G3 paddle mag release

[SteveW]

Has anyone here fitted a paddle mag release to their G3 ? The push button for the standard mag release is too small, on the wrong side and the spring is too strong.

I understand about making a bushing for them to rotate on, and having the 'axle' smaller than the push pin hole and not drilling the axle hole all the way through.. I have the paddle and can make the bushing and can (just about) drill a hole.

BUT - on my JLD receiver there appears to be a lump of steel welded into the receiver at EXACTLY the place where the axle hole would be drilled and the paddle would rotate. In fact, it looks like the receiver was made WITH the trigger pack push pin hole drilled in it, then a piece of steel pushed through the hole and then welded up. Maybe it is just a cross brace or something like that..

Has anyone removed this bit of steel ? How did you do it ? Looks like it's a left handed, upside down dremel job.. I hate grinding on stuff like this, it just feels wrong.. Any insight welcome..

S.

[julysol]

I remember seening the official atf letter approval method for this. If anyone knows where the link is, please as to post it here.

[W.E.G.]

Be careful with this, as rumor has it, there is also an "ATF spec" (such an abominable term of reference) that also establishes how thick the receiver should be in the area where the front push-pin goes. I think its a minimum thickness. So, if you start dremeling the front-pin area of the receiver, in order to install paddles or keep "fake ears" on your trigger pack, you may be committing some secret sin that nobody knows about for sure until the shaft is touching their tonsils.

[SteveW]

Thanks. That whole 'secret sin' thing really worries me !

The only relevant thing I could find was the letter the ATF sent to Jason at IGF. That is about trigger packs, not paddle mag catches..

http://www.investmentgradefirearms.com/ATF_G3triggerpack.htm

[edited to add the IGF thang]

[K1196A]

I just installed one on my HK91. On the HK there is a square bar where the axis pin would otherwise be. That has to be removed before you can drill the hole for the bushing and pin to hold the paddle. I used my Dremel tool with the 90 degree attachment and the high-speed metal cutting bit. Then I cleaned it up with a stone grinding wheel. All in all it came out very well and I was able to preserve the original external appearance.

All that's left to do then is to mark your drill spot, drill through one side and about an 1/8" into the opposite side (but not through or you've made a homicidal MG death machine).

With the pins and paddles in place you just tig weld the pin and smooth. DONE.

[gunplumber]

yes, you have to hog out that shelf area from the inside, which is a real PITA.

directions on my website under "notes"

[SteveW]

Thank you for the pointers. I just hate grinding on a factory receiver, but I guess I will 'dremel' out (is that a word ?) the steel shelf. Marks link is here :

http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/notes/ptr91build/pageptr91build.htm

S.