Magazine folly

[myk]

Hey guys, strange issue (well to me anyway):

I noticed that when I try to insert either a Lancer AWM polymer or D&H metal 'mag into my Colt M4 or my Ruger 556E with their bolts closed, I can't get them to lock in; the result is the same if the 'mags are unloaded or empty. I tried my factory metal 'mags from Colt and Ruger, both loaded and empty and they easily lock into both rifles with their bolts closed.

I started to think maybe this is an issue with aftermarket 'mags, so I tried a Pmag, both loaded and empty, but it locked in just as easily as the factory 'mags.

What's the deal here? Is there an issue with my guns, the 'mags, both? Is this a common issue with aftermarket 'mags, with some being better than others? Is there something I need to adjust or tweak? I have only used the Lancer and D&H 'mags when I shoot the rifles, and I have not had a performance problem from either of the 'mags in either the Colt or the Ruger. As usual your opinion is appreciated...

[Dinosaur Jr]

I have a Colt factory mag that somehow causes the bolt to not lock open on the last round in my Bushmaster. All my other factory & 3rd party mags work fine.

I'm not sure I've ever tried to insert a mag with a closed bolt?

Stick with what works.

[FeuerFrei]

Load 1 or 2 rounds less into the mags and they will magically lock in with bolt closed.
Load mags to max and insert mag with bolt locked back.
This is common and nothing to worry about. Normal.
Some mags will not do this so it's not a hard and fast rule.

[supersonic]

Load 1 or 2 rounds less into the mags and they will magically lock in with bolt closed.
Load mags to max and insert mag with bolt locked back.
This is common and nothing to worry about. Normal.
Some mags will not do this so it's not a hard and fast rule.

Might want to re-read the OP's first post one more time:

Hey guys, strange issue (well to me anyway):

I noticed that when I try to insert either a Lancer AWM polymer or D&H metal 'mag into my Colt M4 or my Ruger 556E with their bolts closed, I can't get them to lock in; the result is the same if the 'mags are unloaded or empty.

[vintagearms]

D&H mags are usually pretty good so you might file the top of the mag lock engagement hole slightly until it fully engages.

[Intimid8tor]

It sounds like the mags might be sitting a little high and hitting the bottom of the bolt. Take off the upper and insert the mags you are having issues with. To they click in fine? Now close the upper and see if you can feel or tell if the are hitting on the feed lips.

You could also put them in with the bolt back and then cycle the bolt a few times and see if there are scuff marks on the top of the lips.

I haven't had any issues with any of the mags I use though I don't have a Colt rifle, upper or lower.

[myk]

It sounds like the mags might be sitting a little high and hitting the bottom of the bolt. Take off the upper and insert the mags you are having issues with. To they click in fine? Now close the upper and see if you can feel or tell if the are hitting on the feed lips.

You could also put them in with the bolt back and then cycle the bolt a few times and see if there are scuff marks on the top of the lips.

I haven't had any issues with any of the mags I use though I don't have a Colt rifle, upper or lower.

There are slight rub marks on the top of the feed lips. I also noticed that changing the number of rounds in the 'mag doesn't affect the issue either way.

Also, I found out that if I "slap" the 'mags into the well, as if I was in a movie or something they will lock into place. That's not right, though is it? I shouldn't have to slap a 'mag into place. IF I do that I also notice that the bolt is harder to pull back, probably because I'm having to drag the bolt over the feed lips. I dunno I guess I could just stick with Pmags...

[starsnuffer]

You should make it a habit to slap the mag into place, honestly, so you can repeat it without thinking when you have a malfunction.

That said, it sounds like your options are either to use mags that you know work in your rifle, or modify the mags to work in your rifle.

I'd try the mags in another rifle first. If they work, then something is wrong with your rifle and should be fixed.

-W

[Zamble]

I have a Colfax lower and a Colt 6940 monolithic upper. I have a similar issue with my Pmags when the bcg is forward, regardless of how many rounds in mag. So I give a little love tap when the bcg is forward. When the bcg is locked back, the mag locks easily. But as habit I always give a the mag a little love tap no matter what. Kind of embarrassing when the mags falls out...

[myk]

You should make it a habit to slap the mag into place, honestly, so you can repeat it without thinking when you have a malfunction.

That said, it sounds like your options are either to use mags that you know work in your rifle, or modify the mags to work in your rifle.

I'd try the mags in another rifle first. If they work, then something is wrong with your rifle and should be fixed.

-W

I figure if the issue pops up in both my AR's then I'm HOPING they're not the problem and it's the 'mags.

I have a Colfax lower and a Colt 6940 monolithic upper. I have a similar issue with my Pmags when the bcg is forward, regardless of how many rounds in mag. So I give a little love tap when the bcg is forward. When the bcg is locked back, the mag locks easily. But as habit I always give a the mag a little love tap no matter what. Kind of embarrassing when the mags falls out...

I've read about the love tap thing, too. I've also read about "push/pull" when it comes to inserting a 'mag....