How do I replace MK I Mag Latch Spring?

[countglockula]

I have an old MK I target model that I bought used. It functions fine except that the magazine latch is very stiff and makes the swapping of mags a bit of an ordeal. The spring appears to be stock, so I disassembled the latch (2 pins, latch, spring) with a view to 'weakening' it a bit to make it easier to open.

Didn't appear to be an easy way to rework the spring so went to put it back together. After a two-hour wrestling match, I ended up using dental floss to hold back the ends of the spring so I could get the retainer pin reinstalled. Ended up warping the spring legs so now the spring will need replaced. I am going to order a couple of new springs - hopefully weaker than the original - and replace it.

Is there a procedure for installing this spring that doesn't require three hands, dental floss, a helper, and three monkeys to put it in? I can't see how to do this without some kind of special tool, pilot pin or other gimmick. I would hate to be an assembler on the line that produced these!

Help!!!

Ron in Texas :?

 

[rugerguy]

I was hoping SOMEONE would come up with a suggestion as to "how to" or any 'trick' we always found you need three hands and LUCK< and it takes a few times to do it ,to kinda get the "feel" of the part pushing up and against the spring to get the holes "lined up"...just know you have to put the pin and the legs of the spring "in place" first, then push up with the latch, against the 'loop' end of the spring, to engage, and line up the holes in the frame ,with the latch,thats when the "other" hand comes into play......good luck, and PRACTICE !!!

 

[RoninPA]

PM forum member Bullseye57. About a year ago he posted a diagram a that makes it a snap to reinstall the mag latch and spring. I did a search and found the posting but the diagram didn't show back up. I think he also has a web site that has hints and tips about the Mark series guns.