Sticking in the Magazine
 

On my particular gun, the first inch or so is a little tight when you first push in the mag, and a little tight coming out. Is this the way it was designed, or do I have a slightly bent up magazine?

there is usually slight resistance when release latch engages hole in mag. usually when 3/4 ways inserted not on first inch - draw lines down all sides of magazine + spring button , insert + withdraw + you should be able to see point of contact - deformed mag. body , catching on mag. latch , + etc. - does it function properly when shooting ?

I'm gonna take it to the range today and empty a magazine. We'll see how it goes, and I'll get back to you.

As far as hitting the mag release button, the magazine drops quick but it stops for the last inch and I have to pull it out.

Like your avatar: Peoples Republic of NJ. Holy hell, ain't that the truth? There's a cop on every corner. I'm from PA, you notice it right away when we come over into your miserable state. No offense to you personally, but I try to stay out of Phila and NJ at all costs. Two of the crappiest places in the world.

If it's a folded tin magazine, it's possible that it's a bit out of spec.

Someone with the proper mandrel, tools and experience can help restore it. G. T. on this board has this capability.

If it's not a matching magazine, the better path for a shooter would be to get one of the welded and milled Haenel Schmeisser (E/38 or 2/1002 marked) magazines.

agree - i'll be in PA. tomorrow for collectors association monthly meeting -