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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - LAR8 feed problem fix (converted FAL inch Thermold mags) Att RRA (Photos are up)
Posted: 6/18/2011 5:20:39 PM EDT
I like many have had the occasional FTF with both of my LAR 8's (20" rifle and carbine). I call and spoke to RRA tec's and they told me it was due to the various countries manufacturing the magazines and the fact that the feed lips on the steel mags are not heat treated. This leads to easy deformation of the feed lips (although not visible) thus causing the feed problems. Well as most of you know RRA is coming out with there own polymer magazines to correct this problem, according to RRA's web sight they are due out some time this month, just like the LAR8 only was what two years late, lets hope  .
Well while browsing Gun Broker I found five Thermold FAL inch mags and purchased them, photo below. 
I carefully removed the top rib until it was flush with the rest of the magazine body so it would insert and lock into the mag well, then proceeded to custom fit it until it would drop free. The top rib was slowly removed first using a dremmel for the rough work then 120 grit sand paper with a make shift sanding block, then smooth it with fine steel wool. To bring the surface to a factory finish look I rubbed a bit of high temp flat black grill paint onto the surface. Well today I took the mags out to the range to give em the ultimate test and they all fed and functioned flawlessly except for one. The follower was a tad slow to pop up so the bolt would not lock back on the last round. I took the mag apart and scraped the sides of the follower a bit with my trusty pocket knife then re tested it in both LAR8's, problem solved. Total rounds with flawless function 250, I can now bet on my life on my RRA LAR8 MBR's to function flawlessly in a SHTF scenario.  Will post photos if wanted. BTW all five mags total cost with shipping $67.00.
RRA Please get these magazines to market ASAP, if I can retrofit inch Thermold mags then your company can surly get it done. From all of your fatefull and loyal customers |
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Quoted:
pictures would be nice . especially since I have moss growing on my rifle waiting for the polymer mags. Sure I'll get the camera out and get some up today. The ammo feeds much smoother, there is flex but no give or bending out of spec (feed lips) with polymer magazines. |
As promised the photos of my LAR8 and the converted Thermold mag.
Side by side comparison, left factory FAL inch, right converted. 
Top unconverted, bottom converted. 
Jimi said "I must be lucky my lar does not care if its inch or metric fal mag never had a jam in 2000 rds.And some of the mags did not work in my fal.I have the carbine Elite Oper.Thinking about gettin the 20 in rifle." Yea you are lucky. I also have the 20" A4 flat top and highly recommend it, 1MOA is no problem with it. During the test I ran the mags through both rifles with no malfunctions, no FTF or FTE and the bolt locked back every time. I'm not saying it was a jam-o-matic with the steel mags, but I did get the ocassional failure to feed. The bolt would go right over the mag and not strip a round or I'd get a double feed. It happened with new old surplus as well as very good used mags, but with the Thermolds she has run perfect. The bottom line with me is if I can't rely / trust my weapon to function correctly every time I pull the trigger it's worthless, that concern has been put to sleep. I just want RRA to get it in gear and get those mags to market. Please RRA, please 
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Quoted:
Amazing how the second rib aligns with the bottom of the mag well on a gun it wasn't designed for! I guess I got a little lucky as far as that goes It looks like it was made for it  , and there is enough play between the bottom of the mag well and the top rib for a little clearance / play. funny how things work out. I figured if worst came to worst I would have ruined one mag and been able to resell the rest for more than my investment anyway, win win  .
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Quoted:
thanks for the pictures . you did a good job Your most welcome, and thank you. Just an update, I called RRA today and checked on the status of the ETA of the polymer magazines. I was told they have a batch of fifty test mags in house right now, seems they just got them in. If all goes well I was told they are ready to ship thousands of them in. Keep your eyes on the RRA web sight for updates could be any time now.  
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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - LAR8 feed problem fix (converted FAL inch Thermold mags) Att RRA (Photos are up)
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