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Posted: 11/4/2008 3:38:27 AM EDT
My Hy-Tech mag block was dropped off yesterday afternoon. So I thought I'd do a "First impressions" write up .
Version: The one I got is the "newer" version, with the raised mag release button, and allows use of 32 round mags. I ordered through Brownells, which has a good discount on the block, if you can get it. Weight: The first thing I noticed is that it seemed heavy. But I've never handled any other mag blocks, so I can't compare weights. On that same note, it feels really solid, and well built. I wouldn't be worried if somehow it fell out of the gun, and smacked the ground (obviously the ejector could get damaged/bent). Ejector: I've read that on some other mag blocks, the ejector seemed sketchy, and not solid. This is not the case with the Hy-Tech. It appears/feels solid. Mag fit: When inserting my 32 round Uzi mags, there is slight resistance. I'm not talking about "this needs some filing" kind of resistance, it's nowhere near that level. It's more of a "once I use it a little bit, things will smooth themselves out" kind of resistance. I relate it to tight take-down pins on a new AR. The pins on my Stag were tight, but after a couple hundred rounds and punching them in and out for cleaning, I can now easily punch them out with my fingers. I'm confident it will smooth out with use. Stability: For anyone worried about this thing falling out because you accidentally hit the mag release; worry not. With the upper closed onto the lower, it puts enough pressure onto the block itself, that there's no possible way it could be released accidentally. I tried, and it ain't happening. Installation: For the same reason it won't fall out of the gun, I had to have the upper pivoted open to install it. I tried locking the bolt back, but it still wouldn't go, and I didn't want to force it too much. When trying to just plain insert it like a regular mag, it won't go far enough up to engage the mag catch. Overall impression: I'm definitely as satisfied as you can be, without actually putting rounds through it. If you've got unmodified Uzi mags, this block is the way to go. Make no sense to use another block, and have to cut your mags to work. From reading the other reviews people put up, who have the "newer" version, I have no doubt that it will perform as expected. My only concern so far is the pressure put on the block. There's a tiny gap between the block and the mag well. It's tiny, but it's there. If I insert the block, with the upper detached, the gap is gone. But the pressure of putting the upper down, pushes the block down a tiny bit. Anyone else have this happen, or do you think it will create a problem with anything? I was thinking that the constant pressure on the rifles mag catch would put wear and tear on it. Maybe I'm just worrying too much, who knows. |
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The gap is normal. The top edges of the block hit the inside of the upper receiver. That's why you can't insert it without opening the upper and lower. It's also what creates the downward pressure to create the gap and also what makes hard to drop the block out by pushing the mag release button. If you want to relieve the pressure, do some light filing on the top sides of the block where it makes contact with the inside of upper. I considered the slight pressure a good thing and left it as is. |
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Quoted:
Here you go. BTW, the gap is normal. The top edges of the block hit the inside of the upper receiver. That's why you can't insert it without opening the upper and lower. It's also what creates the downward pressure to create the gap and also what makes hard to drop the block out by pushing the mag release button. If you want to relieve the pressure, do some light filing on the top sides of the block where it makes contact with the inside of upper. I considered the slight pressure a good thing and left it as is. Thanks for hooking my pictures up  .
Good to know the gap is normal. That was the only thing that concerned me. |
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Quoted:{edited for brevity}
My only concern so far is the pressure put on the block. See the pic below where I tried to get a close up of the tiny gap between the block and the mag well. It's tiny, but it's there. If I insert the block, with the upper detached, the gap is gone. But the pressure of putting the upper down, pushes the block down a tiny bit. Anyone else have this happen, or do you think it will create a problem with anything? I was thinking that the constant pressure on the rifles mag catch would put wear and tear on it. Maybe I'm just worrying too much, who knows. 
^ This is the gap I was talking about. ^ I suspect that this isn't a problem. You could probably find a black foam sticky tape weatherstripping to fill the gap if it bothers you. FWIW; AFAIK; IMHO; YMMV; yadda, yadda, yadda. Regards, Ed Mann mailto:[email protected] Bobby Bowden is doing a fine job - you should just leave him alone. 
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