So I recently acquired an H&R 165 Leatherneck.  This is the civilian model of the H&R M65 which I think was used as a trainer rifle.  Here are some links to the rifle:

http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15549
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/HarringtonRichardson-33274/Rifles-36450/165-38734.htm

So the rifle is in decent enough shape but didn't come with a magazine.  Well magazines for this thing are at the very least $50.  So I bought an above average example.  Something had been bothering me with the rifle.  The magazine 'release' flap thing was loose and dangling around.  I figured once the magazine was inserted there would be tension or some magic would happen so that it all worked.  Well, turns out that there is something wrong here.  My best guess searching parts diagrams is that I actually have all the parts but the magazine 'release spring' (really a flat spring) is bent out of shape or lost tension.  I disassembled the rifle and was able to tighten the screw that holds the two parts together and get slightly more tension but not enough to cause the magazine lock to engage it and its still very very loose.  

I can't find a new part anywhere.  I have googled and ebayed this thing and just can't find one anywhere.  If someone could help me find a replacement part, that would be the most ideal solution to the problem.  Now, assuming I can't find a new part what do I do?  Do I try to bend it?  Give the gun to a gunsmith and ask them to figure it out?  I want to shoot this rifle but if after two shots the magazine falls out that is kinda stupid.

Here are pictures of my rifle and the parts in question:







Any help or advice would be appreciated.  I really do not want to do anything stupid and I want to keep this really good example of a very interesting rifle in working order.

I wonder if this belongs in the C&R forum...

LOL...Yeah, most of the peeps here only know how to throw parts and money at a 10-22.

As the spring is still there you should be able to bend it to make it work. I looked at my M65 USMC trainer and I suspect that is all it will take.

If push comes to shove go over to Rimfire Central and post your dilemma in the H&R or trainer forum or take it to a Smith to make you a new spring. They are well worth the effort.



M65 USMC Trainer porn.

 

Thanks for the advice.  Its just tough figuring out where exactly to bend it at.  I am also know there is a decent enough chance that the older metal will just snap if I try to bend it.  If I break it I am definitely out of luck until something shows up on ebay.

Nah, any competent Smith can make you such a simple spring.