M14 mag problem... FIXED > M1 / M14 / M1 Carbine

Posted: 4/2/2009 8:24:35 AM EDT

Just got my CMI mags in. Tried them in my rifle and it's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get them to catch on the back "tab". You practically have to squeeeeze the rifle and mag together and it barely makes it. I tried it with the trigger guard attached to the action with no stock and works a little better, but not by much. What can I do to fix this? File a little off the top of the mag catch? Rifle is an LRB with a Winchester trigger group.
Thanks

Posted: 4/2/2009 9:25:45 AM EDT

[#1]

do you have a known good mag?

I would try to find one before I start grinding.....

http://www.44mag.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CM20

I have run the above without any issues.

Posted: 4/2/2009 2:39:02 PM EDT

[#2]

I just bought the rifle w/ no mags, and ordered 9 20rd CMI mags. They all do the same thing.

Posted: 4/2/2009 3:00:39 PM EDT

[#3]

A small percentage of CMI magazines have difficulty with LRB Arms and Chinese receivers. Try a 1960s production USGI contract magazine if you have one or can borrow one (all state and local laws apply).

Posted: 4/2/2009 3:32:54 PM EDT

[#4]

Make the mod to the rifle if you can that way all CMI mags will fit it. I have had zero issues with my CMIs though some can be a little stiff to get to lockup on a closed bolt when fully loaded. All function 100% though.

Posted: 4/2/2009 4:33:38 PM EDT

[#5]

My mags were extremely tight at first but they have gotten a little easier to use after some use. They're still a little frustrating at times.

Posted: 4/3/2009 8:01:15 AM EDT

[#6]

Never an issue with my CMI mags. I'm using them in a Springfield M1A

Posted: 4/3/2009 8:12:29 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:

A small percentage of CMI magazines have difficulty with LRB Arms and Chinese receivers.

I have this problem with CMI mags in my Chinese receivers.
Is there a fix for this issue?

Posted: 4/3/2009 8:58:01 AM EDT

[#8]

One M14 fan gently squeezed the top portion of a CMI magazine body using a padded vise. IIRC, he said it did make it easier to insert the magazine into his LRB Arms rifle. Alternatively, you could buy more CMI magazines and try those.

Posted: 4/3/2009 12:17:50 PM EDT

[#9]

Yeah, now that you mention it, looks like the dimensions of the mag to mag well fit is what's causing it. I didn't really think of that before because it fits fine up until that last 1/8th of an inch.

Posted: 4/3/2009 1:58:39 PM EDT

[#10]

Try a search.......

I believe that you're not the only one with the problem.

Aloha, Mark

Posted: 4/3/2009 2:19:23 PM EDT

[#11]

Tried that and found 1 or 2 that mentioned the problem, but didn't see anything definitive on what I could actually do to fix it.

Posted: 4/3/2009 2:25:24 PM EDT

[#12]

OK................two choices.

Magazine or reciever.

You know the old saying about working on the cheapest part?

But, what would you do?

Maybe..........trade?

It's your rifle and magazines.

Aloha, Mark

Posted: 4/3/2009 5:29:46 PM EDT

[#13]

Did we ever see a pic of your rifle? You know they are mandatory.

I have nothing further to add about the topic. Sorry. I hope you get it worked out. Although, how did you end up buying an M1A or whatever it is without a mag? Is it a Poly/Norinco? I'm just curious.

Posted: 4/3/2009 5:47:03 PM EDT

[#14]

I bought the LRB w/ Winchester parts from PFC_Kramer. Already sent an IM asking about what kind of mags he used. I'll try messing with one of the mags tomorrow and see what happens.

Posted: 4/3/2009 7:20:46 PM EDT

[#15]

cmi mags are slightly larger than the usgi mags. Grab usgi they rock and click right in

Posted: 4/4/2009 2:03:38 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
cmi mags are slightly larger than the usgi mags. Grab usgi they rock and click right in

I was under the impression that CMI mags are the current USGI M14 mag. Do they not fit in the military's M14 rifles either?

Posted: 4/4/2009 12:22:10 PM EDT

[#17]

This a little odd. I have been using CMI mags in my Poly without any issues. I have checked my CMI mags against the Poly mags and the T57 mags and they all appear to be of the same dimensions. The only difference I can see are the welds, and finish. I believe there is a spec for the trigger to receiver fit, in relationship to the stock. I would check with Warbird or someone who works on M14’s and M1As. BTW great looking rifles!

Posted: 4/4/2009 12:52:15 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
A small percentage of CMI magazines have difficulty with LRB Arms and Chinese receivers. Try a 1960s production USGI contract magazine if you have one or can borrow one (all state and local laws apply).

Note the words, "small percentage."

Posted: 4/4/2009 7:44:00 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
I bought the LRB w/ Winchester parts from PFC_Kramer. Already sent an IM asking about what kind of mags he used. I'll try messing with one of the mags tomorrow and see what happens.

That stock on your LRB is amazing - dam that looks good...I'm jealous

Sakic #19

Posted: 4/9/2009 1:22:27 PM EDT

[#20]

Fixed the problem. I was too paranoid to try bending the mags, so I tried taking a little off the sides of one mag with a file. The mag went in easier but didn't lock up. All the mags come really close (like .25mm) to engaging the catch so I ground the mag catch down.
I took the rifle to the range today and they all function 100% without any modifications to the mags themselves.

Posted: 4/9/2009 8:06:17 PM EDT

[#21]

You have just started on points towards getting your........WECSOG badge. Congratulations.

__________________________

Q: What in the heck is a WECSOG?

A: WECSOG is an acronym for "Wile E. Coyote School Of Gunsmithin'."

Aloha, Mark

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M14 mag problem... FIXED

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M14 mag problem... FIXED