You’re out on a hunt, your target in sight, and suddenly your rifle jams. Whether you’re an experienced marksman or a novice shooter, dealing with common rifle magazine issues is frustrating, and can be a real hassle, too. This guide will explore the most common rifle magazine problems and how to fix them.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Rifle Magazine
Knowing the distinct components of a rifle magazine can help you diagnose common magazine issues. The critical elements include the body, spring, follower, feed lips, and base plate.
The body, acting as the main container, holds all other components. Inside the body, you’ll find the spring. This component pushes the follower upward, a piece designed to guide ammunition. The follower touches the ammunition and forces it into the feed lips, which retain the ammunition until the action of the rifle strips the cartridge off and chambers it. At the bottom of the magazine, you discover the base plate, which seals the unit and is often removed for cleaning or maintenance.
When these components work synchronously, you experience a smooth shot. But, any disruption in their harmony can cause issues that might impact your precision.
Common Magazine Issues and Their Causes
Feeding Problems
Feeding issues are a widely experienced problem that can ruin the day of any shooter. If bullets don’t feed into your chamber properly, chances are there might be debris in the magazine. If that’s the case, you’ll want to clean it to ensure seamless functioning.
To clean the magazine for debris, first, disassemble the magazine by removing the baseplate to access the internal components. Use a brush and a soft cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the interior of the magazine, including the spring and follower. Inspect for any signs of wear or damage, such as bent feed lips or a weak spring. If necessary, apply a light application of lubricant that is recommended by the manufacturer. Finally, reassemble the magazine, ensuring all parts are correctly aligned and secured.
Additionally, feeding problems can manifest as ‘failure to feed’ or ‘double feed’ and are typically caused by a weak spring, damaged feed lips, or a dirty magazine. To address a failure to feed, start by inspecting the magazine’s spring. A weak spring may not push the rounds up with enough force, so replacing the spring with a new one can significantly improve feeding reliability. Furthermore, check the feed lips that guide the rounds into the chamber. If they are bent or damaged, the best course of action is to replace the magazine, as feed lips are often difficult to repair. Lastly, ensure the magazine is clean, as debris can obstruct the rounds from moving smoothly. Cleaning the magazine thoroughly, as discussed above, can resolve this issue.
For double feed problems, avoid overloading the magazine, as this can cause rounds to jam. Always load the magazine to its recommended capacity and do not force extra rounds into it. If the spring is damaged or weak, it may not exert enough pressure, leading to misaligned rounds. In this case, replacing the spring is necessary. The follower, which helps guide the rounds, should also be inspected. If it is worn or damaged, replacing it can help prevent double feeds.
Failure to Lock
Failure to lock issues arise when the magazine does not lock into the rifle, preventing it from functioning correctly. This problem can be particularly frustrating, as it often occurs at critical moments. Common causes include a worn-out magazine catch that no longer holds the magazine securely, an incompatible magazine that does not fit the rifle properly, or debris in the locking mechanism that obstructs proper engagement. To resolve these issues, inspect and clean the locking mechanism regularly, ensure the magazine is compatible with the rifle, and replace any worn-out parts as needed.
Misfeeds
Misfeeds occur when rounds do not chamber properly, disrupting the shooting process and potentially causing jams. Common causes of misfeeds include damaged feed lips that fail to align the rounds correctly, a weak spring that does not provide sufficient enough force to move the rounds, or the use of ammunition that is not suited for the magazine or rifle. To prevent misfeeds, regularly inspect the magazine for damage, always double check that the appropriate ammunition is used, and replace any weak springs. Keeping the magazine clean and well-maintained also helps ensure that your rounds chamber smoothly and reliably.
Difficulty in loading
Finally, loading issues such as difficulty inserting rounds into the magazine or rounds not seating properly once inserted can happen. This can be caused by a stiff spring that requires excessive force to compress, a damaged follower that does not guide the rounds correctly, or the use of ammunition size that does not fit the magazine properly. To address these issues, inspect the magazine for any signs of damage or wear, use the correct size of ammunition for your hunting rifle, and replace stiff springs or damaged followers as necessary.
Preventive Measures
General maintenance, including cleaning and inspecting for damage, and using high-quality magazines from authorized vendors like American Rifle Magazines can help minimize the above issues and ensure reliable performance. Storing magazines in a dry, cool place also helps extend their lifespan and functionality, as exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures can compromise a magazine’s integrity.
A well-maintained magazine lessens the likelihood of experiencing common magazine issues. After each use, always be sure to inspect the magazine for any visible signs of wear and damage and clean it appropriately.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even though there are ways to troubleshoot common rifle magazine issues, some problems extend beyond DIY repair. In such cases, it’s crucial to recognize the need for professional help. Instances include persistent feeding glitches, unusual wear patterns, and when the magazine doesn’t fit snugly in the rifle or falls out during use. You also might need a professional gunsmith’s help if damage, such as bent feed lips and broken springs, persists after replacement. Recognizing these symptoms and taking preventative action can help to prevent further damage to the magazine or the rifle.
Make sure you do your research and identify a reputable gunsmith or professional service. A skilled professional can address these common magazine issues with specialized tools and techniques. Remember, quality gunsmithing services aim to mend the existing problem and provide useful insights into avoiding similar issues in the future.
Keeping Your Rifle Magazine in Top Shape
Troubleshooting common rifle magazine issues doesn’t have to be a challenging job. Don’t underestimate the power of a good clean or the need for spring tension checks and feed lip adjustments, and investing in high-quality parts can make a world of difference in your rifle’s performance.
Preventive measures, like proper storage and post-use inspections, can save you from future headaches, too. But remember: not all issues can be solved at home. If you need help with problems like feeding glitches or improper fit, don’t be afraid to call in the professionals.