Removing mag drops action: M305 bolt catch fail.

drifter dave

drifter dave

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Ok this is my second Socom (first one replaced), but my 5th M305.

I've noticed the bolt hold open likes to release when I remove the mag. Happens about 50% of the time. The catch even released once on the shooting bench without even touching the rifle.

The mags are a real pain to insert/remove, I thought this would break in a bit but after 150 rounds or so, no go. I'm wondering if this is related. I tried clearancing the rectangular tab on the mags a bit, and this helped slightly.

Also wondering if an extended release and catch from the aftermarket might get this back to spec.

I'd rather not return the second rifle in as many weeks. Thanks in advance.
 
Is the follower on the mag pushing the bolt stop all the way up? Does it do this with all your mags?
 
Yes I've tried 5 different mags, 3 of which worked great on other rifles, I'm going to look for interference with the follower, cheers.
 
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drifter dave said:
Ok this is my second Socom (first one replaced), but my 5th M305.



The mags are a real pain to insert/remove, I thought this would break in a bit but after 150 rounds or so, no go. I'm wondering if this is related. I tried clearancing the rectangular tab on the mags a bit, and this helped slightly.

Also wondering if an extended release and catch from the aftermarket might get this back to spec.

I'd rather not return the second rifle in as many weeks. Thanks in advance.
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Check to see if the magazine catch actually recedes into the trigger housing far enough to release the magazine. On my rifle the mag catch tab would hit the magazine before the catch completely cleared the lug on the magazine. I noticed that the top front edge of the magazine catch on my rifle was actually chamfered at the factory to help in magazine release, something not seen on other trigger groups which have no chamfer.

My mags were sticking too, so I slightly extended and rounded the chamfer downwards with a file. This solved the problem with all of my magazines, except for the riveted ones. The magazine catch would hit the silly rivet head before it would provide enough clearance to release the magazine. Simply dressing down the rivet heads solved this minor issue, although grinding a recess in the front face of the mag catch tab would work too.

I think that the magazine catch pivot pin hole location may be slightly out of spec. in either the trigger housing or the magazine catch itself on my rifle. Not a big deal, and an easy fix. However, if the trigger housing is off, simply replacing the mag catch may be of little help.
 
Yeah I just swapped trigger groups on my other rifle and it improved things a bit, but the magwell is really tight in general, I can see it compress the mags inwards when I insert one.
 
raindog said:
For fun, try swapping stocks. Perhaps the stock liner fit is poor on the Socom stock.
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Ya good call, already did that with the 3 stocks I have :), it made no difference, the action following forward with the mag release seemed more common today on the range with the gun heated up. It's a bit of a mystery, the bolt catch itself could be too short I guess, the bolt itself a little too rounded where the catch is supposed to sit.

I went ahead and ordered an extended catch from Magwedge, will work as a release too and will fit on my other M305, so will give that a shot.
 
I'm having the same problem with a M305B. Rounded edge on the bolt and the bolt stop won't keep the bolt held back without a empty mag in the rifle. I'd love to hear if the new bolt catch solves the problem
 
EDIT: I took a very close up look at the bolt catch and sure enough, it isn't traveling all the the way up into position. I was able to compare it to my 2005, which moves up flush to the receiver.

This one stops a millimeter or two before hitting the top and thus slips off easily.

An aftermarket bolt catch/release might just do it.
 
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Speaking of aftermarket bolt stops, this may be the opportunity to replace your goofy bolt stop with a Smith Ent tactical bolt stop from Brownells.

I've done about five installs so far and all the results are happy. :)

Cheers, Barney.
 
The Magwedge "Tactical Bolt Release" solved the problem and slid right in with the right punch/tools. I'm pretty happy and the bolt release feature is pretty cool. I feel like I'm abusing the rifle somehow when I use it however. But if I ever try a CQB course it could save a second or so.
 
TacticalTeacher said:
Speaking of aftermarket bolt stops, this may be the opportunity to replace your goofy bolt stop with a Smith Ent tactical bolt stop from Brownells.

I've done about five installs so far and all the results are happy. :)

Cheers, Barney.
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Thanks Barney!

I love the tactical bolt catch releases on both my M305's!

One thing I'd like to add though: the SEI bolt catch release when mounted on my M305's won't properly catch and release the follower of SAI mags. Only Norinco mags. Dunno if anyone else has come across this.
 
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