Question: Machining a window in a PMAG 5.56 ?

NC-rifle

NC-rifle

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Hopefully Gun Smithing is the right forum for this question.
How hard would it be to disassemble and machine a window in a polymer MAGPUL PMAG 5.56 ?
Any pros and cons?
I have a bunch of Gen 3 PMAGs (30 rnd) and thought cutting a window like the ones sold would be nice in a couple to see the last 10-20 rounds.
 
Just sell them and buy windowed versions. If you leave the window open it will fill with dirt and debris. The windowed PMAGs have a clear plastic insert and are designed with additional reinforcement ribs around the cutout to prevent failure.
 
Polymer cuts pretty easy and clean with a 4 or 6 flute end mill but unless you have the equipment at hand it is cost prohibitive. Cheaper to buy window mags.
Alternatively you can drill holes in the back of the mag to view the round’s remaining much like how most pistol magazines are these days
 
For something as cheap as mags, why not buy windowed mags? Do the windowed mags not give you what you want?

I wouldn’t want large holes in my mags, unless you have a way to add windows.
 
You won't be able to see the last few rounds anyway, because they are obscured by the mag well.
That said, try some translucent Lancer mags. Steel feed lips. GTG

www.midwayusa.com

Lancer Systems L5 AWM Advanced Warfighter Mag AR-15 223 Remington,

The Lancer Systems L5 AWM Magazine is a polymer and steel hybrid that combines the best features of each material. The one-piece steel feed lip unit is...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com
 
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Handle them often enough and you can tell usually within 2 rounds how many are in the mag just by feel. If the next cartridge up is on the right, there are an even number remaining. Grab the mag towards the bottom every time (just like you do when you reload) and it doesn't take long to figure out what needs to be topped off. 20 rounds in the mag feels just like the 20 round box they came out of, etc.
Obviously, the heavier they are the better they feel, so if you were doing it under stress, don't bother with the exact math - go with what feels good in your hand.
 
some_kid6 said:
You can do it with a dremel + endmill bit and epoxy for a window. Here's a guide:

Ghetto Mod - PMAG Windows on the Cheap!! - tutorial inside. Now with Range Report. - AR15.COM

Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear.
www.ar15.com www.ar15.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link.
I have both Gen2 and Gen3 magazines. None of them have the reinforcing ribs like the window version, like the non-window in that link. Maybe MagPul recently starting using the same mold, but not when I bought them.

PMAG_Gen3_older30.jpg
 
Supermatch said:
Just sell them and buy windowed versions. If you leave the window open it will fill with dirt and debris. The windowed PMAGs have a clear plastic insert and are designed with additional reinforcement ribs around the cutout to prevent failure.
Click to expand...
You make some good points, thanks. I have never handled the window version for a close look.
I could machine it on my Bridgeport milling machine, but putting a clear filler to keep dirt out is making this cost prohibitive when the window version is only $3-4 more. If I want one, I can buy just one.
 
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