Got out over the weekend and had 500 round of Tulammo to run through my two extended magazines to see how they functioned. Wanted to include photos but that did not happen... it was raining lightly when my range time began and continued raining harder throughout the test. My range is my backyard, so no covered lanes... yet
. Only got through 440 round then it got too wet even for me. Short story is: one mag GREAT, one mag needs some adjustment.
Loaded both mags to full capacity, along with nine BXN stripper clips for an additional full reload each. Remaining ammo came with me boxed up. First mag ran flawlessly. Shot the first 45 round magazine 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rounds per burst with breaks to let the barrel cool. No malfunctions. This left 5 rounds in the mag. This is where I thought I might run into problems because of the mag spring not having enough force to advance the last shells. Five bangs with each trigger pull. Loaded the first mag with varying numbers of round, multiple times and not a glitch. 1 round, 3 rounds, 2 rounds, 9 rounds whatever etc. Whatever I loaded, mag
A fed in my rifle. Used 4 1/2 stripper clips to fully reload the magazine while in the rifle. Again no issues. Shot all 45 as fast as possible with zero failures. I am happy.
On to mag
B. Wanted to repeat of all the tests done with mag
A. Fully loaded with 45 rounds, the second shell fails to cycle in mag
B The bolt would not strip the round from the magazine to load in the chamber. Instead the bolt would just force the bullet forward, but not up the ramp into the bore. This pattern continued with every other round failing to load... until the magazine capacity was at thirty rounds or less, then it functioned just fine. Initially I thought that it might be the follower/spring. Went and got a 30 round mag from the house. Swapped out the follower/spring. Issue persisted. Disassembled mag again and upon inspection it appears there are some rough areas on the interior of mag
B where the joint is that formed the extension. It is just out of finger reach from the bottom of the mag, approx. 3 1/2 inches from the bottom. Plan on working some emery cloth, or something similar, over the area to see if this will correct the situation. Have not had the chance to work on it. When I do, I will post the results. Next time I will break out my other vz as well to check the reliability in another rifle. As I said, I initially worried about failures with the last few rounds... reality was just the opposite.
Contacted Vladimir (the seller), about what occurred and, unsolicited, he told me he would send me another mag. This does not surprise me. I have been emailing him for some time and have purchased multiple items from him, initially through Ebay and then on my own. I have ALWAYS received what was promised and have been more than satisfied with each and every transaction. Not wanting to broadcast his email information without his consent, I asked him if I could give out his contact information, if asked. Green light given, so if anyone wants his email shoot me a PM and I will respond. I told him about this site, but I imagine he already knew about it. When you contact him, tell him the postman says hello. For full disclosure I have no horse in this race. I have nothing to gain from these mags or their sale... other than to help a friend I met. I'm sure I left something out, but I wanted to get this down sooner than later. Also, no issues at all with the Tulammo. Questions? Please ask...
