Nose Dive?

[Robert Carr]

I had a problem with my CZ-85s last night. Several mags experienced a "nose dive" type of malfunction. I have 12 mags for these pistols, various combinations of factory 10 rounders and aftermarket 15's. I've replaced all the springs with Wolfe extra power springs, but still notice some have a tendency to allow the follower to tilt forward.

When I had the mags apart, I noted 2 distinct types of followers. One type had little "legs" at the 4 corners, which extended the bearing surface against the tube. The others were "shorter" having at most 1/2" bearing surface on the tube. I suspect these are the ones that are nose diving.

I've determined the easy solution is to replace all the followers. Any suggestions on a reliable 9MM follower?

Bob Carr

[Walt-Sherrill]

The followers with the legs are Mec-Gar followers, and the ones to get.  

The other mags are particularly bad if you don't pay attention and insert the mag springs so that the tip of the first coil is positioned at the rear of of the follower, rather than front.  (Some of these followers have a lip on the front, and the spring end can fit under the lip.)

[Robert Carr]

I think I got the springs in right. The top coil had a pretty radical bend upwards. I put this towards the front. Seemed right anyway.

Thanks for the tip on the Meg-Gar followers. I'll give Brownells a look.

Bob Carr

[Robert Carr]

Well, I struck out with Brownells. All they carry are complete Meg-Gar magazines. A Google search for Meg-Gar draws a blank. Any idea how to contact them? Thanks.

[Walt-Sherrill]

Who handles CZ parts/imports in Canada?

CZ-USA and EAA, both, sell the followers with legs.  I don't think Mec-Gar will sell them.  Maybe someone here is going to order some, and get a few extra, and ship them to you?

[Tangram 37]

Suggestion:  Mark your mags so you know which ones seem implicated.

How many CZs were you shooting?

Until recently they were all working well?

When do you experience problems first round(s), last round(s)

Shooting factory ammo? Kind?

Any changes?

[Robert Carr]

Quote:Who handles CZ parts/imports in Canada?

Canada? I'm currently in Utah, planning a move to Michigan. I'll check with Mike at CZ-USA. Thanks Walt.

[Robert Carr]

Rick, Thanks for the reply.

I'd considered marking mags, but haven't yet. On the night in question, I threw the offenders in a separate pocket of my shooting bag. When I got home, I could feel the tendency of the follower to tilt forward on 3 of the 4 mags in that pocket.

Two CZ-85's. One that I bought new about 5 years ago, the other I picked up used a couple of years ago. The older (used) one had a known problem with premature lock-back. I'd just had them both in the shop for a look-see. The night the problems occured, I'd shot the newer gun for 2 stages, then switched to the older one for the last 2. The problems were all with the older gun.

The problems occured near the end (2-3 rounds remaining) of the mag.

Ammo is the same for the past 4 years (my reloads.) The gunsmith complemented the ammo as consistently accurate. (He test fired a couple of mags from each gun.)

No other changes. The mag problem has been around for a while. I just decided to get serious about fixing it.

[Walt-Sherrill]

Canada?

I confused you with another Robert who had a CZ-85 combat, with whom I've exchanged messages.  My error.  Sorry to both of you.

Yes, get more followers from CZ.

[Tangram 37]

Robert,

Thanks for answering my questions about the nose dive problem.  I am new to the CZ world and am trying to sort out "common" problems.  So far, with only a couple thousand rounds, my CZ Combat worked well.  One malfunction but I think I induced that.

Last year I put new Wolfe spring in all my 9mm single stack Kimber mags.  Seemed to help with a problem I was experiencing.  I did have to pay attention to the way the spring went into the mags.  Shall we say they did not work well the wrong way around.

Hope you rapidly clear up the problem.