Make A Magazine Release

[7thGen]

I didn't have a very wide range of bits here at work. The rod is sunken in about 1/16" and there is a very small gap around the edge of it. The only Loctite we had around was red, so thats what I used. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. :D

[7thGen]

another pic

[Metaldoc]

7thGen,
That's exactly how the extended mag release pin looks that I made for mine. The only difference is that I drilled a press fit hole for the SS rod I used. I pressed it in also using Green Loctite (green is a sleeve retainer compound). It saves tapping.

I used a piece of 3/16 SS rod, 7/8 inches long and inserted about 3/32 into the existing mag release. The trickiest part is holding the mag release for drilling/reaming as it has no nice square surfaces and you need to get the right angle for the pin. I ended up eyeballing it and it came out right. I used a 1/8 end mill in the milling machine to make a pilot hole and followed that with a 3/16 end mill. That gave me an interference fit so I could press the pin in, also using green Loctite to make sure it stayed. Round off and polish the outer end for looks and to keep it from snagging before inserting the pin into the mag release.

Another method would be to simply thread 3/16" long on one end of the pin, drill and tap the mag release and screw the pin in with red Loctite.

Metaldoc :usa:

[cajungeo]

Here is a third way to make an extended mag release. Total cost was .25 cents. I couldn’t find a shanked machine bolt at local hardware so I went down the street to A & L Nut & Bolt. If we have one in this little town, you may have one too. The bolt is a 10-24x3/4” stainless Allen head bolt. The 3/4" refers to the shank length.

Pic 1. Shows mag release. Try release with gloves on in winter!
Pic 2. Shows parts, and tools needed. Tap is 10-24, drill is #25. In addition you will need a drill motor or drill press, and small vice with jaws wrapped with tape for part protection.
Pic 3. Drill mag release on thru with drill bit perpendicular to exterior surface. Tap hole. Add a drop of Loctite (I used Loctite Blue) and install bolt. Tighten.
Tip - Make sure the release is very secure before drilling. Press on surface before drilling to make sure it doesn't move!
Pic 4. Cut off head and threads using Dremel with cut-off wheel, or hacksaw. Cut off head leaving 1/2 - 3/4" of shank. Smooth ends.

You’re done. About a 10-min. job.

[cajungeo]

Finished product.

If you mess up, you have 2 options. You can JB Weld the hole, and return it to stock, or order the Volquartsen ext latch for $17.

[MoeMentum]

Great Idea, I just made mine the same way, but I used a 8/32 bolt, because I already had the tap. I had posted an idea a few weeks ago, about using a screw and tapping it , but somebody here said it would look like crap, but yours came out so nice, that I made one just like yours, thanks for the pics...

[cajungeo]

Thanks Moe. This thread is being edited, and will be moved to the tips & tricks section.