made them cool.
Is there a “need” for clear mags? Most likely not. Is there a “want” for clear mags? Most certainly.
I personally like mags where I can glance down and get an idea of how many rounds are available. I also fully understand that looking down at your mag while someone is shooting at you is silly.
Folks don’t produce new widgets and variations because there’s a need for them. They make them because people will buy them. The consumer is finicky, and is easily and often bored.
