AR mag issue

[IHateSnitches]

How's it going folks, I am an AR rookie, so this issue is for the AR gurus out there: I've got a S&W M&P-15 and when a magazine is in all the way, I can somehow wiggle the magazine out without using the mag release, I've tried a PMag and a TangoDown Arc mag. Is it normal for the magazine to come out so easily without using the mag release and I should just leave the magazine be, or should I get a new magazine catch? Thanks fellas!

 

[4288]

If I remember correctly, you can press the mag release button in extra far, then on the other side of the receiver - that bar that gets pressed out when the mag release button gets pressed in - you can spin the bar clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust for more or less mag tension. I think that will solve the problem.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

No that is not at all normal! If what 4288 said doesn't work, then get a new catch!

 

[DMK]

When you insert an AR15 mag, you are supposed to pull on it to make sure it is latched. If it keeps coming out, and you are sure that you inserted it fully, then there is a problem with either the mag or the mag catch.

Try what 4288 says. Use a wooden dowel or something similar to push the button all the way in from the right side and tighten it one turn clockwise from the left side. Take care not to scratch the receiver.

This assembly guide shows how to install and adjust the mag catch on an AR-15.

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

 

[IHateSnitches]

thank you so much for the help everyone!

I just spun the bar like 3 times clockwise, and still same problem... I think I should get a new spring and catch...

 

[ny32182]

Are you trying to seat a loaded magazine with the bolt closed? If so, you need to give it an extra hard slap to get it seated all the way, as you are having to overcome magazine spring tension as well (rounds pressing against the bottom of the carrier)

To test specifically to see if there is a problem with the magazine and/or mag catch, lock the bolt open and then do the following:

-Insert a magazine. It should click into place without excessive upward pressure. You should see the retention bar on the mag catch move outward as the mag is almost seated, then click back down into place in the notch in the mag.
-Give it a firm downward tug.

If the magazine comes out when you tug, something isn't right. Repeat the above with one or two more magazines. If all of them come out when you tug, you probably need more tension on the retention bar; spin as indicated prior. If only one of them comes out, it is probably a mag problem. If none of them come out, I bet you were inserting a loaded mag on a closed bolt with not enough gusto when you were seeing the issue.

 

[lions]

The circle in the middle of the magazine release button is the tip of the magazine catch. Those two pieces should be flush with each other.


Also, when you pull on the mag, does it ride over the magazine catch or was it locked into the magazine catch at all?

Here is a link to new parts if you need them:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=615834&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=649

 

[IHateSnitches]

so after going thru all of my magazines, it seems that only a few of them were the problem. thanks again for all the advice fellas!

 

[4288]

Took a look at my Bushmaster manual, and yep, the troubleshooting section called for the adjustment I mentioned earlier. Turn the catch clockwise to tighten. Tighten it a little and the few mags that are unusable will become usable. Don't overtighten or the others might become unusable.