3906 mag release

[18DAI]

My 3906 does not release its mags properly.

An empty mag can be easily released with very little pressure on the mag release button.

However a loaded mag takes two fingers mashing the mag release to drop the mag.

Everything looks to be in order. Any suggestions on what to do to resolve this problem are appreciated. Regards 18DAI.

[Fastbolt]

Same mag being used? Might be the cutout window on the mag being located at just the wrong end of tolerance in its cut placement. The downward pressure from the loaded rounds might change things enough to require more pressure. I came across a new .45 mag a while back that had the catch cutout located noticeably out of position so that the catch wouldn't even work with the mag.

Is it one type/brand of ammo (bullet shape/profile) causing the problem?

Usually, though, when pressing the mag nut feels rough, tapping it with a plastic mallet can 'set' the parts and make the movement smoother. So can removing the nut, plunger & spring and checking for debris, grit or rust inside the spring & spring hole.

The plunger height should be set so the top of the plunger is either flush or slightly below the level of the frame. This will set the reach of the mag catch into the mag body.

The mag catch body should be checked for a burr, too.

Sometimes a mag body has to be discarded. It happens.

Replacing the mag catch assembly, plunger, spring & nut is an easy way to check things, though.

Dunno what's happening with yours. Just some thoughts.

[Alk8944]

What Fastbolt said! Same background as his plus.

Depending on age of the gun, rounds fired, etc. there may be a small groove worn in the magazine catch where the thin magazine body rests on it. With a loaded magazine there is much more pressure on the magazine catch than empty, and even having to lift the magazine a very few thousandths of an inch against the extra pressure would make it a lot harder. Replace the catch at least.

Also, try this. Instead of dropping the magazine with the slide down open the slide and latch it back by manually engaging the slide stop. This takes all the pressure off the magazine, and you have to open the slide to be sure the barrel is unloaded anyway, don't you? This way the round in the barrel will eject out the top instead of falling through the magazine well and onto the ground, table, whatever!

[18DAI]

Thanks fella's!

I'll order the parts and replace the mag catch assembly. Best regards, 18DAI.