Hogue mag lock device

[BB-AR]

Checking through brownells and I noticed a banner for a hogue mag lock that seems like a nifty way to "fix" the magazine. I'm not super thrilled about drilling a hole in my receiver but the package has enough parts to fix 3 rifles for the price other guys charge for one.
Looking for your guys opinion on this device.
It looks like it's a pre order so that's a bummer

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/magazine-parts/magazine-releases/ar-15-freedom-fighter-fixed-magazine-conversion-kit-prod107892.aspx?avs%7cSpecial-Filters_1=New

Edit to add refill kit link

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/magazine-parts/magazine-release-parts/ar-15-freedom-fighter-fixed-magazine-conversion-refill-kit-prod107893.aspx

[caliguy93]

Not a bad price.. wonder if they sell additional plungers for multiple ARs since you already have the jig

[MurdaJ]

Can you insert a mag with the action closed?

[Whiterabbit]

totally preordered this, what a great product.

This is exactly what I was hoping for after SHOT where a vendor had exactly this product. Crack the action open 1/8th and std mag release just works, no goofy appendages outside the AR.

Yes they sell extra plungers, 3x for $25.

And heck no you won't be able to insert a mag with the action closed. the mag catch will be pinned in place with the action closed.

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I think it's a bit much to consider this THE solution for fixing your mags in place. (of course due to the aforementioned inability to insert a mag when closed.) I certainly wouldn't do this to every AR in your stable. More like 1 or 2. But if you got a setup you want the MEAN or BFD loaders to run on, and you will never pull the mag anyways during normal operation, these pins are a slick way to fix the mag in place.

3 pins plus the fixture is about perfect. Pin one rifle, pin one pistol. Keep evil features. Save the extra pin. Run alternative solutions for the rest.

I couldn't preorder fast enough

[Whiterabbit]

by the way, you could definitely make it in a way so as to insert a mag with the action closed.

First you would need a different pin and spring, and capture the release button, not the mag catch.

Next, you would need a new button and release mechanism. Currently, you thread the release and the button together so they are mechanically a single unit. You would need the mag release to have a shouldered surface that the button would engage with to push open when you push on the button. But the release would move independently, so that when you "pulled" on the release it would move on its own, even when you fixed the push button.

Then the operation would work.

IMO, it's NBD. Too many other solutions out there if you want to work it this way.

Personally, opening the action is a non-starter to mag change because you need the bolt forward which is annoying as all getout. bullet button is awful, but at least you can change mags with the bolt back. I want to see a novel device that lets you drop the mag with the bolt back.

That would be a nifty piece of magic right there.

[SkyHawk]

Might grab this to do some of my AR pistols, and forget the AW registration. I was going to do Franklin DFM mags but this is much easier to restore normal operation if I go out of state to shoot. And the price is awesome considering it is a 3-pack. It is showing $37 and change with my FFL 03 discount. And they will probably sell 'refills' cheaper if you already have the jig and drill bits.

EDIT - they will be selling a refill!

Spring and pin assemblies for converting additional rifles are sold separately as the Freedom Fighter Fixed Magazine Refill Kit

[lone shooter]

Tagged.

I didn't see any mention as to when these actually become available.

[Whiterabbit]

me either. Just a waiting game. That's OK too.

[edgerly779]

I was going to machine some. I saw them at ventura gun show. Very nice.Cadillac way to go.

[97F1504RAD]

Not a bad price.. wonder if they sell additional plungers for multiple ARs since you already have the jig

Yes they do in a three pack I think.

[Whiterabbit]

Has anyone come up with a stopper that stops the upper from swiveling more than an 8th inch or so? We have the quickpins, Steel replacement pins for the front, etc etc.

Haven't seen an elegant stopper yet. Discrete but removable for when you really want to remove the upper. Don't say wrap a rubber band around the upper and lower....

[MurdaJ]

Has anyone come up with a stopper that stops the upper from swiveling more than an 8th inch or so? We have the quickpins, Steel replacement pins for the front, etc etc.

Haven't seen an elegant stopper yet. Discrete but removable for when you really want to remove the upper. Don't say wrap a rubber band around the upper and lower....

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=20295351&postcount=1

[MurdaJ]

ANyone install this yet?

[KevinBearFlag]

We got one to demo a couple weeks ago.

We installed it on my Engineer's rifle, and it was very easy to do- took about 15 minutes. I have to say, if you want your rifle to look stock, like if you have a _____ clone, this is a great option.

So far it works great, and exactly as advertised. You CAN insert a magazine with it closed.

Disclaimer- We are not affiliated with Hogue in any way, and not being paid to say anything one way or the other.

We have had a unique opportunity to try out a lot of these devices, so if you guys have questions, fire away.

[mshill]

This is what inspired my solution here.

Don't want to open or drop magazines but will be using ejection port loader.