Questions on a Snail Shell Magazine

J. L. Lyon · 12-04-2004, 11:39 AM

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.

George Anderson · 12-04-2004, 01:54 PM

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.

Lugerdoc · 12-07-2004, 10:29 AM

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

Doug G. · 12-09-2004, 12:05 AM

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

12-04-2004, 11:39 AM	#1
J. L. Lyon User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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. __________________ J.L.Lyon

12-07-2004, 10:29 AM	#3
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	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 __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

12-09-2004, 12:05 AM	#4
Doug G. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 713 Thanks: 1 Thanked 53 Times in 17 Posts	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 __________________ Suppose you were an idiot.....and suppose you were a member of Congress.....But I repeat myself" ~~ Mark Twain

12-04-2004, 01:54 PM	#2
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	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.