Badger M5 Enhanced - Mag release WAY too light

[drum13]

Got a Badger M5 DBM Enhanced model. I'm using 3 authentic AICS mags with it.

The mag release lever is so ridiculously light that if I barely touch it the mags fall right out.

Has anybody else had this issue? Hopefully, there's an easy fix for this.

 

[6brshooter]

That doesn't sound right. Mags are fully seated and clicking in? Should be able to get a heavier spring for mag catch.

 

[LRI]

Got a Badger M5 DBM Enhanced model. I'm using 3 authentic AICS mags with it.

The mag release lever is so ridiculously light that if I barely touch it the mags fall right out.

Has anybody else had this issue? Hopefully, there's an easy fix for this.

Get a roll punch and a heavier spring. $10.00 fix.

 

[tmanners]

Got a Badger M5 DBM Enhanced model. I'm using 3 authentic AICS mags with it.

The mag release lever is so ridiculously light that if I barely touch it the mags fall right out.

Has anybody else had this issue? Hopefully, there's an easy fix for this.

Hi drum13, call Marty or the guys at badger, make sure the manufacture is aware of the issue, they will get you fixed up ASAP. This should not be happening like that unless the spring was a out of spec one from supplier. It could also be a coating issue or small bur on latch that is causing drag, if you push on the release it should snap back, if it does not, the roll pin needs to be pushed out and make sure the latch moves free in the slot, this only takes a few seconds to do. If you are uncomfortable removing pin, badger will get you squared away. They use the same spring and roll pin that is in the mcs mini chassis, if you can’t get ahold of them because this is shot show week, send me a pm with your ship to. I’m at the shot show also but will have office get you a few pins and springs out ASAP.

 

[pmclaine]

Luckily you bought Badger.....nothing but the best for Drum.

Badger will hook you up....quality has its advantages.

 

[drum13]

Thanks for the replies Tom, Chad, and Phil.

Yes, the mags are seating just fine and it seems the spring probably has enough tension. I think the issue might be with the release catch lever because it takes less than 1/16" to drop the mag.

I'm a big fan of Badger and I'll reach out to them on Monday.

 

[Secant]

I’ve got several manners MCS-DBM stocks that run the same badger m5 enhanced mag release. I’ve had to slightly trim mag release levers as several were just barely catching the mag (based on several AICS, accurate, & MDT metal mags).

Based on your description, you may need a heavier spring. Without seeing it, you may also/instead need to slightly modify the mag lever length.

 

[drum13]

 

[pmclaine]

All the mags the same experience?

Not familiar with AI mags and DBM but hoping to become acquainted....does the mag retention notch wear?

Age/history of heavy use on mags?

Looks like you have good spring tension by length of time it takes to carefully get to the point of release - problem seems to be in the video that there is not enough "bite" on the mag so the smallest bit of movement causes the mag to release.

Is the ramp/retention notch on the mags excessively worn?

Can you "peen" the mag catch to better secure in the Badger release?

 

[drum13]

Yeah all 3 ACIS mags release the same. Two 10-rounders and the 5-round that came with the DBM.

All mags and DBM are brand new (bought from Europtic) and none of the mags have any wear on the notches. I haven't tried to fix it or do anything to it yet so nothing has been altered.

I'm not a big DBM guy either, so not exactly sure how the release latch is supposed to sit (sits flush against the interior of the mag well) and I don't have any others for reference.

Had a few DBM's over the years but none with this issue. It feeds rounds fine and all but if you just lightly brush against the release lever the mag will fall out. It's obviously worse when the mags are loaded and have some weight to them.

 

[Secant]

I’m not an expert, but I’ve had several of those setups for many years (if Chad or similar chimes in, their advice supersedes, lol).

All of my mag releases are pretty darn stiff. I’ve never had nor worry about an accidental release. I need to depress the release +/- 5/16” (just from memory).

For the setups that I trimmed the lever slightly, the mag would seat just fine when action was removed. With action bolted up, I could slightly rock the mag and rip it out. I guess I could’ve modified the mag lips, but modifying the lever was more appealing than modifying 6 or 7 mags, haha.

I think contacting Tom and/or Badger is he best next step for you.

 

[pmclaine]

Well my hypothesis is dead.

Perhaps an out of spec mag release lever? The catch is getting enough bite on the mag shelf?

I know you have experience with guns and springs and how things are supposed to be held secure as well what type of pressure is needed to release or operate a gun part.........if your opinion is the spring is light than I agree with your opinion.

If you bought the unit from Euro maybe they will swap it out or if you are inclined perhaps Marty will send you a new catch/spring to remove the roll pin and try.

 

[Krazy_jim]

Looks like it doesnt take much travel of the release lever before the mag drops.

So not holding much on to the catch on the mag