No4 Mk1 magazine problem

[xmingan]

I've started pratice shooting my LE and I have two issues with the magazine:
First, sometimes it's hard to take it off, as if the latch won't let go of the mag. One of the old guys at the range told me to file a bit of metal off the retainer bit thing on the mag so it's a little looser.

Second, when I'm on the last round of the mag, the bullet leaves the bullet guide and the whole cartridge sits at an odd angle, making the bolt unable to catch on it. I've been told to stretch the spring, but I'd rather know how to properly do it before I start pulling on an old bit of metal.

Information

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[jmoore]

First, the mags aren't supposed to be "quick change". Your best method of loading is via the top end, either singly, or via 5 round chargers ("stripper clips", to some). I wouldn't go filing on anything! If it can be removed w/ some effort, then don't worry about it.

Second, stretching the spring is a poor solution that won't last. Generally, if the round rises to the feed lips, even w/ little tension, it ought to feed- provided the feed lips are configured properly. As they aren't hardened, these lips are often damaged whilst out of the weapon, or when re-inserting same. (Another reason not to regularly remove the mag.

If the spring is really weak, buy a replacement.
If the feed lips need adjusting, well, I've "fixed" plenty, but it does require a bit of patience, and sometimes some head scratching. Whether you want to attempt it is up to you.
Rarely, followers get out of whack, but it's not common.

[jmoore]

Here's the same issue on another thread regarding Indian vs. other L-E values:

Son's post:

Originally Posted by loudmouth6b
"I have a couple of Ishapore 2A rifles that both exibit the same malfunction. The top round (right side of mag) feeds fine, but the second rests just below the bolt, causing the closure to fail to feed. I wonder if this is common? Can anyone here recommend a procedure to fix this?"

"As long as the magazine is catching in place and locking properly... The magazine feed lips are not allowing the left side round to sit high enough to feed. Try to bend the rear lip (the one holding the round down) up just a very little bit at a time until it feeds. Take care not to go too far as this will cause double feeds. You may also need to alter the front lip, but only if the nose of the round is catching the feed ramp at the rear of the barrel on it's way out."

-Son


Plus, there have been similar threads in the past addressing feed issues, but the computers I'm using are keeping my "power searches" (i.e. wading through a blue million threads) non-functional, sorry!