M1A magazine problems...

[squishyhead]

So I just picked up my M1A the other day, and I've been having some major trouble re-inserting the mag. I've been tilting/rocking it the way the manual says to, but I can't get the thing to stay put. Does anyone have advice on how to get the mag to go in correctly every time?

[B Strong]

So I just picked up my M1A the other day, and I've been having some major trouble re-inserting the mag. I've been tilting/rocking it the way the manual says to, but I can't get the thing to stay put. Does anyone have advice on how to get the mag to go in correctly every time?

Are you using a GI Mag?

[cassius]

you don't say anything about the mag catch engaging, presumably it isn't. You'd hear / feel the click when it does. Maybe you have some sort of fit problem there.
How about the width of the mag, do you have any trouble inserting it into the stock / magwell?

Need more information. Pics would be even better.

[Telperion]

10 rd mags are difficult to get seated because they are short and you lack the leverage you get with GI 20 rd mags. You have to rock the magazine back until you hear it click into place.

[wilshire1412]

The shorter 10rd and especially the 5 rd magazine can be more difficult to manipulate in a standard and unmodified Springfield Armory M1A. I replaced the op rod spring guide in both of my M1A rifles with the Sadlak unit, makes a big difference as the rear of this part is what holds the front side of the magazine in the rifle. I don't have any such issues anymore.

[Black Majik]

Inserting the mag with the bolt locked back also helps make it easier as well.

[SVRider]

As others have said, the short mags are harder to seat.

Dumb question perhaps, but are you sure you are hooking the front of the magazine before your rock it back? If it's not fully hooked, when you rock it back it won't be able to latch....

.

[SimpleCountryActuary]

As others have said, the short mags are harder to seat.

Dumb question perhaps, but are you sure you are hooking the front of the magazine before your rock it back? If it's not fully hooked, when you rock it back it won't be able to latch....

.

I was thinking the same thing because I made the same mistake. I was so used to the easy, smooth insertion of the M1 Carbine magazines that I thought all magazines just popped right in.

[squishyhead]

Thanks guys. I've been using the 10 round mag that came with the rifle. It is catching in the front but when I rock it back, it only locks into place on rare occasion. I think I'll try one of my cousins 20 round mags and see if that works better. Thanks again.