Getting dents out of Sterling magazines

[Vincent]

Anyone have any tips on getting dents out of Sterling magazines?

The backseat of my pickup came down and put a big dent in a really nice magazine. The dent is 3” from the magazine lips and the follower (platform) doesn’t want to come out. I tried to persuade the follower with a wood dowel and a BFH. No joy. I don’t want to damage the rollers if possible. Anyone have any tips or tricks?

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[browningautorifle]

I think there was a mandrell for them...I'd go ahead and make a short square to accomplish the job at present. A 2" mandrell so to speak. I had the same issue with Sten mags and made the followers come out, no damage... At least the inside of the Sterling mag is simple, a short mandrell could be done...

[mrclark303]

I've done much the same with an off cut of oak, perfect for the job.

It's really hard wood and you can adjust it easily until it's just the right shape to effect the dent.

[Peter Laidler]

But Vince can't get the platform OUT in order to get the mandril IN.

If it were me I would slide a wide bladed screwdriver down and using the stuck platform as a leverage point, lever the dent up, platform down a but, lever up, platform down and so on. When platform out, then set about making good

[Flying10uk]

How about, drilling the spot welds out that hold the dented side plate to the rest of the magazine and you would then have easy access to both sides of the dent as well as being able to remove the platform at the same time, once the side plate was removed? When the dent is repaired re-spot weld and or tig weld the side plate back on.

[Vincent]

But Vince can't get the platform OUT in order to get the mandril IN.

If it were me I would slide a wide bladed screwdriver down and using the stuck platform as a leverage point, lever the dent up, platform down a but, lever up, platform down and so on. When platform out, then set about making good

That worked great!

After the platform was out, I taped a nut to the screwdriver and levered the rest of the dent out.



I tested it with 35 rounds and they all went through without a hiccup.

Thanks, Peter.

[browningautorifle]

Vince can't get the platform OUT in order to get the mandril IN

Yes, I understand that, I was talking about a very short mandrel. I know the follower has a long spring guide, I have one here to look at. I just thought it might be far enough below...but yes, a wide flat that just fits and a bit of force.