Got help w/ Mec-Gar Spring Replacement

DaveinTN · 05-05-2007, 07:17 PM

Ok, I admit it... I'm stumped.....

I have a Mec-Gar magazine with a weak spring. I bought a stronger spring from Wolf but can't get the magazine open to install it....

I have a punch and tried pushing and then banging the two pins to get them out, but to no avail. I relieved the pressure of the spring inside the magazine from the base, but still was unable to get the two pins to move.

Is there a trick that I'm missing? I don't want to destroy the magazine, but how do you get the darned thing open to replace the spring?

If push comes to shove, I'll just send the spring and magazine to either Tom Heller or Hugh Clark and have them do it....

Dave (Bewildered) in Tennessee

Karl · 05-05-2007, 08:10 PM

Dave,

I have never replaced a spring in a Mec-Gar mag but I have replaced several of the plastic bases with wood bases. Never had a problem getting those pins out. The trick might be having a punch just the right size. I tap the pin out with a brass punch. I support the "exit" side of the magazine where the pin comes through with a tiny socket from a 1/4" socket set. Hope this helps. KFS

DaveinTN · 05-05-2007, 08:59 PM

Karl,

Your suggestion was first class! I wasn't supporting the area on the other side of the magazine (where the pin would be emerging) well enough. That's why I wasn't getting anywhere.

The new spring is in and I'll be taking it to the range tomorrow to give it a try.

Thanks again,

Dave in TN.

05-05-2007, 07:17 PM	#1
DaveinTN User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 186 Thanks: 3 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	Got help w/ Mec-Gar Spring Replacement Ok, I admit it... I'm stumped..... I have a Mec-Gar magazine with a weak spring. I bought a stronger spring from Wolf but can't get the magazine open to install it.... I have a punch and tried pushing and then banging the two pins to get them out, but to no avail. I relieved the pressure of the spring inside the magazine from the base, but still was unable to get the two pins to move. Is there a trick that I'm missing? I don't want to destroy the magazine, but how do you get the darned thing open to replace the spring? If push comes to shove, I'll just send the spring and magazine to either Tom Heller or Hugh Clark and have them do it.... Dave (Bewildered) in Tennessee

05-05-2007, 08:10 PM	#2
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Dave, I have never replaced a spring in a Mec-Gar mag but I have replaced several of the plastic bases with wood bases. Never had a problem getting those pins out. The trick might be having a punch just the right size. I tap the pin out with a brass punch. I support the "exit" side of the magazine where the pin comes through with a tiny socket from a 1/4" socket set. Hope this helps. KFS

05-05-2007, 08:59 PM	#3
DaveinTN User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 186 Thanks: 3 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	Karl, Your suggestion was first class! I wasn't supporting the area on the other side of the magazine (where the pin would be emerging) well enough. That's why I wasn't getting anywhere. The new spring is in and I'll be taking it to the range tomorrow to give it a try. Thanks again, Dave in TN.