AR mag problems

[Libertylover]

I just bought a Bushmaster, NIB, along with 20 mags. The mag that came with it fits just fine, and 13 of the mags I bought (one Bushmaster, a bunch of Okay Industries mags, and a Center Industries or two) fit just fine, pop out when I hit the mag release. 7 of the mags just don't pop out when I hit the mag release (one of the Okay mags, and a bunch of LE marked Center mags). The problem SEEMS to be on the cutout for the mag release, just a tiny bit of metal protruding from where the cut was made. That's what looks like the problem on 6 of the mags. One doesn't have this, it just won't fall free when I hit the mag release.

So, should I get a metal file and file this bit down, or just try to return the mags and get ones that work properly? The guy I got the rifle and mags from seems like a good enough guy, seems pretty concerned about customer satisfaction as he put in an order for the specific model I wanted, threw in 60 rounds of Guatemalan 5.56, and is anxiously awaiting a Glock purchase from me once I get the funding. But some of the mags really look like crap.

I also got the mags for $10 a piece out the door. Sure, I could go to an online store and get mags for $10 each, but I'm pretty sure most are also used, and then there's shipping on top of it.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Light touch with a file. Trip to trade isn't worth the gas.

 

[ocabj]

So basically the only problem is that some of the mags don't drop free? It's not uncommon. Usually it's because the body is starting to spread out more. You can try squeezing the body together, but this may do more harm that good. If you think it's the mag release cutout, then feel free to file it, although, that may not be it.

I'd just relegate them for range use. If you're using these for highpower, you can always label your mags for 2 and 8 in rapids. Use the non-drop free mags for your 8 round mag and the drop frees for your 2 rounders.

 

[Gary G23]

That is a common problem with Center mags. They are actually fatter than other mags. I first noticed this when I tried putting a Center mag in my Blade-Tech mag pouch. What I did was sell them and replace them with C Products LLC mags.

 

[Rem700SD]

Find a fat magazine. Find a rubber mallet. Whack the mag a few times and see if that helps.

 

[DougW]

After building my last Stag lower AR, I found that my 2 20 round mags were not dropping free. In fact, they were tough to insert. I found that they were hanging on the edge of the trigger guard swing down thingy that protrudes slightly into the mag well. I took the dremmel to the opened swing down thingy and took a small ammount of aluminum off until the mags fit fine. Not an issue anymore.