Hard to operate mag release...
 

First post here, sorry it has to be a problem....

I have a 1917 DWM (numbers matching) which is in pretty good shape, but has one difficulty:

The mag release button is a real bear to operate. I have to reposition my hands to get some strong leverage, and then the mag comes out.

I've taken the flat metal spring out, and removed the mag release button; nothing seems to be binding. (Without the spring, the button moves freely)

Even with the spring, it doesn't take too much effort to push it in...until a mag is present. (I have two mags: original (not numbered), and a new manufactured)

Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks!

Yusef, I suggest checking the clearance provided for the mag release by your right side grip. This is a common problem if the orig grip is loose or replaced, that it interfers with the release. TH

To ensure that the grips are not a problem, I suggest removing both grips until you determine the cause of the interference... If you still have a problem, check the fit of the spring into the mag catch... if not properly inserted, it may restrict the movement.

Properly inserted, the lower (rounded) end is inserted into the mag catch slot, and then the end with the dimple on it is depressed and slid into place in the frame so that the dimple fits in the recess provided.

Let us know how that works out.

Thanks for the replies....

I took off the grips and the mag release spring, and held the release in the frame with fingertip pressure. It released the mag with minimal force.

I test fitted the grips (one at a time, and then both) without the spring, and again using fingertip counter-pressure, easily released the mag.

I put the spring in (without the grips) and it was a BUGGER to release the mag.

The spring (flat steel with a "T" where John Sabato described a "dimple") fits in easily, although you have to put in the "T" first and then rotate the spring into the slot of the button....this goes in quite easily, and will in fact fall out if you gently tap it to the rear. Once in place, the button does not move downward at all (microns, if that) unless great force is applied.

I suspect the spring is too stiff. What do you think?

By "downward" I presume that you mean "inward" toward the frame. I do have exc original mag catch springs available @$15 + $3 S&H. hellerarms@wetv.net

Yusef, It's possible yours is a home made spring? How thick is it? Is it fire blued? Do you have a photo of it?

Jerry Burney

You know, when I was looking it over my first thought was "this looks homemade, most unusual for the normal 'German' quality." The spring has tool marks (like a grinders') and uneven tempering colors; it also seemed to me to be to thick for a spring. (From memory, it seemed to be about 0.5 mm, perhaps a touch less) I didn't mention this because my experience with such...intimate...parts of weapons isn't that extensive. Normally field stripping for cleaning is all I do.

I plan on ordering one from Lugerdoc ASAP, thx!

Yusef, That's the best plan I think! Good Luck...

Jerry Burney

I got the spring today...sorry no pics (can't seem to get the camera to focus close enough)

Suffice to say, there is a very distinct difference between the two springs.

The one that was in there is about 3 times thicker; the replacement is normal spring material, perhaps a fraction of a millimeter thick...the 'original' is more like 1/32" thick. I didn't measure either, just going by calibrated eye-ball.

The best tell-tale sign though, is in the performance. As mentioned earlier, it required a two-handed grip to release the mag....now it just takes barely fingertip pressure to drop the mag (and the mag leaps out of the pistol; before you had to drag it out)

Yay! Another bubba-fix fixt! :) Thanks for the advice and proper parts! :cheers:

Yusef, Glad to hear it!

Jerry Burney

Got some pics here...Good spring is the darker one. (duh!)

Edge view:

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-895S.jpg

"top" view:

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-897S.jpg

"bottom" view:

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-896S.jpg

Looking at them now, it is obvious the 'original' is seriously fubar'd.

Thanks again!

The spring you 'found" in the pistol is Definitely a "bubba" repair. Congrats on restoring the gun to good functionality...

I'm amazed at the amount of hand work that went into the attempt to duplicate this piece. Clearly by someone who had no access to a replacement part or no knowledge as to how to obtain it.