Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine

In a world saturated with AR-15 magazines, the Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine aims to stand out from the polymer and aluminum crowd. Marketed for its hybrid polymer-and-steel construction and improved feeding, this magazine piqued my interest as a potential upgrade to my standard-capacity magazines, especially for training and competition use. It’s made by Lancer Systems.

My journey to finding this magazine began with a frustrating experience at a local training course that enforced a ten-round capacity. I quickly discovered that using standard 30-round magazines pinned to only hold ten rounds resulted in inconsistent feeding and unnecessary bulk. I needed a reliable, purpose-built 10-round magazine, and the Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine seemed to offer a solution.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the magazine’s solid feel. The translucent polymer body felt robust, and the steel feed lips instilled confidence. Compared to standard aluminum GI magazines, the Lancer Systems offering felt like a significant step up in terms of build quality.

I considered several other options, including Magpul’s PMAG 10 and various aluminum 10-round magazines, but ultimately chose the Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine for its unique hybrid construction and reputation for reliability. The combination of a polymer body and steel feed lips appeared to offer the best of both worlds. I was excited to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios.

My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine exuded quality and seemed like a well-engineered piece of equipment, promising enhanced performance compared to the competition. I was eager to get it to the range and put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran it through a series of drills, including rapid fire, controlled pairs, and malfunction clearing exercises. The weather was clear and sunny, with a slight breeze.

The magazine performed flawlessly right out of the box. It seated easily in my AR-15, and feeding was smooth and consistent. Unlike some other 10-round magazines I’ve used, there were no issues with the bolt locking back on an empty magazine.

I was particularly impressed with how well the magazine handled rapid fire. There was no noticeable difference in performance compared to my standard-capacity magazines, which speaks volumes about its design and reliability. After several magazines, I did notice that the translucent body allowed me to easily monitor the number of rounds remaining.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, including dusty outdoor ranges and cold, wet training sessions. There are no signs of cracking or deformation of the polymer body, and the steel feed lips remain in perfect condition.

Maintenance is a breeze. I simply wipe down the magazine with a damp cloth after each range session and occasionally disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning. The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine is easy to disassemble and reassemble, and all the components appear to be of high quality.

Compared to my previous experiences with other 10-round magazines, the Lancer Systems offering is far superior. It consistently outperforms both aluminum and polymer magazines in terms of reliability, durability, and ease of use. This magazine has exceeded my expectations and has become my go-to option for training and competition where magazine capacity is restricted.

Breaking Down the Features of Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine is designed for AR-15 platforms chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington. It holds 10 rounds, while maintaining the external dimensions of a standard 30-round magazine. The magazine features a hybrid construction, with a translucent polymer body and hardened steel feed lips.

This hybrid construction is a key feature, combining the durability and chemical resistance of polymer with the strength and reliability of steel. The translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds, a feature that I find incredibly useful during training. The steel feed lips ensure consistent and reliable feeding, even after extended use.

The 10-round capacity is specifically designed for jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions. The fact that it retains the size of a standard 30-round magazine allows for seamless integration with existing magazine pouches and tactical gear. This eliminates the need to purchase separate pouches or modify existing setups.

Performance & Functionality

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine performs exceptionally well, delivering consistent and reliable feeding in various conditions. I have not experienced any malfunctions related to the magazine, even during rapid-fire drills. It seats easily in my AR-15 and locks securely in place.

Its key strength lies in its reliability. The steel feed lips ensure that rounds are consistently presented to the chamber, minimizing the risk of misfeeds or double feeds. Another strength is the ability to visually monitor rounds remaining through the translucent body.

While the magazine is nearly perfect, one potential improvement could be a slightly more aggressive texture on the magazine body for enhanced grip, especially in wet conditions. This however, is easily solved with aftermarket grip tape if desired.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine boasts a well-thought-out design with excellent ergonomics. The magazine is lightweight yet feels incredibly robust, thanks to its hybrid polymer-and-steel construction. The translucent body is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

The magazine’s dimensions are identical to a standard 30-round magazine, making it compatible with a wide range of magazine pouches and carriers. The smooth exterior ensures easy insertion and extraction, even when wearing gloves. There is minimal learning curve because it functions exactly like any other standard AR-15 magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of regular use in demanding environments. I have yet to see any signs of wear and tear after months of use, and it performs flawlessly every time.

Maintenance is straightforward. The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning, and all the components are accessible. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it in good working order, though I recommend a complete disassembly and cleaning after intensive use or exposure to harsh environments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine does not come with any specific accessories, but it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket AR-15 accessories. You can use various magazine pouches, carriers, and loaders with this magazine.

There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, but the translucent body allows you to see the rounds inside. Some users might consider adding grip tape for enhanced handling. The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine is designed to work seamlessly with any standard AR-15 platform and requires no modifications.

Pros and Cons of Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine

Who Should Buy Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine?

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, tactical trainers, and law enforcement officers who require reliable, high-performance 10-round magazines. Anyone living in a jurisdiction with magazine capacity restrictions will also benefit greatly from this product. The durability and reliability also make it suitable for preppers or those seeking a dependable magazine for home defense.

This magazine may not be ideal for casual shooters on a very tight budget, as cheaper alternatives are available, though they may not offer the same level of performance or durability. Those prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear may also find the steel feed lips add unnecessary weight, though the difference is minimal.

A magazine loader is a must-have accessory to facilitate rapid and efficient reloading. Depending on your specific needs, you may also want to invest in additional magazine pouches or carriers. These accessories can enhance the overall user experience and ensure that you’re always prepared.

Conclusion on Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine

The Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, durable, and high-performing 10-round AR-15 magazine. The hybrid polymer-and-steel construction, combined with its thoughtful design and exceptional reliability, makes it a worthwhile investment.

The price is justified by the superior quality and performance compared to cheaper alternatives. I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone who values reliability and durability in their AR-15 magazines. It is a top-tier product that has consistently delivered excellent performance in my real-world testing.

Upgrade your AR-15 today with the Lancer Systems L5AWM GEN 2 10/30 Limited, 10 Round Rifle Magazine and experience the difference that quality makes!