I just want my mags to stay in the gun

[DeepSouth]

I’ve been doing a lot more work the last year or so, I’ve built a new shop, ran a bunch of new fencing and just general around the farm type work....., up and down climbing and crawling type stuff. I’ve just had more time off my normal job for the last year-ish. And I’ll tell you one effect is at least twice a week I discover my mag release has been hit on my carry gun, a KAHR PM45 and/or a LCP. It happens with both guns. And yes, I only carry in a holster and if it’s pocket carry nothing else is in the pocket.

It’s happening enough to make me consider a revolver, if only they made something half way between a NAA and a J-frame.
Have any of you had this problem with this frequency, if so any solutions.

 

[WestKentucky]

half way between a NAA and a J-frame.

Have you ever seen a Taurus 380 revolver? Roughly m frame S&W size or possibly smaller. Also Taurus view... or no view was a factory chop job on an 85 which brought the barrel down shorter and the grip got smaller and it looked uncomfortable as hell to shoot, especially any 38spl+P

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Happened to me on a hog hunt in Oklahoma years ago. I blame the ambi mag release on my XD45 and the roll-bar/arm-rest on the side by side bumping around.

I now use a softer holster that covers the mag releases to insulate them from bumps, but doesn't put pressure on them. I wanna say it's a One Tigris Universal wrap holster from Amazon.

Or I carry my revolver.

 

[JohnKSa]

1. Contact Kahr & Ruger and tell them your problem. I don't know if Ruger has a solution, but I think Kahr has a magazine release with deeper engagement that requires the button to be pushed farther in before the mag will release.
2. Look for a lower profile release button. My quick check didn't turn anything up.
3. Consider modifying the magazine release button to be lower profile. The LCP part is $8, the Kahr part is about $12 so if you ruin one experimenting, you're not going to break the bank.
4. Look for a holster that provides more "protection" for the release, or consider modifying the holster you have to provide more protection for the release. The holster maker may have some tips/hints.

 

[DeepSouth]

1. Contact Kahr & Ruger and tell them your problem. I don't know if Ruger has a solution, but I think Kahr has a magazine release with deeper engagement that requires the button to be pushed farther in before the mag will release.
2. Look for a lower profile release button. My quick check didn't turn anything up.
3. Consider modifying the magazine release button to be lower profile. The LCP part is $8, the Kahr part is about $12 so if you ruin one experimenting, you're not going to break the bank.
4. Look for a holster that provides more "protection" for the release, or consider modifying the holster you have to provide more protection for the release. The holster maker may have some tips/hints.

Those are great ideas, I’ve though of some but I’ve been to lazy to try.
I had the problem before with something, seatbelt was pressing it for me. I got a different holster and it solved the problem that time.

I’ll definitely be tring to modify the release button on the KAHR, had not thought of that. I’ll also look at that Taurus 380 revolver, I’m not a big Taurus fan but it may fill a need and get added to the collection.

 

[Charlie98]

I don’t have problems with my CW/CM9’s, but I constantly bump the mag release on my CW45. It’s my opinion that the release spring is weak, and I’ve heard of issues with corrosion on carry pistols (think sweat.). For that matter, my mag release buttons have rust on them from carry duty, so it makes sense the moisture would migrate into the pistol... and the spring.

I’ve thought of buying a few replacement springs to see if I can bend them for more tension.

 

[1KPerDay]

You’re not left handed are you?

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I know you said you carry in a holster...but what kind of holster? Do you have any pictures?

I'd say you have one of two problems, perhaps even a combination of the two:

1. Your magazine release spring is weak and needs replacing.
2. Your holster is inadequate for use during the work routine in which this issue is occuring.

I'd recommend looking into these two potential factors before considering any modifications to the pistols. Especially the holster.

I get it with holsters, too...a good holster isn't cheap and (like many other things) we often develop a fond attachment to things, especially things we like or are used to. But holsters are a seriously important part of carry and many people don't get that (at least at first). If your magazine is popping free while the gun is in the holster, seriously consider another holster.

If you do move down the path to a pistol modification, make sure you do not significantly alter the intended function of the magazine release...namely it's ability to release the magazine by the operator with ease. Ensure you practice enough to be comfortable with any alterations you make (or have made) to it.

 

[amd6547]

Americans have always looked down upon the “European” heel magazine release...
But they are generally more secure.

 

[jar]

Is it a generic one size fits all holster or one designed specifically for the make and model of the firearm?

 

[TomJ]

I pocket carry and use a Mika holster. They're well made, reasonably priced at $32 and I haven't had the issue you're describing.

https://mikaspocketholsters.com

 

[1942bull]

I don’t know about the Kane, but I have seen similar reports about he LCP on the Ruger forum. The problem seems to be fixed by getting anew mag release spring. I carry an LCP II and never have a relapse problem. They might have updated the spring in the II. You can also get one from mcarbo.com for $10. It is a stronger spring than the OEM part.

 

[Speedo66]

Is your pocket holster a soft nylon material? If so, perhaps a more rigid Kydex holster will prevent the buttons from being pushed.

