mini-14 magazine latch

[45DAVID1]

So, I bought an extended magazine latch and can't figure out how to put the f'N thing back together. Anyone have any advice besides the "shouldn't have messed with it" type? I'm ready to just turn the rifle into a baseball bat!

[Experimentalist]

I've done this.

It helps to use a guide rod, like a nail. First position the catch / spring assembly and hold in place using the guide. Since you've chosen a guide rod that is slightly undersized it's pretty easy to push it in with your fingers. Then run the proper pin in immediately after the guide rod using the proper punch and a hammer.

There may be complications getting the proper pin all the way through if the guide rod comes free before the pin is through. This can result in the catch being tilted under spring pressure, mis-aligning the catch.

Finger strength, patience, and thinking through the problem calmly will go a long ways towards solving your problem.

Good luck.

[dfletcher]

Finger strength, patience, and thinking through the problem calmly will go a long ways towards solving your problem.

Good luck.

And swearing. You forgot to mention the swearing. That helped me.