Bullet Button Wrench question

[Bronco]

I recently took delivery of a DD M4 carbine from CWS that came with what I assume to be a Bullet Button mag lock already installed. A short time later I purchased the Bullet Button Wrench. It does a fine job of dropping my mags when used as a separate tool. Last weekend, however, I was in Nevada and wanted to try using the BB Wrench in the mode of a traditional attached magazine release button.

I aligned the tabs on the wrench with the recesses on the Bullet Button's internal threaded sleeve and began turning the BB Wrench clockwise. But by the time the threads on the BB Wrench had engaged the threaded post down in the BB lock, the sleeve was screwed down so far that the BB Wrench was unable to function as a mag release button. If I backed off the BB Wrench even just a fraction of a turn, the BB Wrench would no longer remain attached to the weapon.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[BONECUTTER]

I wonder what lower parts kit DD uses. Sounds like your mag catch isn't very long or the threading doesn't go that far. If you are ever down in OC bring it by rifle gear and have them take a look. Might be able to swap it out with a $5.00 part and be done.

http://www.riflegear.com/p-296-magazine-catch.aspx

You can pull it out yourself and see how long it is and if the threads look simlar to the picture on the web page.

[Bronco]

Thanks for the reply, Bonecutter. I'm obviously no authority on such things, but I think you're right on the money. It seems reasonable that if the threaded portion of the mag catch were a little longer, my problem might go away. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't doing something totally stupid, even though the installation looked pretty straightforward.

[Casual Observer]

Bonecutter hit the nail on the head. Might be a slightly out of spec part.

Another option is the Mini-Freelock kit, which we also sell. It replaced the 'castle nut' part of the bullet button, but can be loosened to allow normal magazine release. Same concept, different execution.

Either way, if you bring it by, we can check it out for you.

[shark92651]

Another thing to check would be to make sure the notches on the BB wrench are narrow enough to fit inside the notches of the BB nut. If not then it may be creating a gap which is requiring the inner nut to screw down further than it otherwise should.

[Bronco]

Bonecutter hit the nail on the head. Might be a slightly out of spec part.

Another option is the Mini-Freelock kit, which we also sell. It replaced the 'castle nut' part of the bullet button, but can be loosened to allow normal magazine release. Same concept, different execution.

Either way, if you bring it by, we can check it out for you.

Thanks for the generous offer, CO. I will absolutely take you up on it if I'm unable to resolve things myself. I checked out your Mini-Freelock kit and like the looks of it very much. I may opt to go with this set up instead. One question though - assuming the threaded portion of my mag catch is out of spec on the short side, is it possible that this could cause functioning problems with the Mini-Freelock kit as well? Is it a fairly simple task to remove and replace the mag catch? I'm fairly good around tools, but I don't have much gunsmithing experience as you can probably tell, and I live in constant fear of captive springs that tend to travel unimaginable distances when installed improperly.

[Casual Observer]

Thanks for the generous offer, CO. I will absolutely take you up on it if I'm unable to resolve things myself. I checked out your Mini-Freelock kit and like the looks of it very much. I may opt to go with this set up instead. One question though - assuming the threaded portion of my mag catch is out of spec on the short side, is it possible that this could cause functioning problems with the Mini-Freelock kit as well? Is it a fairly simple task to remove and replace the mag catch? I'm fairly good around tools, but I don't have much gunsmithing experience as you can probably tell, and I live in constant fear of captive springs that tend to travel unimaginable distances when installed improperly.

Its an easy fix. 90 seconds tops.

If you already have a BB installed, there should be no springs flying anywhere. The BB spring is pretty sedate and there should be no mag catch spring to go flying.

If you want to swing by, I have the mini freelock installed on one of my rifles. I'd be happy to demonstrate it for you.

[Bronco]

CO, I went ahead and used my BB Wrench to disassemble the mag catch and you were right, nothing could be simpler. Mini-Freelock kit is now on order (along with a new mag catch).

My thanks to you and Shark for the personalized customer assistance.