Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Talk about the AR15 style rifles chambered in 450 Bushmaster.

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Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby rinkrat311 » Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:56 pm

Since a factory polymer magazine for the 450 isn't likely to be materializing anytime soon, I decided to make one. I tried modifying a PMAG, removing the central rib, but ended up destroying it in the process. Not wanting to try my hand at it a second time (mainly due to frustration levels) I searched for other options. I found the Lancer mags and was intrigued. Polymer mag but the benefit of metal feed lips. I ordered a 20 rounded from Brownells. I examined the inner mag profile and was able to 3D print and modify a copy of the common blue snap-in follower found on ebay to work. I wanted to do one better though and actually print a follower that would replace the factory 223 one and better match the inner mag profile. Attached are photos of what I came up with. With the factory spring it will hold 7 rounds, my guess is I can get one or two more by trimming the spring a coil or two. You'll notice that the rounds are staggered within the magazine but have no trouble feeding into the feed lips when emptied with my thumb. I did not put the magazine into a rifle yet to check how they feed when fired (ran out of daylight and Dad duties). I do need to sand down a few of the faces of the follower for a slightly looser fit though it does function well right now. I may also put a CA glue finish on it to ensure smooth surface contact (trick I use for 3D printed parts in my day job).

I'll report back after a firing test!
Attachments
Lancer Mag Plate Spring Custom Follower.jpg
Lancer Mag Plate Spring Custom Follower.jpg (109.25 KiB) Viewed 10694 times
Factory Mag Connection.jpg
Factory Mag Connection.jpg (70.54 KiB) Viewed 10694 times
7 round side stack.jpg
7 round side stack.jpg (102.77 KiB) Viewed 10694 times
7 round stack.jpg
7 round stack.jpg (62.64 KiB) Viewed 10694 times
Last edited by rinkrat311 on Thu Jan 10, 2019 7:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine Modification

Postby Blackedout12v » Thu Jan 10, 2019 1:07 am

Good stuff!! Looks good , hope it works better. Look forward to your results
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine Modification

Postby Al in Mi » Thu Jan 10, 2019 5:12 am

Very nice work and look like they are sitting at a perfect angle too. Is there a "U" notch in the front of those mags?

I'm a fortunate old soul, my 16" factory upper has ran with every mag/bullet combo I've tried with little to no tweaking sans dehorning which I do to every metal AR mag regardless of caliber.
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine Modification

Postby rinkrat311 » Thu Jan 10, 2019 7:09 am

Al in Mi wrote:Very nice work and look like they are sitting at a perfect angle too. Is there a "U" notch in the front of those mags?

I'm a fortunate old soul, my 16" factory upper has ran with every mag/bullet combo I've tried with little to no tweaking sans dehorning which I do to every metal AR mag regardless of caliber.


Thank you!

There is no half-moon cutout in these from the factory as they are designed for 223/556 use. I did however use a sanding drum on a dremel and replicated the half-moon cutout on my original Stoner bushmaster metal magazine in about two seconds.

I hopefully can provide a test fire update this weekend when I'll have some time to walk out back and touch a few off.
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby rinkrat311 » Sat Jan 12, 2019 11:14 am

After some light 1000grit sanding the follower moves perfect in the magazine. I tested it today (sorry no pics as it's snowing out) but I was able to run 2 complete mags (14 total) rounds without issue and bolt held open on last each time. Super happy with this follower and ordering a few more Lancer mags soon!
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby Al in Mi » Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:24 pm

that's great, save the program and model for that printer !!! ;)
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby rinkrat311 » Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:14 pm

Al in Mi wrote:that's great, save the program and model for that printer !!! ;)


Model is definitely saved, I have another print job tomorrow for several more :D
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby 303hunter » Wed Jan 16, 2019 10:24 am

If you decide to offer these for sale, I'd likely be interested in a couple.
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby rinkrat311 » Wed Jan 16, 2019 12:31 pm

303hunter wrote:If you decide to offer these for sale, I'd likely be interested in a couple.


I've gotten a few requests but haven't had the time lately to really think about it...

If I had to hazard a guess at it right this second I would probably offer them for $8-12/pc, that would include the shipping.
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Re: Lancer L5 AWM Magazine & Follower Modification

Postby 303hunter » Wed Jan 16, 2019 7:48 pm

rinkrat311 wrote:
303hunter wrote:If you decide to offer these for sale, I'd likely be interested in a couple.


I've gotten a few requests but haven't had the time lately to really think about it...

If I had to hazard a guess at it right this second I would probably offer them for $8-12/pc, that would include the shipping.

That sounds good. I’d rather my $$ go to a forum member than some guy on eBay.
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