Gunsmithing Has anyone rebuilt an AI/AW 10 Round Magazine?

[lash]

I'm not sure whether or not this belongs in the Gunsmithing forum, but here goes.

I have a very used AI/AW double stack magazine that has seen many many rounds and plenty of use. It is now no longer reliable when there are 5 rounds or less in it, as it will often not present the round high enough to feed every time if I don't bump it with my hand while working the bolt. I have two new mags that work just fine every time and I have compared every part of the old used mag to the new ones to check for feed lip differences, latch nub location, dimensions etc. I see nothing that differs externally so have begun to think that maybe the spring is weakened from use.

I know that these magazines are built for hard and heavy use, so am not positive that is the issue, I just suspect it due to lack of better ideas as to why it's no longer reliable.

So the questions to you here are:

1. Can this be rebuilt?
2. If so, has anyone done it and how?
3. Where would I get parts to do so?

These do not seem to be readily disassembled like so many magazines I've repaired and replaced springs on before.

What say you?

P.S. I have the contact information for AINA, but didn't want to make a deal of it until I've done my homework enough to say I've tried. Perhaps my search and google foo are crappy, but I couldn't find the answer in that manner. I've tried.

 

[Killswitch Engage]

It's probably just flat ass worn out. Mag spring is no different then any spring and they wear out over time. Not sure if ai will sell you a spring kit or not. Pull it apart and maybe you can stretch the spring back to length.

 

[lash]

I've replaced many a mag spring in handgun mags before. Usually, I get springs from Brownells or Wolff Springs, but this mag is welded together and does not appear like it is made to be rebuilt. I just figured that if anybody would know how or had done it, it would be someone from SH, since there are so many heavy shooters and competitors here, along with a healthy bunch of DIYers and gunsmiths.

From my inspection, it really looks like my only possibility would be to drill out the rivets holding the follower and go in from the top, but even then, I'll not bother unless I can get a replacement spring. In my experience with springs, limited as it may be, just stretching out an already fatigued spring will not gain me much and is just asking for a quick failure in the field.

It may be that I'll just have to cough up another $80 for a new mag. Funny thing is, I just sold two extras I had to a member here who needed a couple. Ach vell...

 

[Sonic Crack]

If you push down on the rear of the follower and get it nose up, you can pull it out the front side of the feed lips. its a little snug coming out and going back in but it can be removed.

 

[lash]

If you push down on the rear of the follower and get it nose up, you can pull it out the front side of the feed lips. its a little snug coming out and going back in but it can be removed.

How about that! It does come out like that. Thanks.

Now, how do get a new spring-follower assembly or just spring? A better question would be, where do I get a replacement?

 

[Sonic Crack]

maybe try and AR10 mag spring. cut it to length you need

 

[Rprecision]

I would call Mile High Shooting, If anyone around has the answers, its them !

 

[lash]

I may try that. Thanks.

 

[bonneville]

Just pull the bottom of the spring & stretch it out a little from the riser , clean the the inside of the magazine body with a small paint brush or similar, refit the spring & riser, all should be ok.

 

[lash]

I'll give that a try, [MENTION=24291]bonneville[/MENTION].