magazine insertion

[GunJunkie]

Is it just my Colt or does everone have to press the mag release to insert a fresh magazine? It would seem as though some work could be done to make inserting mags easier. Any input?

[Rio Vista Slim]

Is it just my Colt or does everone have to press the mag release to insert a fresh magazine? It would seem as though some work could be done to make inserting mags easier. Any input?
GunJunkie,
Is your Colt a new pistol? If so, the tolerances are still factory fresh, and inserting a magazine might meet with some initial resistance. However, if the magazine WILL NOT insert without pressing the magazine release, something is amiss.

I will now turn this discussion over to the EXPERTS!

(In answer to your question, I have two guns that are still relatively new that have to be "coaxed" home, but the ejection of said magazines is easy.)

[wichaka]

Most take a firm slam to get them to seat. if it still doesn't seat, don't force it anymore.

Me thinks the mag catch needs some attention, possibly needs to have the shelf contoured a bit to allow better/easier seating.

[GunJunkie]

Most take a firm slam to get them to seat. if it still doesn't seat, don't force it anymore.

Me thinks the mag catch needs some attention, possibly needs to have the shelf contoured a bit to allow better/easier seating.

Yes, it will seat with a FIRM slap. I'm thinking the same, that the mag catch should be beveled.
Thanks- NM

[John]

Try bevelling the magazine lips at the point it contacts the mag catch. Just break that edge where the mag catch leaves a mark on the magazine lips.

[191145]

Just keep slapping them in, and make sure the mag catch is clean and lubricated. It will eventually break in.

[Frank]

Magazines do need to be seated with some authority. And it's a good idea to always slap them in firmly. You want to develop the habit of doing so all the time. That way, in competition (should you choose to engage in it) or an unpleasant encounter, there's less chance that you will be unpleasantly surprised (like by the magazine dropping out of the gun as you reacquire the target after reloading -- which happened to me a couple of times in my early days of competing).

DVC

[Phil]

Try bevelling the magazine lips at the point it contacts the mag catch. Just break that edge where the mag catch leaves a mark on the magazine lips.Just take a small file and slightly bevel the outside edge of the magazine at the point that John says.

I had the same thing with a new gun recently and John gave me this same advice - worked like a champ.

[John]

Another happy customer! LORL :D

[daveohno]

Try bevelling the magazine lips at the point it contacts the mag catch. Just break that edge where the mag catch leaves a mark on the magazine lips.
I am experiencing the same problem. What type of file (name, fineness)? Can you order it from Brownells?

[John]

I do not know! It's not as if you are altering the hammer hooks, any small file will do.

[daveohno]

I do not know! It's not as if you are altering the hammer hooks, any small file will do.
Thank you, John!