My experience with Rainer Arms and Lancer Systems customer service

[DBryant]

I've been picking up parts for a AR build here and there when I get the chance to work some overtime. I wasn't quite sure which mag I should go with, but I decided to take a chance on the new Lancer AWM.

A couple weeks ago, I ordered six Lancer AWM magazines from Rainer Arms.
When the magazines arrived, five of them looked great, but one was just a magazine body. The follower, spring, and floorplate were missing.

I emailed John Hwang at Rainer, told him about my predicament, and asked if he could send me the missing parts. He replied that he didn't stock just the parts but said that Lancer has very good customer service and recommended that I contacted them. He also said that if he hadn't heard from me in two days that he would take apart a new mag and ship me the parts.

So I emailed Scott Vilardi at Lancer Systems. He sent me an email stating that he was sorry to hear about my problem and that new parts were on their way.

This Thursday, the box arrives with my new magazine parts, an extra magazine and a free t-shirt. Hey, I would have been happy with just the parts, getting the extras just made my day.

 

[Slotback]

Interesting. I had heard that both Rainer Arms and Lancer had great customer service. This is confirmation.

 

[12131]

Rainier Arms - John and his crew always give top-notch CS.

 

[SentinelStrategic]

I have ordered from Rainier Arms extensively, and they remain my primary supplier for AR parts for my customer builds. Their customer service is absolutely top-notch. I cannot say enough good things about them.

 

[MistWolf]

Just don't get any DEET on those Lancer mags. DEET will eat the plastic

 

[madcratebuilder]

Rainier Arms= service and great prices. If you call therm on the phone they are very courteous and knowledgeable. Only place I have found that carries Noveske barrels, plus their house brand AR stuff is quality.

 

[68wj]

Just don't get any DEET on those Lancer mags. DEET will eat the plastic

Then why does my DEET come in a plastic bottle? It depends on the type of plastic, but I would like to know how chemically resistant the Lancer mags are (don't know about PMags either).

 

[Gary G23]

Why would Rainier Arms not notice the problem when they sent it out? Do they come in sealed packages or something?

Also, the AWM is DEET resistant. Older Lancers are not.

 

[Zerodefect]

Rainier is good stuff. Their house built uppers are very nice.

 

[Quentin]

I've always had top notch service from Rainier too. Large orders or small, they're great. Highly recommended!

 

[DBryant]

Gary G23, yes, they do come in sealed packages. It's a clear plastic bag but to to be honest, I didn't notice until I actually opened it up so I completely understand how the guys at Rainer missed it.

Here is what the packaging looks like.


The older Lancer L5 and L5A mags had issues with DEET exposure, specifically around the feed lips. Here is an excerpt from Defense Review:

• Insect repellents containing DEET can damage the magazine. Avoid direct contact of the feed lips and the plastic around the feed lips with DEET or insect repellents containing DEET. If DEET is sprayed or directly applied to the plastic around, or covering the feed lips it will crack and become unusable. If DEET is accidentally applied directly to these areas, clean immediately and inspect for damage. DEET will not effect the rest of the body and other components of the magazine.

Also from Defense Review about the AWM:

- Body and component materials that are corrosion and chemical resistant,
passes military chemical testing including exposure to DEET.

 

[MistWolf]

Then why does my DEET come in a plastic bottle? It depends on the type of plastic, but I would like to know how chemically resistant the Lancer mags are (don't know about PMags either).

Didn't say it will eat ALL plastic. As a test, one fellow doused a PMag and a Lancer translucent mag with DEET and the plastic lips of the Lancer magazine was destroyed. Results were posted at m4carbine. Lancer does warn users about DEET

 

[12131]

Didn't say it will eat ALL plastic. As a test, one fellow doused a PMag and a Lancer translucent mag with DEET and the plastic lips of the Lancer magazine was destroyed. Results were posted at m4carbine. Lancer does warn users about DEET

As said above, the new Lancer mags, which the OP bought, are DEET resistant.

 

[Nuclear]

How does one tell if you have the new ones (or old ones)?

 

[DBryant]

Look at the feed lips. The older ones have metal with holes in it that only covers the back half of the magazine. The new AWM's have black metal that extends almost to the front


Lancer L5:




Lancer AWM