Ishapore 2A1 problem

[drpoulos]

I do not shoot my 2A1 very much because the magazine does not remain locked tight in the action. The bolt chambers the first round or two, and then passes over the remaining rounds in the magazine. If I push the magazine tight, the bolt will chamber another round and then it will pass over the rest. The magazine latch on the rifle is not worn, but the magazine itself appears worn. Has anyone else had this problem? Can I repair the magazine myself or would you recommend that I take it to a gunsmith? It is very frustrating, because the rifle is fun and cheap to shoot and is very accurate.

[Niner]

Sounds to me you got the diagnosis figured out. The magazine should lock up tight. See if the edges that contact seem sharp or not. Here are some pictures I took of mine of the edges where the contact is made between the magazine and the catch. If it's the magazine at fault I would think a touch with a file might fix it. Don't think a gunsmith could do any more than this other than suggest a new magazine. But we have some real experts here, like Eoin, who could tell you better than me what to do about it, or if it might be some other load problem I'm not thinking of, like a weak magazine spring or something else..

If all else fails you could buy a new magazine. Gun Parts offers them. Not exactly cheap, but ....

http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp ... erSKU=&MC=

[dromia]

If there is visible slop when the magazine is pushed home then you are probably correct.

However I'd also check the follower spring in the magazine as it might be loosing its tension and not lifting the follower and ammo.

You could try stretching it a bit and see if this makes a difference, if so replace the spring.

[Aughnanure]

Sounds like the problem is the catch on the mag. Try some solder or a dab of 2part epoxy on the worn bit, push in ths mag and see if the mag catch left a mark. File away the add on and see if the rifle feeds OK.

Alternately take off the forend, push out the front guard screw bush and reassemble with about 0.010" of shim between the bush and the trigger guard (there is usually about this much crush allowed on the wood at the front screw). Now push the mag in hard and measure the gap between the mag catch and the mag. Now build up the mag if it's worn and refit.

Getting another magazine is always an option and it might be a good idea to have one spare.

Eoin

[drpoulos]

Thanks for all of the great advice. Up to this point, most of my gunsmithing has been limited to my Garands. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something, before I decided to do it myself or send it out.

I'm going to measure the amount of play, build up the magazine catch with solder and file it down to match my measurements. Also, I think it is a good idea to replace the magazine spring.

[warner520]

I HAVE ONE AS WELL AND HAD SAME FAULT , I PUT A NEW SEAR SPRING IN AND FILED THE MAG , WHERE IT LOCKS ALL IS WELL NOW?

[Red]

I've fooled around with these alot. On the top front of the mag, see if it is pushed in. If it is, this will make the mag not lock in. The other thing is the tangs on the top might be bent in too much. If you bend them out, it will fix it. If do it too much the rounds won't cycle and you have to keep fooling with it.