Product Review - Lancer Systems L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine

Before and after Magpul debuted their venerable PMAG 30 (including the latest generation), AR shooters have sought a reliable and durable magazine that improves upon the standard G.I. mag. Members of the current line of PMAGs are the standards against which others are judged, and many are found inferior in terms of reliability, durability, ergonomics, weight, or a myriad of other reasons. Some, though, are excellent contenders.

With most folks running PMAGs, slap one of these in your rifle,

and people will know that you're a free-thinker.

Relatively new on the scene with a polymer AR magazine is Lancer Systems with their L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine (L5AWM). Specializing in composites and other "materials-science-based" solutions, Lancer Systems was well-equipped to produce a polymer magazine. Really, "polymer" is a bit of a misnomer; the L5AWM is a hybrid with a combination of materials used in the manufacture of its largest components. Unlike a Prius, though, this is one hybrid you'll be proud to tell you hunting buddies about.

Lancer Systems describes the L5AWM as the perfect blend of the "reliability of a steel magazine, the durability of a polymer magazine and the weight of an aluminum magazine." The top of the magazine's extremely durable polymer body is tightly embraced by a permanently attached steel feed lip assembly hardened to remove any concern of the crucial feeding interface losing dependability from long-term, loaded storage.

The bottom portion of that polymer body - the area of the magazine protruding from the rifle when loaded - is enhanced with some aggressive stippling to make manipulating the magazine worry-free - even with the greasiest, dirtiest, slimiest hands. I'll admit that I had concerns with the relative "smoothness" of the polymer body compared to other polymer magazines, but that stippling allows for a very sure grip. Running through the body of the magazine is a stainless steel spring pushing a non-tilt follower.

If you need more texture than is found on the L5AWM,

I'm not sure how you turn door knobs or hold onto anything.

To be sure of our thoughts about this magazine, we sent Nick out to the range to get a feel for the L5AWM in action. I was hoping for an insightful review, but his report was pretty boring. Rounds loaded easily into the magazine. The magazine seated firmly into the rifle. Rounds cycled flawlessly out of the magazine and through the rifle. The bolt was positively held open after the last round. The magazine dropped smoothly out of the rifle with the magazine release. I really don't know what I expected, but perfect function without failure or hang-up is a great kind of "boring" to me.

A lot of companies have tried to cash in on the success of others. Magul struck gold with their entry into the polymer magazine market, but that type of success has eluded many other companies. The Lancer Systems L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine is different. It capitalizes on some very smart and novel features to separate itself from the pack. Is it a revolution of the polymer magazine? Maybe. Is it a refinement? Probably. I can tell you with all certainty, though, that it's a really great magazine.

- Matt