Mag Catch- How do I change?

[medic15al]

I have an 908 that has a broken mag catch and I have an replacement on the way, How do I swap them?

[Fastbolt]

Depends if you're replacing the steel mag catch body or just the plastic catch nut (button).

If the mag catch body is being replaced the grips have to be removed (which is another subject, and one which requires some attention when reinstalling them so the sideplate assembly isn't snagged and tweaked ... which can then require replacement of the sideplate assembly, which requires some knowledge of partially disassembling the frame).

The pistol is placed on its right side, with the space under the right end of the mag catch body being free & unsupported (so the body can be removed out the right side during the process).

A drift pin punch is placed into the center of the mag catch button (plastic nut) and is used to drive out the mag catch body, pushing downward on the steel center pin on the left end of the mag catch body. The plastic nut must be replaced if it's removed when servicing the Value Line & CS guns. The small raised ring around the inside of the plastic mag catch nut's center hole is only intended to be pushed down over the end of the mag catch body's pin one time, during a single installation.

The new nut is pushed down over the left end of the pin until it's snapped in place (over the spring, of course). At this time the right side of the mag catch body must be supported (resting flat on a surface) in order to hold it still while the nut is snapped onto the left end of the mag catch body's pin. The "tornado" shaped spring under the mag catch nut should have the large end facing the back side of the nut (facing left, as it were), and the small end facing right, toward the right side of the gun.

I've been told that some folks use needle nose pliers to strip the plastic nut off the left end of the mag catch body, but then you run the risk of slipping and marring the frame finish.

[medic15al]

I sure do appreciate it!

Thanks.

[Fastbolt]

If it's just the button (nut) the grips can be left on, but a nickel coin (about the right thickness) needs to be positioned under the right end of the mag catch body (in front of the leading edge of the grip panel, with the gun placed on its right side on a flat surface) to provide the support for the button to be snapped onto the left end of the body's pin. Look at it before removal so you know how it will look after the new one is pressed on/installed.

Did you really break the steel mag catch body? Or was it just the plastic nut?

[medic15al]

The steel body. And it wernt me, Honest!!!

The guy brought it to me said it would not hold the mag, so after removing the grips I notice the mag catch that actually engages the slot on the magazine was way too short to actually do so. The button works normally and is in the frame properly.

The pistol was under his drivers seat for about 10 years or so and is very finish worn and needs major cleaning, which I am about to do.