I was wondering if anyone else had an issue with their STI 1911 9mm mags; as you attempt to insert them into the grip, they "catch/hang up" around 3/4s of the way in. I was told that it would break in over time but I have put over 500 rounds thru it and it still requires me to press the mag release button to insert it or really slam it in. There is no way the mag would drop out under its own weight if I press the mag release button. Is there a way to fix this or is this a feature?
STI Ranger II Mag Insertion Issues
- Thread starter Dirt Merchant
- Start date
sounds like the trigger bow is catching the mag. It is ok when you push the mag release because it takes the pressure off the mag and doesn't push the mag against the bow. Take the slide off and insert a mag to confirm, it should be easy to see what's going on. If it is the bow I've had good results just bending the bow outward and putting a slight bevel on the bottom. Hope this helps.
I had this issue with the .45acp version. It turns out i over tightened the grip screws causing the screws to catch the mag. Have a look at the mag to see if it's being scratched. Have a look inside the magwell to see if anything is protruding that would catch the magazine.
If not the trigger bow then perhaps one of the grip bushings or a grip screw that is too long.
Find which it is yourself. For starters look for scuffing on the magazines to see if you can get an idea of what is rubbing. Then field strip off the upper end and looking down through the mag well insert a magazine and see where it starts to bind. Fix what you find to be the issue. There's the grip screws and bushings that might be protruding into the mag well, there's the magazine catch itself that may need smoothing and then there's the trigger bow mentioned already. Any one of those or a combination of them might be at fault.
If it turns out it is the magazine catch you can strip it down and using some fine emery cloth or some 320 "Wetordry" sandpaper (the black or dark grey variety) smooth out the ramped edge that is supposed to kick the catch out of the way.
Check your magazines for width too. It may be that one is a little bulged on the sides and simply needs to be carefully squeezed down slightly to get within the proper width spec.
The key here is if only the STI mags hang up. Or do all your mags hang up? If you don't have any others can you borrow a mag to try it in your gun? It doesn't have to be a 9mm mag either. A .45 mag can be used to check for this binding too.
Find which it is yourself. For starters look for scuffing on the magazines to see if you can get an idea of what is rubbing. Then field strip off the upper end and looking down through the mag well insert a magazine and see where it starts to bind. Fix what you find to be the issue. There's the grip screws and bushings that might be protruding into the mag well, there's the magazine catch itself that may need smoothing and then there's the trigger bow mentioned already. Any one of those or a combination of them might be at fault.
If it turns out it is the magazine catch you can strip it down and using some fine emery cloth or some 320 "Wetordry" sandpaper (the black or dark grey variety) smooth out the ramped edge that is supposed to kick the catch out of the way.
Check your magazines for width too. It may be that one is a little bulged on the sides and simply needs to be carefully squeezed down slightly to get within the proper width spec.
The key here is if only the STI mags hang up. Or do all your mags hang up? If you don't have any others can you borrow a mag to try it in your gun? It doesn't have to be a 9mm mag either. A .45 mag can be used to check for this binding too.
juancarlos
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- The Island
If it goes in fine when you hold down the mag realease then it is likely the mag catch. I find they are stiff on the STIs but do break in with time. As was suggested already you could polish the catch to make it go in easier. A reduced power spring may also help.
I am not exactly sure how much mag scuffing is normal as I only have one stock STI black mag and the other is a Wilson Combat stainless steel one so I cant see any scuffing on it. The mag is definitely hitting the mag release button catch on the inside. It sure seems like a big bump to get over. Should i touch it up with a file?
Mag Scuffing Marks:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26356858/IMG_7251.JPG
Mag Interference with mag release button:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26356858/IMG_7252.JPG
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26356858/IMG_7253.JPG
Mag Scuffing Marks:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26356858/IMG_7251.JPG
Mag Interference with mag release button:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26356858/IMG_7252.JPG
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26356858/IMG_7253.JPG
juancarlos
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- The Island
A file will take off material fast. I would recommend just polishing it with a high grit wet/dry sand paper or emery cloth.
