Surplus Mag Fitting Troubles

[SW1423 0]

In my converted saiga 7.62x39 surplus magazines do not fit. It seems the mag release is too long and they wont snap into place. Should I use a dremel tool to file down the magazine or the mag release?

[thebuns1 4,323]

You have to remove material from the latch to allow the mags to seat it. Its one of the things Russia done to be able to import them. Id use a small hand file and test fit the mag often. If you use a dremel, just be very careful. Many members here have removed too much material.

[Big John! 2,062]

Capt. is correct.  Do not use a dremel on this.  A hand file is more than enough and check often.  

[pjj342 632]

You have to remove material from the latch to allow the mags to seat it. Its one of the things Russia done to be able to import them. Id use a small hand file and test fit the mag often. If you use a dremel, just be very careful. Many members here have removed too much material.

Im one of those people who took off too much.  I had to replace the mag catch, and it was a pain in the ass.

So take your time

[Mullet Man 2,114]

I used an angle grinder with a 4" cutoff wheel. At the time, I didn't have any files to do it. Have had zero problems through a few thousand rounds. And mags from Polish polymer slab sides, to Bulgarian circle 10's, to Yugo BHO's, AK103's and Chinese hump backs all click in nicely Just don't be a dumbass. Sorry boomsick, not calling you a dumbass.  

Edited September 1, 2014 by Mullet Man

[paprotective 362]

I used dremel on one and a small course 3/8" wide file $6 on the other..

 

Either way.. go very slow.. and just keep test fitting... the small file went really well for me...

 

Keep in mind some Polymer mags (like Tapco) may be tighter than surplus steel mags.. again go slow..

 

Better to have the Polymer mags TIGHT then the correct 'surplus' mags loose..  IMO

[scoutjoe 277]

Drums have the thickest tabs. At least they were thicker than the tapco one I had for fitting

[mbjku 0]

In my converted saiga 7.62x39 surplus magazines do not fit. It seems the mag release is too long and they wont snap into place. Should I use a dremel tool to file down the magazine or the mag release?

 

I don't know about surplus but both magpul and tapco needs this plastic pin sticking out to be shaved a little, it is too thick. I used dremel carefully. I don't know why they did Saiga different in this to AK but it is 5 min of work to fix. I also applied a little of slide glide lube on release.

Edited September 8, 2014 by mbjku