HELP! Need mag problems fixed quickly.

[kdub1290]

I recently purchased two firearms to put on my CCW when I renew on 1/20. I only got them out of the waiting period just recently. I took them to the range yesterday to familiarize myself before having to shoot the course of fire for my renewal. While I was at the range, I came across two problems:

1) My Taurus TCP 738 was shooting just fine with the factory mag, but the second round from the other magazine, a ProMag 6 rounder, would always cause a failure to feed. There seems to be a shortage of TCP mags on the internet. Apparently factory Taurus mags are hard to come by. I had a hard time even getting the ProMag spare. Does anyone know where I could get a TCP mag in Sacramento before the weekend? If not, does anyone know a possible fix for this issue?

2) The second issue I had was that the magazines would drop free from my Keltec PF9 while I was shooting. I thought it was my grip, but I shot with multiple grips and still experienced the issue. It mostly happened (almost every round) with my 8 rounder mag, but also happened once with the 7 round mag as well. The only thing I can think of if it isn't my grip, is that the magazine release button is worn (I bought it from another Calgunner). Maybe it is something else. I don't have time to send it to the manufacture yet. Has anyone else experience/remedied this issue?

My renewal course is 1/18, so the clock is counting down for me to resolve these issues. Please, I'm looking for advice, not criticism for cutting it this close. Thanks in advance to anyone who perhaps can help push me in the right direction

[CAglock20c]

Did you try loading one less round in each mag to see if that works? Hey, at least you shot them BEFORE your qual!

[AreWeFree]

1. I don't have first hand experience with promags for any pistols, but their AR mags are so bad that I wouldn't trust them in any gun. A friend had bought a few AR promags at a gun store and I saw his mags get jammed up, tilted, failure to feed, and funny things like all the rounds flying out of a nearly full magazine after he ejected mag to make safe.

2. I have experienced this before. Check the mag catch area on the magazine itself for any wear along the top edge. (The square area where the firearms magazine catch holds the magazine.)

I've had several magazines for my Sig get worn out at this area. They could be inserted but under recoil would fall out. You can take a small file and very gently square this area off, but I'd replace them asap.

[JDay]

Have you tried replacing the spring and follower in the promag?

[Duster74Gold]

I had a problem with a PPK dropping mags when firing. I sent is back to Walther and had the mag catch replaced but this did not solve my problem. Turns out that my magwell was on the large side of spec so under recoil the mag could rotate off the catch and fall out. I put foil tape on the mags to fatten them up a little (they still drop free when I push the button) and don't have anymore problems.

[saudadeii]

I have limited experience with Promag mags but have some for my M&P and my Mini 14. They're junk.

Feel the edges along the feed lips and measure the gap, then compare to your Taurus mag. Lightly sand any burrs. Also check the follower for excessive flashing. Lightly sand if needed.

I had to pound a bit on my Mini mags to get them to fit properly. I would gladly hand them over to the enemy.

[dkthree]

While I do understand the rush to get new guns on the permit, I hope you have time to sort out those weapons with a good 500 rounds of your preferred SD ammo before you carry them. I would have a hard time trusting a gun that didn't run right from the start. I have a STI that I enjoy at the range but don't put on the permit because of the occasional FTF.

I hope someone up your way can loan out a few mags. Good luck.

[L-2]

Good luck, also, to the OP. I know being a student can be tough, both financially and time-wise.

With that said, the hardware choices along with the time constraints seems to be leading to a fail. Perhaps, the CCW qualification can be rescheduled for when more reliable hardware is obtained, including mags, if a semi-auto. I suppose it's possible the qualifying folks will allow qualifying with just one mag.

Any recommendations for the OP as to what would have been a better purchase (a Ruger SP101, SIG P239)?

[AreWeFree]

Good luck, also, to the OP. I know being a student can be tough, both financially and time-wise.

With that said, the hardware choices along with the time constraints seems to be leading to a fail. Perhaps, the CCW qualification can be rescheduled for when more reliable hardware is obtained, including mags, if a semi-auto. I suppose it's possible the qualifying folks will allow qualifying with just one mag.

Any recommendations for the OP as to what would have been a better purchase (a Ruger SP101, SIG P239)?

I don't think there's anything "wrong" with his purchases at all.

Anything mechanical can have trouble, as long as you can identify and fix the problem all will be well.

If OP determines the failures are mag related (very likely case), then new mags should solve the problem. If the problem with the Keltec is firearm function, then get warranty service and go from there.

L-2 has a very good suggestion on postponing your qualification if possible. It's good you discovered the problems prior to your class though.

Best of luck OP.

[smith and wesson]

Might need a break in period. In any case I'd try lubing the mags.

[kdub1290]

Thanks to all for the advice thus far. I will give suggestions a try. I also understand that I may have to postpone my appointments until the manufacture can fix the issue with the Keltec. I was just hoping to stay on schedule despite the speed bumps.


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[bsg]

you can pick up mags for your Taurus on ebay. they're not cheap; $40.00+.

i would never count on a ProMag in a pistol for defensive purpose; YMMV.

[L-2]

I don't think there's anything "wrong" with his purchases at all.

Anything mechanical can have trouble, as long as you can identify and fix the problem all will be well.

If OP determines the failures are mag related (very likely case), then new mags should solve the problem. If the problem with the Keltec is firearm function, then get warranty service and go from there.

L-2 has a very good suggestion on postponing your qualification if possible. It's good you discovered the problems prior to your class though.

Best of luck OP.

My thoughts are some guns seem to have a higher chance of working without break-in or test-firing when brand new. This is just something to consider for anyone else in the future. I realize two of the examples I suggested would have been more expensive and, hence, may not have been financially feasible.

The OP's current guns may indeed become 100% once any bugs are worked out. I didn't intend to crap on the OP's choices at this point. With the 10-day waiting period still in effect, he (or she) can't even buy a gun today to have ready for the current qual date listed.

Pushing a gun purchase and qualification date without much time to test one's hardware is a tough position. I suppose anyone else should allow plenty of time between obtaining a firearm and then, with some amount of testing, go toward a CCW qualification. How much time? That will depend on all the factors combined.

Other thoughts: What if one fails or is disqualified because of hardware? What's involved where the OP is getting the permit? I've heard in some counties, the qualifying persons will try to do their best to not make the applicant return, unless the person &/or hardware is totally unsafe.

[kdub1290]

Not trying to be a hater, but Promag, Taurus and Keltec are not brands that inspire confidence or are known for their reliability.

I only bought the Promag because it was what I could find. I'm waiting to find some 8 round Taurus mags that don't cost an arm and a leg, but so far have had no luck. The Promag was just to hold me over for the qualification course.

The Taurus TCP has some of the best reviews as far as reliability and longevity of any .380 pocket pistols and I do not regret my purchase. I believe that it will serve me well with the proper mags. I enjoyed shooting it very much.

Some people love their Keltecs, some don't. It had the features I was looking for and I could afford it.

I said in my original post that I wasn't looking for criticism. Everybody has their own opinions. I know that. I'm really just searching for some advice as far as troubleshooting goes.

you can pick up mags for your Taurus on ebay. they're not cheap; $40.00+.

i would never count on a ProMag in a pistol for defensive purpose; YMMV.

At this point, I don't have time to order one off the internet and there's not guarantee that I'd even win the bidding. That may be the outlet I have to turn to in the future to get some factory mags though. You're right.

Once again, thanks for the suggestions thus far. I'm gonna give the above ones a try tomorrow.