Solution for tight '74 mags

I noticed that some of my '74 are a tight fit. It's strange, some circle 10 Bulgarians will fit OK, but then others are tight, esp. on the sides. The receiver is a NDS-2 receiver (kit build). Some of my Izhmash plum mags are tight as well. What's the solution? Should the NDS-2 receiver magwell be sanded down? I've tried sanding down the sides of one circle 10 mag, but it makes it look ugly.

Also, my 10rd Izhmash new production '74 mag (from KVAR) is tight as hell, not just on the sides but lengthwise. Barely clicks into place (perhaps due to lack of leverage). Should I file down the numb that rubs the mag catch?

The NDS receivers that I have built on all needed the magazine guide(small tabs under the rails) filed down a little. Go slow and test often.

You don't mean the dimples, do you? On what surface did you file them down?

use them. Run mag drills, insert them and take them out. Wear them in in other words.

There are small tabs on the rails that are spot welded in. should be just above the dimples.

Edit; If you remove the bolt carrier and look down thru the mag well while inserting a mag you can usually see where it is hitting. Also note any marks on the mag that may be from interference.

Yes. Will only loosen up with use, just like other things in life, gently at first ...

Yes it will loosen up eventually, after it chews up your magazines.

I had to open up some Global trade magwells. Couldn't even insert the mags. In my case more in the rear area with the tabby thingy (mag release).

I guess you have to weigh how tight it is and how quick things can go wrong with a dremel.

Edit: east German mags go in easier than bulgarians at least in my 74. There will be some size differences.

a magazine is a tool, not something to look at and admire for it's beauty, although you can do that with one also. I do not think your way is the only way, especially for just a few tight magazines. Filing the receiver is a permanent mod. I recommend a permanent mod as a last resort.

I will note that in my past experiences, the ((21)) mags seem to be a bit tighter than the ((C10)) mags, rifle dependent, but this was across most of my 74s. All Russian mags I have ever bought fit perfectly in all my 74s.

perm mod fixes the gun so all mags will properly work. imho it's the proper fix.

the key is go slow and take your time. light with the file and test fit.

IF all mags were an issue, I would agree with modding the rifle. However the OP states this is not the case....

i doubt all of the mags he has that are tight are out of spec. the mag well fix is simple and quick and solves the problem for all of his existing and any future mags. it's a common issue and easily resolved.

For christ sakes guys, these are battle rifles stop being so anal . The mag well is ment to be a little loose for easy insertion of the mag and to compensate for variations in mag sizes. Just file the tabs like the other guy said so that all the mags insert easily, some will be tight some will be loose , so they rattle a little its a freakin AK. As far as function i have 2 ak47 that can accept both steel and polymer mags and function is great, insertion is smooth as butter and yes both wobble a little .

I just removed the top cover and checked to see what's going on. It appears to be the magwell opening, not the welded on tabs, nor the dimples. Is it normal for the mag to rub the sides of the magwell significantly? I sometimes see little shavings of plastic indicating that the magwell is wearing down the mag. All the tightness, again, is on the sides of the mag.

Strangely, my one circle 21 mag fits just fine, whereas one of my circle 10 mags is pretty tight and my two Izhmash plum mags are just slightly tight as well. I guess it's a compromise between mag well and quick insertion?

The one mag that is really a problem is the 10 rd Izhmash mag that came with my SGL-31. The mag seems esp. tight lengthwise. Should I file down the metal nub that contacts the mag release?

my tantal was the same way. these receivers are made from stampings, being out of spec isn't that unusual. open it up until it fits properly.

Agreed. I dremel the lower section on the cross rivet on my Romy 74's to fit all magazines as these were designed for steel mags. They now work with all 74 mags.

Never never never never never modify the gun... If it were a saiga you.could file the bullet guide a bit yes... Gun NO!!!... Some.steel tantal mags are way too tight.. So i get a good fitting mag and slightly file the.locking.lug to.be the same size and that works!!! Do not.mofify a multi.hundred dollar gun.to.fit 10-20$ mags!!! 8/

You can modify the weapon to use all magazines. Many of these are opened up in the states so they don't necesarily have factory spec magwells. Especially the Romanian guns, which like I said earlier, were designed for steel mags. At one time though, you couldn't find anything for the Romy SAR 2's other than E Germans, which may or may not fit. So people either modified the magazines or like me, modified the rifles. I prefer the modified rifle, because I can shoot with any mags, not just ones specifically made for that particular rifle. It's hard to keep track of which ones would fit which rifle. Plenty of gunsmiths will also open the magwells if needed, Chris Butler has done at least two for me. If it's done right, you can't tell anyway.


7n6

some of us are not afraid to fix issues. if you are, no sweat, pay someone to do it. tight mag wells will not be fixed by modifying the locking lug on the mag.

The magwell was tight on my Tantal, took to a file to it and it helped. New mags still fit tight but break in after use. I've never filed the locking tabs of the magazine, mine has always been the width of the mag.

Mag well opening width on NDS AK74 receivers is speced toward the minus side of +/-. It is easier to remove metal than to add metal.

Harlan
NoDak Spud LLC

I concur with modding the magwell to fit all mags. It's the same reason I dislike US made mag parts, I want my rifle to work with all of my magazines, not mod 20-30 mags to work with my rifle.

It's a matter of finding out what is wrong, and fixing that. Adjusting a correct part, so that an incorrect part will fit better, is foolish IMO.

Circle 10s are the largest of the magazines. particularly a new one - the top rear of the feed lips usually will strike the center support rivets till it rounds out after a few inserts.

I keep a DDR bakelite, a steel tantal, a synthetic tantal, and bulgy mag in my testfiting bin - they are numbered 1-4 with the steel tantal (1) being smallest, then the DDR, then the plastic Polish, and (4) the largest bulgy.

I expect the #4 for to be tight on a NDS-2.. I knock off the points at teh magwell step, and take a few draw-file strokes on the mag well. Then stone a bevel on the edges so it isn't as scissors-sharp.

Takes less than 5 mintues to do everything described.

It makes no sense to adjust a magazine unless it has been gauged and determined out of spec. Fix the problem, don't chase symptoms.

And I am glad that you do. I fixed a receiver that was loose(other mfg) and it wasn't fun but I got it done.

Copyright © 1996 - 2013 :: AR15.Com LLC :: All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.