HK 91 Mag release

[Vegaslaith]

I noticed that the original German HK G3s have a paddle mag release similar to AK-type guns. But the HK 91's mag release is like an AR's. What's with that?

 

[Thin Black Line]

This is to prevent the easy installation of the full auto G3 pin in lower/trigger/grip housing.

 

[RX-178]

There are aftermarket paddle magazine releases for the HK91 and PTR-91. My PTR-91 has one from POF-USA.

 

[Father Knows Best]

On the G3, the pin that holds the lower in place also serves as an "axle" of sorts for the paddle mag release. As TBL stated, BATFE required that the pin be deleted from the HK91 (semiauto version of G3) to prevent full auto lowers from being attached to semi auto receivers. As a result, semiauto receivers have a ledge instead of a socket for that pin. With no place for the paddle mag release to attach, HK took the easy route and just went with a push button that has horrible ergonomics.

There are gunsmiths who do paddle mag conversions on semiauto G3. It involves installing a false pin and refinishing the upper. The total cost is $200-300.

I have a Tac-Latch installed on my PTR-91. It's a sort of pseudo paddle mag release. It doesn't require any modifications or refinishing of the upper, but the paddle moves side-to-side instead of back-to-front. It's still better than that infernal push button, and the cost was only around $40.

 

[MJ]

...MJ...

 

[Vegaslaith]

I don't understand the exact mechanics behind the ATF's logic, but ok. The button mag release makes it harder to convert to FA. Thanks

 

[Father Knows Best]

Tac-Latch:

 

[Vegaslaith]

Thanks FKB. I'll probably have to get one now! Will my local gunsmith have the parts or do I have to contact taclatch.com?