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6/26/2026 8:47:48 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SSG-69][Edited]
6mm ARC has been of interest for a bit in my head, and I recently discovered the now archived SureFire ICAR threads.

Is it possible to machine a 5.56 magwell to accept the Magpul  ICAR magazine?

(Yes, I know I could just buy a Sabre set. I have a remaining XYZ billet 80%. Humor my nefarious plans.)


6/26/2026 10:47:36 AM EDT
[#1]
I have yet to see specific measurements for the ICAR setup.

I would suggest buying a Magpul ICAR mag, and measuring that.
*Hold on to your AR-15s. Their magic must be very powerful, or they wouldn’t want them.*
JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.

________________________________

TOGC,IADC
6/26/2026 12:51:11 PM EDT
[#2]
Do you have a broach to do it right?
Originally Posted By bradpierson26:
So I know you're a SF whore . . . . .
6/26/2026 2:54:04 PM EDT
[#3]
There's not enough material to work with.

That's the whole reason for the icar receivers, they're physically longer between the takedown pins.
6/26/2026 3:22:32 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By m6z:
There's not enough material to work with.

That's the whole reason for the icar receivers, they're physically longer between the takedown pins.
View Quote


Ok, thanks - useful info.

For Mr. Coyote, no broach but a skilled machinist buddy.

Looks like I’ll just go with the 6.5 G mags and have at it!
6/27/2026 1:44:35 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By m6z:
There's not enough material to work with.

That's the whole reason for the icar receivers, they're physically longer between the takedown pins.
View Quote


They are not longer between pivot and takedown pins.

A standard AR forging does not have enough material to machine in a six8/ICAR magwell, it's primarily a width issue, front to back the magwell in only a little longer, the bolt catch to pivot pin distance is the same.
You may find me one day dead in a ditch somewhere. But by God, you\'ll find me in a pile of brass- Tpr. M. Padgett
6/28/2026 12:09:02 PM EDT
[#6]
I've never had a feeding problem with the Dura-Mags in standard ar lowers.

chasing that last 2 rounds of magazine capacity seems silly for a range toy.  

if shtf I'm grabbing the 5.56 because pickup ammo is a thing.  no one will have 6.8spc.

for hd and maybe bag gun for work, which is why I built the 6.8spc pistol, I'll run with the 4 mags I have loaded.  but chances of ever using it will be between "delusional dystopian nightmare" and "will never happen".
The deuce you say.
6/28/2026 3:41:50 PM EDT
[#7]
For me the ICAR right now is a competition range toy.
Originally Posted By bradpierson26:
So I know you're a SF whore . . . . .
6/29/2026 3:05:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Atropian_Defector][Edited] [#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By m6z:
, they're physically longer between the takedown pins.
View Quote




Attached File

Attached File


Mags don't need more room fore and aft, just starboard and larboard

OP, don't think it will work width-wise. The ICAR mags are the width of 308 mags, but 5.56 length. I can measure for you properly in a bit though.

My PSA IC receiver build from last week.

Attached File
6/29/2026 3:46:24 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Atropian_Defector:


https://media2.giphy.com/media/hPPx8yk3Bmqys/200.webp?cid=8dc8958c5pqko6cg8zd9bih3pr09dl1vrqkphp8yhdxiwr03&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200.webp&ct=g

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/523616/IMG_3803_jpeg-3783368.JPG
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/523616/IMG_3804_jpeg-3783371.JPG

Mags don't need more room fore and aft, just starboard and larboard

OP, don't think it will work width-wise. The ICAR mags are the width of 308 mags, but 5.56 length. I can measure for you properly in a bit though.

My PSA IC receiver build from last week.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/523616/IMG_3909_jpeg-3785886.JPG
View Quote


Nice stick. Thank you kindly.

The blank is one of these; they were formerly made by an aerospace company that made rocket engine parts… some of the owners are gun guys:

https://www.xyzarms.com/
7/1/2026 2:38:40 PM EDT
[#10]
1.025 opening , mag measures as 1.010.
8/10/2026 11:15:56 AM EDT
[#11]
I got a couple Geissele mags instead and will get some of the cheaper others as well.
8/10/2026 4:28:48 PM EDT
[#12]
I wondering if Hydra lower system could be use with a custom magwell. Since the lower can be configured for different mags by changing out the magwell, you may want to look at that for an alternate simplified machining solution.

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