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I bought a new MKIII mag at Bass Pro Shops (60 miles away) and found it would not seat with the bolt forward without a "heel of the hand slam". It is much more difficult to seat when loaded than when empty. Loaded or empty it seats up easily (with a positive "click") with the bolt open.

The 2 original "red label" mags have been perfect at all times. The new mag has a "black" label stamped on the bottom block. Are there any known issues pertaining to the "black label" mags? Should I suck it up or contact Ruger?

Not that I'm aware of. Check to see if you have about 1/16" up and down play in the mag when seated. Also see if you have 1/16" clearance between the mag and ejector. I have one mag that was setting too high. I had to file the notch so it would sit lower, did not take much to make it work.

Does the bolt close properly with no magazine installed?

R,
Bullseye

Bullseye wrote:Does the bolt close properly with no magazine installed?

R,
Bullseye

Yes--no problems with anything about the gun until I tried the new mag this afternoon. With the bolt back, that mag seated just fine. I loaded and fired 10 shots--the bolt held back properly after the last round. Its all good--just very tough to seat with the bolt closed.


I will check the play and clearance asap.

thanks

blue68f100 wrote:Not that I'm aware of. Check to see if you have about 1/16" up and down play in the mag when seated. Also see if you have 1/16" clearance between the mag and ejector. I have one mag that was setting too high. I had to file the notch so it would sit lower, did not take much to make it work.

The 2 original mags that work great have very little play. I would say less than 1/16". The new mag in question has even less--basically very tight.

Is the measurement from the ejector taken from the top outside lip or from the follower (in an empty mag)?

thanks again

One of my six mags is what you call "black label". I have had no problem, or detect any difference in its function. Seems to be just a cost saving change, from the nice hawk emblem to a simple impression of it. The rest of the mag base, and the whole mag, looks identical.

Is the measurement from the ejector taken from the top outside lip or from the follower (in an empty mag)?

It's from the outside lip of the mag. Bullseye has a photo some where showing this measurement. If I find it I will post a link to it.

I would not hurt to open the play up to match you other mags. That will make it seat easier and open the clearance on the ejector too.

I had one mag out of too that had problems. It only took a couple of strokes with a file diamond file on the mag notch to get mine to seat properly. I just made it match the one that worked. Once done not another problem.

From this thread. http://www.guntalk-online.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18

R,
Bullseye

There is no play whatsoever in the new mag and it is closer (almost in contact) to the ejector than the 2 that work fine. Exactly where should I lightly diamond file to increase the gap?

thank you

You file on the mag catch/bump. Just keep it square and flat. Just go slow and check fit as you go..

I thought the Red mags were for Mark 3 only and black mags were for Mark 1 and 2.

No, I've also got black bird mags from Midway that are for the Mk III. They work fine. The ones that came with the Mk III are red bird mags.

quickslider wrote:I thought the Red mags were for Mark 3 only and black mags were for Mark 1 and 2.

Nope, they're shipping mags now with all-black bases.
I have one from Midway and it is otherwise no different than the previous 7 mkIII mags I've owned.

This may be a premature question.

I have a new Mark lll and was looking at the extractor pin, in relationship to the magazine lips. The pin is touching the lips on both magazines. I have not had a chance to get to the range yet. It is unfired at this time.

Both magazines seat the same, bolt open or closed. When they "click" in there is no movement up/down.

Guess I need to get to the range and see what happens.

Jim

JLB,

The 2 original mags that work great have only the slightest amount of space between the lip and the extractor. Never even a hiccup with those. The mag that apparently needs a slight "modification" appears to be touching. It is tight with no play when inserted. It inserts fine with the bolt open, but takes a firm slap to load with the bolt closed--especially when loaded. It did, however, feed without a problem.

Let us know how your's works. You may not need to modify at all.