my newest problem.

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So I have a bunch of H&K aluminum mags and 5 Cetme steel mags. I fired a few rounds today after replacing my extractor, extractor spring, firing pin, firing pin spring, locking peice, and all my mag springs.

I load the first 20 round mag and the springs are noticeabley stiffer, a good sign. Then I load the magazine into the well, give it a good slap and fire. One round, then nothing??????? I eject the mag, clear the chamber( already empty) then load the mag and slao it into the well. One shot, then nothing. I noticed that the second round is not being picked up when the bolt passes forward???? I haven't had this problem in the past and am wondering why? I tried it with three different magazines. I have used these mags in the past and only had problems with the springs? I have two thirty rounders that funtion flawlessly, what is wrong with my lady! I have yet to test this with the Steel mags. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Mike Franklin]

Sounds like the mag isn't raising the rounds high enough to let the bolt pickup the next round.

[Mooseman684]

Or the bolt is not cycling back far enough to pick up another round..Will it cycle ammo By Hand ????
Rich

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good question moose. it will not cycle if I release the action by hand and slowly let the bolt go forward, it scrapes the top of the round literally. I have read that the H&K locking piece does not fit into a Cetme but I inspected them both and found no difference besides the H&K stamped #111. I installed it and had no problems with fit or anything and assumed it would work?
Now that I'm at home I am double checking the problem using snap caps as ammo in the mags. 1ST up aluminum. It seems that the mags are 1 or 2mm less seated than they need to be. if I pull back on the mag moderately hard it will pick the round up. but it can't be good to have some small amount of difference like that be the life or death of her. Do I need a new bolt head? it looks to be what I would call very lightly worn where it contacts the brass. I also know people have talked about dremmeling on the H&K mags but I don't know where to do it. I honestly don't remember having these issues with them before I changed the springs. I really prefer these mags to the steel ones.
2ND the steel Cetme mags. work fine. I usually don't have these with me b/c I don't care for their weight, but I wish I would have today.
Any more advice?
Thanks.

[Mike Franklin]

I know that the G3 is not exactly a copy of the Cetme. I wouldn't count on interchangeability unless I closely measured the mags. I'll bet that there's a difference in the distance from the catch to the top of the mag. It might be fixable but then might be cheaper to get the right mags.

[M14man]

Don't mess with your bolt. Could the new springs be too powerful forcing the rear of the mag downward while in the well?
Why did you replace the springs? Put them back in if you have them, the mags worked fine with them.

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I replaced the springs b/c they had feeding problems. My gun is flawless with the new out of wrap 30 rounders. so I made all my mags more or less new again. Like I said I have used these mags before and don't remember any problems besides the feeding of ammo not the alignment with the bolthead. I'll look again at the followers but I checked them and they seem to be in the proper position. I will definitley use the Cetme steel mags until I can figure it out. Thanks for all the advice so far.

[Mooseman684]

You have to alter the H&K mags to fit and feed properly...The CETME mags fit properly...
Rich

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Mooseman, do you happen to know how to alter them? Or where I can find the info?

[meatloaf]

not to say mooseman doesnt know but try asking just a car.

[Mooseman684]

Quote from Bigdog..."I have twelve HK alloy magazines, and all work perfectly well in my CETME. It depends on the rifle. Nearly all are assembled by Century on US made receivers - sometimes the mag latch isn't quite properly placed, causing problems. Usually, this means simply filing the tops of the limiter bumps on the mag to seat it in correctly. Generally an easy fix."
That is the 4 bumps that hit the bottom of the Magwell....
Rich

[crazyivan.1]

Enscribe, where did you get new mag springs? I am haveing issues with the last two or three rounds failing to feed. I think my springs are weak.

[Enscribe]

got them here G3 Parts - HK91 Parts - HK 91 Parts - HK-91 Parts - HK Parts - Cetme Parts - Original German HK Parts but don't see them anymore maybe I missed them? If you can't find them then contact this robert fellow at RTG he's the man. good luck


Does anyone know why the H&K locking peice doesn't interchange with the CETME? I gave it a good once over and failed to see any naked eye differences??? I changed this part out when I did my little overhaul and I believe this is my problem but haven't had time to test it yet.

[Big Dog]

I have never compared locking pieces - you'd need to measure each with a micrometer to tell if they are indeed same or different.

I'd agree with Moose - the stiffer spring is likely shifting the back of the mag down a bit.
1) Check carefully to see there is any up&down play.
2) Try putting the original spring back in one of them, and see if it functions.
3) Try shooting while holding the magazine with your left hand, pulling back a bit.
4) How does it function with only five rounds in the mag?

We can narrow this problem down.

[crazyivan.1]

thanks Enscribe, I'll check him out.

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Thanks mooseman/big dog and eveybody for all for the help. I changed the locking peice back to my old one and so far everything is a go. It must have been throwing off the alignment just a little. I am in the process of moving to Seattle so it may take a while to test all my mags out but so far so good. I have packed all my guns for transport and will ni tbe able to shoot for a few weeks. Thanks again to everyone.

[just_a_car]

Out in Seattle, eh? You and I need to get together for a shoot! Introduce our Spanish Ladies to each other.

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You got it JAC, I also have a Mosin m44 who should meet some comrades