Tight AK-47 mag release?

[Panzerschwein]

Hello all! I'm the new owner of a DDI stamped AK in 7.62x39mm. It seems to be a well built gun, but I am having some trouble with the magazines I own for the gun.

What is happening is, the mags go in the rifle just fine. They lock in place nice and firm, but aren't hard getting in. I am using Magpul pmags and Hungarian military surplus steel magazines.

But, the magazine release lever is hard to push down when there is a mag in the rifle. With no mag, it moves freely, but when I put a magazine in and put even the slightest rearward pressure on the magazine while attempting to remove it, the release totally locks up.

Does anyone know if this is normal? I don't think it is, as I've heard a proper AK should be able to use any combloc surplus steel mag with no problems. Does anyone know how I can fix this issue? I've shot several AKs before, and none had this problem.

Thanks so much everyone!

 

[rcmodel]

Try this:
Especially post 4 & 5.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=671441

rc

 

[Ironicaintit]

^ what RCmodel said, that they said.

My wasr was like that, and like post #4 in RC's link; a small jewelers file, followed by a stone, took care of it.

It doesnt take much work, and greatly improves the release, while maintaining a solid lockup

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks gang. I called DDI today and they were super nice. They walked me through were to remove material from the latch. I hit it with the dremel, followed by some needle files. The mags come out perfectly now! I'm so happy! I'm going to hit the range today and put the rifle through it's paces. I'll be back in a few hours with an initial range report. Thanks again everyone!

 

[carbine85]

I wouldn't be too quick to remove any material. The rifle will wear in and loosen up. A lot of AK mags don't fit tight and the plastic mags get loose on their own.