CMI Mags not locking in on Norinco

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werra

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Hello everyone,

New member here. Just got a used Norinco M14 that I need some help with!!

I just got two new CMI mags and they will not lock into the rifle. When I compare the the used Chinese mag with the CMIs, the locking tab and locking "Window" are slightlty (1/8") higher on the Chinese mag. Curiously, the GI mag will fit if I have the trigger group installed on the receiver group without the stock! I have tried it with two different GI stocks and the GI mags will just fit with one stock if I pound on it. Very hard to release if I get it in there. The Chinese mag will pop right in and is slightly loose.
BTW, the Chinese mag (only one I have) will eject the next live round in the mag along with the fired case!!!!
So I am dead in the water - one Chinese mag will fit, but does not work right and two GI mags that won't fit!

I found that if I place thin cardboard under the tigger group tabs that press down on the stock, the CMI mags work fine. I am effectively raising the trigger group off the stock by amout one milimeter. Let me know what think or if there is a better fix.

I would REALLY appreciate any help I can get!!!!
Thanks,
werra
 
Dont know but I would return the CMI mags and replace them with new Chinese mags that will fit. They are only a few$ and mine work just fine. If they break just replace them. Worth the investment if you want to save time and agrevation with something that does not fit. My 2 cents worth.;)
 
VE2 said:
Dont know but I would return the CMI mags and replace them with new Chinese mags that will fit. They are only a few$ and mine work just fine. If they break just replace them. Worth the investment if you want to save time and agrevation with something that does not fit. My 2 cents worth.;)
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Thanks for your reply VE2! That would be great except that (from what I understand) in the US, the chinese mags are scarce and expensive. If I could get them at a reasonable price I would. How much do they cost in Canada?

Does anyone else have trouble with Checkmate CMI mags in their Norcs or Polys?

I wonder if A chinese stock would work?
 
Chris S said:
You could use the norinco mag body with the usgi follower and spring i think and get something going ! :D
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Well, no! I am not so lucky! The Chinese mag body is dented and the feed lips are hopeless. I would like to find out what the fix is so I can use any magazine.

Are the Norcs finicky with GI mags?
 
werra said:
Well, no! I am not so lucky! The Chinese mag body is dented and the feed lips are hopeless. I would like to find out what the fix is so I can use any magazine.

Are the Norcs finicky with GI mags?
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No they are NOT usually problematic.

I've always used a mix of chinese mags, USGI mags and US commercial mags. Never had any issues with either.

To better understand the problem can you clarify and describe what happens in the fol situations:

1) Bolt locked to rear. Insert empty mag.

2) Bolt locked to rear. Insert full mag. Release bolt.

3) Bolt forward. Insert empty mag.

4) Bolt forward. Insert full mag. (Also, how many rounds are you loading in these new mags?)

Also, what kind of oprod spring guide are you using? Is it properly engaging the notch?
 
werra said:
Does anyone else have trouble with Checkmate CMI mags in their Norcs or Polys?
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I've been trying to get CMI mags for a few years without any luck. They're probably very rare in Canada.

Could your Norinco mag be in fact a KCI? My KCI mags always loose the last live round like that.
 
Winz said:
No they are NOT usually problematic.

I've always used a mix of chinese mags, USGI mags and US commercial mags. Never had any issues with either.

To better understand the problem can you clarify and describe what happens in the fol situations:

1) Bolt locked to rear. Insert empty mag.

2) Bolt locked to rear. Insert full mag. Release bolt.

3) Bolt forward. Insert empty mag.

4) Bolt forward. Insert full mag. (Also, how many rounds are you loading in these new mags?)

Also, what kind of oprod spring guide are you using? Is it properly engaging the notch?
Click to expand...

Winz,
To answer your questions:

1) Won't lock in (mag catch does not lock in)

2) Mag will fall out - not locked in.

3) Won't lock in (mag catch does not lock in)

4) Won't lock in (mag catch does not lock in)

This happens with empty mag, half empty mag and full mag.

Happens with original Norinco spring guide and Addax NM Spring Guide. Both of these engage the front notch in the mag successfully.
If I incert a thin peice of cardboard under the trigger housing tabs (between the tabs and the stock), all may mags lock perfectly. They also work if I install the trigger group on the receiver with out the stock.

WildPhil,
Not sure, there are no markings. The finish looks like a Chinese mag. It is ejecting a live round with the fired case almost every time, not just the last round. Looks like the feed lips are bent out of spec.
Here in the US, CMI mags are easy to get. Got mine at 44mag.com

Thanks for you replies and help!!!
 
Last edited:
Mainiac said:
Check the end of the op rod spring guide. That's what holds the front of the mag in.
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Maniac, the spring guide works and locks into the mag just fine. Tried two of them. both work.

I am thinking it may be one or a combination of two things:

The mag catch may be two long or the wood on the stock where the trigger housing pads contact may be compressed too much.
 
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