Ballester-Molina mag catch problem

[Herself]

I have a (really beat-up) Ballester-Molina that shoots like a dream, but you pretty much have to hang onto the magazine all the time. The mag catch doesn't have enough of a bite on any magazine (even brand new ones) to hold it in reliably during firing!

This seems to be one of the non-Colt-like parts on the gun. Is there anything I can try? And how does it go together, anyway? (Looks as if the button might be screwed into the body of the latch?)

--Herself

 

[Jim K]

I don't know exactly what might be wrong, but the mag catch is easy to remove. Use a pointed tool (the bullet point of a military rifle cartridge works fine) to push in on the "bullseye" of the button until the other end (the catch itself) can be turned and screwed off. Then you can see if it is worn or if perhaps the spring needs replaced. When replacing, the catch part is screwed on until the screw part is flush.

Jim

 

[Herself]

Thanks, Jim!

I'll try it. The only drawings I could find weren't very clear. I'd really like to get this gun in better funtional shape, as I find it very comfortable to shoot, especially for a .45.

I appreciate your advice!

--Herself