M305 Trouble Inserting Mags...

[ReVoR]

I was fiddling around with my M305 tonight and I've discovered I'm having a hell of a time getting my mags inserted, but only when the bolt is locked back, say during a mag change.

I only noticed it now because this is the first time I've done anything with it since installing my new spring guide last week (whichever one SFRC is selling).

From what I can see, having the bolt locked back is putting enough extra tension on the spring and pushing the new spring guide back that I have to get the mag lined up 100% perfect and even then, I have to seriously force it into position. Usually takes several attempts at forcing and binding it into the right spot.

It wasn't difficult to do with the original spring guide in, nor is it difficult with the bolt closed as I can see the guide isn't forced back under pressure. I'm glad my life doesn't depend on this thing because if I ever had to change mags quickly during a zombie attack I'd be screwed lol.

On a more serious note, if I ever take it to a range I'm going to look a right idiot while I fumble around trying to load my rifle...and I'm sure it's not good for my magazines and anything else that doesn't want to be reefed together like that.

Just wondering if this is a normal issue with the bolt locked back or with an aftermarket spring guide? Is it possible I was a total idiot and put the spring guide in upside down...would it even seat and lock a magazine properly if I did?

 

[Mandown!]

probably a good place to start and see if its in upside down, i know that there is a flat shelf on the spring guide that the magazine clicks into while inserting magazines. that flat shelf should be facing upwards. I got my shorty a few weeks ago, and no such problems although i've heard of other people having a similar problem in that they cannot insert,extract mags easily.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

There are two thoughts. The mag is too wide, or the mag well is too narrow. Dumb answer, but those are the variables.

Some magazines are out of spec', and could benefit from a careful surface polishing with a very fine sandpaper.

Or, the stock liner on a wooden stock is too tight. Those recessed screwheads may be too loose, or the wood is holding them too far away from the desired position. Look for varnish buildup or whiskers. Look at this part of the gun first before attacking the magazines. FWIW, the shorty mags are a bear to work with, so concentrate on your 5/20's first.

 

[ReVoR]

My M305 came with 2 5/20's, and it's got a synthetic stock. Both mags react the same...easy to put in/out when the bolt is closed, a real bastard when the bolt is locked back.

I'll check the spring guide now and see if that's the issue.

 

[ReVoR]

Turns out I installed the spring guide correctly after all. Maybe I'll order a different spring and see if that makes any difference. Next time I have everything apart I will put in the old guide just to verify it was a before/after problem.

In the meantime I'm going back to frustrating myself trying to get my flash hider off...ugh.