USP magazine falling out while shooting

[arthur1]

Full size 45, has the extended mag release and a new spring for the release as well.

Mag falls out during shooting and when using the slide release.

When inserting the mag there isnt a very nice audible click, its there, but its not like other guns. It doesnt take much to seat the magazine. Maybe its a mag problem? The gun is from 1998 and I think the mags are as well.

Thanks

[ohsmily]

Full size 45, has the extended mag release and a new spring for the release as well.

Mag falls out during shooting and when using the slide release.

When inserting the mag there isnt a very nice audible click, its there, but its not like other guns. It doesnt take much to seat the magazine. Maybe its a mag problem? The gun is from 1998 and I think the mags are as well.

Thanks

You're likely unintentionally actuating it given that it is extended. Alternatively, the shelf on the mag catch could be worn/rounded to the point it isn't retaining the mags properly. The former is more likely.

[arthur1]

You're likely unintentionally actuating it given that it is extended. Alternatively, the shelf on the mag catch could be worn/rounded to the point it isn't retaining the mags properly. The former is more likely.

I think its the magazine because I am sitting here right now sending the slide home and its falling out with my finger/hand nowhere near the release

[ohsmily]

I think its the magazine because I am sitting here right now sending the slide home and its falling out with my finger/hand nowhere near the release

If it's only happening with one mag, then you have your answer. If it happens with multiple magazines, then you have a different answer.

[Romeo_alpha01]

9/40 or 45?

When using the extended release from the HK45C, the metal tab on the release digs into the plastic mag bodies of the 9/40, causing issues with the mag bodies wearing prematurely and eventually failing to lock the mag in place. This isn't a problem on the 45 version since the mags are steel.

[arthur1]

If it's only happening with one mag, then you have your answer. If it happens with multiple magazines, then you have a different answer.

Both mags are equally old so maybe I should buy a third to confirm.

9/40 or 45?

When using the extended release from the HK45C, the metal tab on the release digs into the plastic mag bodies of the 9/40, causing issues with the mag bodies wearing prematurely and eventually failing to lock the mag in place. This isn't a problem on the 45 version since the mags are steel.

45/steel

[hambam105]

Please tell us what happened to your OEM USP parts that you replaced.

[mossy]

Did this problem happen before you replaced parts and springs?

[arthur1]

I PPT?d this gun a few weeks ago with the release installed already. I just changed the spring for good measure.

[Oneaudiopro]

Re-install the mag release and make sure it's the right part. It's not the mags.

[FNGGlock]

I PPT?d this gun a few weeks ago with the release installed already. I just changed the spring for good measure.

Sounds like the mag is just held in place with friction. The USP mags have a very pronounced metal lip and it would take a lot to wear it out. Did you check to see if the mag release has a good edge where it catches the mag lip?

I bet you will be able to pull the mag out by hand without using the release. Which means it is not catching the mag lip properly.

Have you tried with an empty mag and also inserting with the slide locked back on an empty mag? Try that and then see if you can pull the mag out by hand without touching the mag release. If that gives you a solid mag hold it may just be that the release is a bit too tight.

If that is the case - Some pistols are like hookers, they require a strong pimp hand. Just slap the mag in really hard and firm to get it to seat, it will get more compliant with time/use.

[FNGGlock]

Also the mag release should be pretty firm to operate, perhaps the spring is incorrect or the mag release itself is not correct for the pistol.

Here are some diagrams and pictures of what the 45 mag re lease looks like vs others. Also the full size spring vs compact.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/heckler-koch/auto-pistols-hk/usp-series

[arthur1]

Re-install the mag release and make sure it's the right part. It's not the mags.

I have removed it and reinstalled it several time, its made no difference

Sounds like the mag is just held in place with friction. The USP mags have a very pronounced metal lip and it would take a lot to wear it out. Did you check to see if the mag release has a good edge where it catches the mag lip?

I bet you will be able to pull the mag out by hand without using the release. Which means it is not catching the mag lip properly.

Have you tried with an empty mag and also inserting with the slide locked back on an empty mag? Try that and then see if you can pull the mag out by hand without touching the mag release. If that gives you a solid mag hold it may just be that the release is a bit too tight.

If that is the case - Some pistols are like hookers, they require a strong pimp hand. Just slap the mag in really hard and firm to get it to seat, it will get more compliant with time/use.

After trying this, there is no configuration where I can just pull the mag out without the release. I will take a picture of the edge and post it here

Also the mag release should be pretty firm to operate, perhaps the spring is incorrect or the mag release itself is not correct for the pistol.

Here are some diagrams and pictures of what the 45 mag re lease looks like vs others. Also the full size spring vs compact.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-man...-hk/usp-series

The release is not very firm, it takes a small amount of effort to press, but doesn't offer much resistance

The release and spring are here:

https://hkparts.net/all-parts/h-k-hk-usp-p2000-extended-magazine-release/

https://hkparts.net/all-parts/h-k-hk-pistol-magazine-release-spring/

[MrBones]

Spring not inserted into the frame properly? I have this release on all three of my P2000's. I had to guide the spring into the frame with a small knife blade or mini screw driver. If the spring isn't seated properly in the frame the release will feel very weak.

[FNGGlock]

The mag release on my USP Expert 45 is pretty firm and the magazine has a solid engagement when inserting. The gunpartscorp site I listed has different part #s for the HK45 and the USP for the mag release spring. The site you listed seems to have the same part for a lot of HK models.

Sounds like the mag release is not engaging solidly with the mags, though if does engage somewhat if you can't pull it out with a slight yank.

Did you swap the spring, and/or the mag release yourself or previous owner/shop?