Questions on a Snail Shell Magazine
 

I recently purchased a snail shell magazine and a reproduction loading tool. I can get 27 rounds in it, but can force no more in. Is this a common problem with these magazines?

I've then unloaded the magazine by hand and the follower spring does not always move the follower forward. Is this a common problem?

Is there anything I can do to correct this? I'm worried about trying to take the magazine apart given the powerful spring inside.

Twenty-seven rounds versus thirty-two rounds after eighty seven years is not a big deal. I would suggest that you load 15 and lube and shoot several times. If the follower is not maintaing tension, you TM is probably suffering from having remained loaded or half cocked for some time. If that is the case I would just hang it up. I haven't the nerve to open one up.

JL, The heavy main spring is encased in a steel container, so not a problem if the TM is disassembled in the unwound position. Even if you take it apart, without spare parts, which are non-existant, there is very little that you can do to repair one of these. TH

Follow this link to a thread I started awhile ago. If you choose to take it apart just clean and oil. The only thing that can really be done is to retension the zigzag spring. How to take apart your drum