[steinie]

The magazine latch just engages those little triangular cutouts in the back of the magazine on each side, that's it, the only thing that holds it in. I just used a flashlight to look, and there are matching little points on each side of the magazine well inside that move when you move the magazine release. Either something is worn, or the latch tips may be dirty and not fitting tightly enuff into those notches? Or something may have simply worn out. The mag latch stuff looks like mostly sheet metal stuff.

Also, does the mag release still have spring pressure when you move it? Perhaps the spring came out that holds those points in contact with the magazine if it no longer "clicks" into place?

BTW, the top of the stock behind the bolt on my newer one made in 2003 has a factory cutout notch in the top of the stock, so the bolt will slide out with the action still in the stock.

 

[Guest]

The magazine latch just engages those little triangular cutouts in the back of the magazine on each side, that's it, the only thing that holds it in. I just used a flashlight to look, and there are matching little points on each side of the magazine well inside that move when you move the magazine release. Either something is worn, or the latch tips may be dirty and not fitting tightly enuff into those notches? Or something may have simply worn out. The mag latch stuff looks like mostly sheet metal stuff. That's a good lead. I'll check that next.

Also, does the mag release still have spring pressure when you move it? Perhaps the spring came out that holds those points in contact with the magazine if it no longer "clicks" into place?Yes it does. Checked that first.

BTW, the top of the stock behind the bolt on my newer one made in 2003 has a factory cutout notch in the top of the stock, so the bolt will slide out with the action still in the stock.I think I'm going to get adventurous with the dremel tool and do a little modification.

Steinie...thanks for the help. I really enjoy this rifle but it is a pain in the pittooney to clean in it's current condition.

 

[steinie]

You might wanna do the dremel thing, they only cut out a little area about 1/2 inch in area, so it's not really an issue and hardly noticeable, but it lets the bolt slide out when needed. It's sorta like a half moon type cutout.

Both of my 54.18's are CC guns too, one standard, one with the McMillan stock......