Has anyone else had problems with the load assist buttons snapping off?

It's probably because I've been using my thumb on one side to pull it down, rather than both sides.

Does anyone make replacements in aluminum or even plastic rod? It wouldn't seem too hard given a few minutes on a lathe. I have CNC and laser engraving / cutting capabilities but no turning equipment in my shop at the moment.

Well I'm confused.....are you talking about the M&P 15-22 riffle?

If so...it sounds like you are talking about the "T" shaped Charging handle that rides along with the bolt?
Which they do make in aluminum and you can buy from fourm member here.

Or are you talking about the bolt release? which drops the bolt when you press it (left hand side of the riffle.)thats made in metal.

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M&P15-22’s Tupperware for Guys

Yes. I thought load assist button was universally understood.

I am referring to the magazine assist button you are supposed to pull down to load rounds.

There's a fellow on eBay selling machined replacements, along with an assist device. I have his product on all my 25-round magazines. It is somewhat larger and easier to handle than the factory button.

1022armory | eBay

call s&w they will ship you buttons. they shipped me 3 after i broke one off. (didn't really snap but more like bent and was hanging off)

the new ones seem to be fine since replacement.

Fantastic, that's exactly what I was looking for. I searched ebay but didn't find those, so really appreciate the link.

Yeah that did cross my mind, but since replacements would likely fail too (due to my preferred method of 'incorrectly' using them) I would just prefer improved or metal ones.

Thanks for the response.

I'd call and get a few freebies anyway (can't hurt) and it was only one of my like 8 mags that had the issue, and i haven't had an issue since. (it's been over a year) it's always good to have some spare parts.

True. I've had 2 fail now, so may as well give them a call so at least they're aware of the failures.

Okay, that is really slick! Ordering some now... Thanks!

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USN 1992-2002
ET1 (SW/AW)

the extra keys sticking out look silly although im sure they help.

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od: xd9 3"&4", 15-22, 1911 .22

The key is only used when reloading. You remove it when the mag is loaded.

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USN 1992-2002
ET1 (SW/AW)

FWIW, I do not use the loading assist pin that comes with the starter set. I tried it a few times and it was more trouble than simply using my thumb and forefinger.

My suggestion is just to get the 3-packs and forget the assist pin.

You don't leave them in place when you insert the magazine.

See my last post.

ah that makes more sense. like the speedloader idea though, a solution to a problem i dont have.

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od: xd9 3"&4", 15-22, 1911 .22

I ordered 4pks of the 3 and the starter kit, majorlk needs to get commission.

Hehe, maybe he does. I ordered 3 packs of 3 and the starter kit.

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USN 1992-2002
ET1 (SW/AW)

No vested interest, just a satisfied customer.

What is the advantage, then, with this arrangement? I thought the whole idea was to make it easier to push down. No? And I think it's mis-named, as nothing makes this any faster than normal.

You don't know sore thumbs until you've constantly reloaded some stiff .22 pistol mags; the 15-22's large buttons are like a cushion, and the forces aren't very great at all. The only "trick" is getting each round in right, and this (and most others) doesn't help with that. Just my $.02.

The advantage is the replacement buttons stick out a little more on each side and are more square, giving you a better purchase on the button.

I agree the name is misleading, but that doesn't affect the, IMHO, increased ease of loading.

As for .22 mags, I never load them with just my thumb. I have attachments that let me use several fingers to hold the reloading button down. I use a speed loader on my 10/22 magazines and For my centerfire pistol cartridges I use a UpLuLu loader. I have a similar one for my Mini-14 magazines.

the kit with the loading keys allow you to hook your fingers to pull down which some might find easier/faster than the regular buttons.

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od: xd9 3"&4", 15-22, 1911 .22

Hi Sorry must of lost my mind for a minute

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M&P15-22’s Tupperware for Guys

S&W will send replacements for free!