 

[Kookla]

This is my limited experience with holsters that cover the magazine release vs those where it is exposed. I had a Walther PPS M2 I carried in a couple of different kydex holsters. One had the magazine release button covered, while with the other, the button was exposed. I found that the holster that covered the button was more apt to hit the release button and eject the magazine than the one that was exposed. I cut away the part that covered the release and had no issues after. My theory is that when I moved in certain ways, the pistol pressed up against the hard surface of the kydex with enough force to engage the magazine release. With the button exposed, there was no hard surface for it to press upon.

 

[Stophel]

I make my own holsters. A 1911 requires a built up "mag catch shield" around the magazine catch button so that it cannot be pressed with the gun in the holster. With most other holsters, it don't take much to accidentally press against the gun and push the button, and pop goes the magazine.

I don't know what to tell you about a pocket pistol. A holster may or may not be able to be constructed to protect the magazine catch. I simply would not carry a pistol where the magazine is so easily disengaged.

 

[Obturation]

I have this issue too. Holster doesn't matter- all are high quality and made specifically for the gun, a few were moulded off of my individual gun, doesn't seem to matter , mags drop.
Most frequently on my g30 but also pretty common on my g20 and will happen a few times a year on my g42.
I've considered grinding the release buttons down flush with the grip but have decided against it because I need to be able to drop the magazine without using something to push the button.
Galco, bladetech, black rhino, alien gear (do not recommend) and others all do it . my black rhino holsters are definitely my favorite and all of them were made using my gun to form them and drop mags the least often. I don't blame the holster makers and I don't blame glock , just haven't come up with a solution.
I will use a shoulder holster in winter months and I've even managed to have mags drop carrying this way too. I am very active and do climb and roll around more than most so I just make a habit of grabbing magazine bases and giving it a tug every couple hours or when adjusting holster, every couple of weeks I'll have one that's been released. I think it's just one of those prices you pay to carry a semi auto. I too am open to suggestions and can show the holsters in question if anyone's curious.

 

[robhof]

I have a similar problem with my M9 with the 96 upper they used to sell on Ebay, but they drop the mag on fast fire drills, seems the mag is being pressed by me from the recoil of the 40S&W rounds, works fine in slow fire? I've fired my son's H&K 45 with no problem, but the 96 recoil seems sharper than the H&K!

 

[jonnyc]

I'd like to see an answer to the "Lefty" question. I'm a lefty and had a similar issue 'til I changed my pocket P32 holster to a Don Hume. It has a nice hole that the mag release button fits into. Problem solved. No problem with any other pistols or holsters I've used.

 

[Dibbs]

3. Consider modifying the magazine release button to be lower profile. The LCP part is $8, the Kahr part is about $12 so if you ruin one experimenting, you're not going to break the bank.

THIS. I've done this to a couple of my carry pistols. Order a replacement, grind it to where it's flush with the grip.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I’ve thought of buying a few replacement springs to see if I can bend them for more tension.

I've done that without buying a replacement spring on a D.E. Micro 380. (Bent the spring.)
I was practicing one day and the mag would drop after one or two shots.( My thumb was tripping the release) Would not fall all the way out so it was a matter of a quick slap and back in business. Still, not good and it was p-----g me off. (though, good practice).

Sitting here where I am now, the thought came to see if I could fix it. ( I am not a gunsmith!) Took the grip panels off and five minutes or so the problem was solved and has been flawless since. Been months and many rounds...

 

[MedWheeler]

I'm also LH-ed, and have been fighting this issue. I ground down the button on my P32, and it helped some, but I still find it released sometimes after a long day at work (I'm not supposed to carry there, but forget to doff it every now and then.) Never happens with the same gun/holster in jeans when I'm not working.

Happened a couple of times with a Taurus TCP, and has happened a few times (though it's been a long while) with my belt guns, worn in IWB holsters positioned between the belt and pants.

It got bad enough at one point that I contemplated switching to my Grendel P10 for it's non-removable magazine, but it's still kind of bulky for jeans.

 

[DeepSouth]

When I pocket carry I use a desantis superfly for both guns, not the same holster obviously they each have their own. I also have a Mr. Softy by high noon for the PM45. Honestly the LCP seem to be worse about it but just barely.

I’ll probably get a new release for the PM45 as it is an older gun so the spring could be weak, I may also trim the button down. I’ll also start paying more attn to the holsters, I have others I can swap out and see if the problem gets better.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of heel magazine releases. This advanced feature is for experts only, and those who realize the probability of inadvertently activating a side button release during everyday carry is magnitudes higher than needing a John Wick quality high-speed reload.

 

[eyeshot]

LH also. Now you all have me looking at my IWB holster . It's a Muddy River Kydex and I've never switched the ambi PX4 Storm Compact mag release from right-handed to left-handed. Mostly because was a stretch to release it using my right-hand when I tried it so I figure a right-side mount would be pretty much the same. Stubby, stiff fingers.

The LH holster leaves the release button totally exposed on the left-side of the pistol but if I switch the button to the right-side it is mostly covered up by the holster. In close to two years I haven't had any issues with it exposed. But I ride a motorcycle, a lot, and now I wonder what the best solution would be. Heck, a rubber-band could keep from loosing the mag but you are at one round until you re-seat the mag and rack.

If I loose the mag on the road, I'm at 1 round and a club.

 

[JohnKSa]

Be very careful when you are doing anything with Kahr mag release spring. It fits down into the frame and the plastic where it sits is pretty thin. If you mess around and wallow that small hole out or actually break it, the frame is toast.