[RonGoode]

I bought a Promag for my Firestorm .380 today. Tried it out at the gun shop with a bersa or firestorm, not sure which and it worked fine. Got it home and the only way I can get it to fit flush in the gun is to have the slide locked back. If the slide is released and I try to insert it, it stops at about 90 % and won't go any further. Sounds odd. Any ideas?

[horge]

Hi Ron,

Is it really resisting the last fraction of an inch home, or is it responsive to some coaxing (a slap upwards)? New mags can be a bit stiff, but you seem to be describing something else.

Check the feeder platfrom (aka follower) in the mag. It has a small shelf on the front left side that pushes the slide catch lever into the lock position (I'm presuming you're talking about an empty mag here). The reason it's easier for you to slap insert mag with the slide locked back is that the mag doesn't have to push against the slide catch anymore --the catch is already up and in the locked position.

You may want to check the feeder platform (aka follower) if the "shelf/notch" has the same dimensions as on the factory mag. If the problem persists whether inserting an empty or loaded mag, then this is unlikely to be where the problem lies.

It also wouldn't hurt to check the mag tube dimensions with the factory mag --it's most unlikely, but possible that the rear lip of the mag is running into the bottom edge of the boltface (where the firing pin pokes out of). If the problem persists whether inserting an empty or loaded mag, then this is more likely to be where the problem lies.

Lastly, check between the slide catch lever and the frame for grit, which can make it just so much harder to push it into lock (and so much harder to slap the mag home). If the problem persists whether inserting an empty or loaded mag, then this is unlikely.

If there's any chance you can post a clear closeup photo of the mag (top end, showing the "shelf"), it might help reveal any other issues.


hth,

horge

[RonGoode]

I had the 7 round mag loaded. With 8!
That's why it wasn'y fitting. Perfect now.
Shot the gun today. I just pointed where I wanted the bullet to go and there it was.
Great guns!

[horge]

Yoikes...
:eek:

Good thing you got it early.
If you'd kept forcing it, maybe the feed lips might've deformed permanently.

And, no you're not a moron.
That sort of oopses happens to everyone