Magazine problem with RST-4 release

[m657]

I've got a few of the newer plastic follower magazines for this fine old 22. My problem is the magazines fit very deep into the grip frame, and it is difficult to make the butt release work effectively.

In addition, these magazines as a group, are tending to mis-feed into the chamber.

I have one old chrome-based 9 shot that seems to work pretty good. The newer ones are of 2 types: the bird on the bottom of the base plate are either red, or plain with no color.

This pistol was recently refurbished by Ruger factory and functions well with a few magazines.

I've had to switch the follower button on a couple of them, but that's no big deal.

It's been freezing at the range lately so no closer reports for right now.

I'd like to get this working soon and shoot the next steel challenge with it.

Any suggestions?

 

[contender]

Well, if you need to use the 9 round mags, Ruger re-introduced them with a gray plastic base. Those work for the early semis. I have some & I haven't had any release issues.
But, there are some extended mag releases for the MKI's & MKII models. (This includes your RST-4.)
It requires the removal of the factory catch, and replacing it with the extended one. A bit tricky getting it right to where the spring works properly, but it works.
Next, there was also a company that used to make a different mag release, that is operated by the thumb. With that one, you replaced the latch piece in the bottom, (same as above,) you took the factory (hollow plastic) grip panel on the left side & cut a slot out of the side for the lever to fit in. You added the lever to the mag release & re-install the grip panel.
I have a few of these & they are sweet. You now have to find them on sleezbay or other such places. They are no longer made. But they make a MKI or a MKII drop a mag freely & quickly. I've used mine in speed competition where reloading was an issue.
Steel challenge doesn't require speed reloads, so maybe the extended button piece will do what you need.
Another option.
Get a spare factory mag catch/release button. Drill a hole & install a short small bolt through the hole to allow better leverage.

 

[m657]

thanks for the discussion, contender

re: "Get a spare factory mag catch/release button. Drill a hole & install a short small bolt through the hole to allow better leverage."

I'm going to have to get up to speed to do this. Perhaps a you-tube link will demonstrate?

Also, I'm not adverse to the thumb-release deal, but have put fine walnut grips on and don't want to muck them up.

The bottom-release on the mags require a bit of wrassling to make it happen, including 'turning pistol upside down'. I don't think this is normally required.

 

[contender]

Ok, so a thumb release is out.
I do not know of any boobtube type of video that explains how to drill & bolt it. I just saw one done that way a long while back. I have an extended one like I described in my stuff. I'll try & get a pic taken by tomorrow & post it for you.

 

[m657]

much appreciated....willing to purchase parts if needed

 

[contender]

Here's the pic of two mag catches. The factory one is on the left, and the extended one is on the right. It is stainless.

 

[m657]

that should help....are you selling or do I go to my LGS/Midway/Brownells/Ruger etc?

I no longer trade on ebay.

 

[contender]

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