replacing a magazine catch

bellv · December 30, 2011, 02:53 PM

I have a FI model D .380. The magazine seems to go in and lock but when I fire it the magazine drops out of lock. Also If i pull on it I can remove it. This happens with both the original and a new clip. I found the part on Numrich. But I cannot remove the small screw that holds it all together. Is there a trick to this? Is it as simple as replacing the magazine catch or will there be more to it than I am thinking? Should I just take it to a gin smith? Thans for any comments.

Vic

Chuck Dye · December 30, 2011, 04:22 PM

A quick search suggest that that mag release may be like the 1911's and that is not a screw. With a well fitted, preferably hollow ground, screw driver, press in and turn about ninety degrees. A spring should pop the retainer free, allowing the whole catch to be removed.

drail · December 30, 2011, 06:14 PM

I think maybe the tiny spring inside the mag catch has broken. Does the button come back out when you push it in?

bellv · December 30, 2011, 07:34 PM

chuck thanks but the head won't move. sprayed some WD40 on it it may loosen up.

Bill DeShivs · December 31, 2011, 12:23 AM

Push the magazine release in while turning the screw.

bellv · December 31, 2011, 10:17 AM

Bill Pushing in the magazine release worked. Thanks to all for your help.

Vic

December 30, 2011, 02:53 PM	#1
bellv Junior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 10	replacing a magazine catch I have a FI model D .380. The magazine seems to go in and lock but when I fire it the magazine drops out of lock. Also If i pull on it I can remove it. This happens with both the original and a new clip. I found the part on Numrich. But I cannot remove the small screw that holds it all together. Is there a trick to this? Is it as simple as replacing the magazine catch or will there be more to it than I am thinking? Should I just take it to a gin smith? Thans for any comments. Vic

December 30, 2011, 04:22 PM	#2
Chuck Dye Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2002 Location: Oregon-The wet side. Posts: 949	A quick search suggest that that mag release may be like the 1911's and that is not a screw. With a well fitted, preferably hollow ground, screw driver, press in and turn about ninety degrees. A spring should pop the retainer free, allowing the whole catch to be removed. __________________ Gee, I'd love to see your data!

December 31, 2011, 12:23 AM	#5
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,984	Push the magazine release in while turning the screw. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

December 30, 2011, 06:14 PM	#3
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	I think maybe the tiny spring inside the mag catch has broken. Does the button come back out when you push it in?

December 30, 2011, 07:34 PM	#4
bellv Junior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 10	chuck thanks but the head won't move. sprayed some WD40 on it it may loosen up.

December 31, 2011, 10:17 AM	#6
bellv Junior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 10	Bill Pushing in the magazine release worked. Thanks to all for your help. Vic