Issue with extra magazine

[TexCanaan]

I saw a few posts from a couple of other users here, and the advice seemed to be fairly knowledgeable, so I thought I'd give my own issue a shot.

I have two magazines for my CZ 52. While one of them seems to perform perfectly, the second clip, especially on the first two or three rounds, doesn't seem to load the round properly. I work the slide, and the round gets caught before it's halfway out of the magazine. Only a moment of working the slide back several times seems to (finally) get the round to load properly.

My first instinct is that it is probably a weak spring in the magazine, or perhaps a mal-formed lip (I guess that's what you call it) at the top of the magazine.

Do either of these sound like they might actually be correct? And if so, how would I go about resolving the issue?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, in advance.

[lklawson]

Those would be two of the first things I'd check.

You can get an idea by swapping springs from the mags.  Let's call the "good" mag, "A" and the "bad" mag "B."

You can take a swap the springs between A and B.  Then run a few through both.  If A fails and B begins to work fine, then you know it's the spring.  Go grab a + pack from Wolff.

If A continues to work fine but B continues to fail then you know it's something else.  Use a caliper to compare the opening on both.  Also, check the edges of the mouth and "wings" on B while looking for scratches and gouges running lengthwise down the brass on those first few rounds that get hung up.  If B was stamped in such a way that the edges are sharp and/or have burrs, then the extra spring pressure on the first few rounds of a fully loaded mag will make the case dig into and catch on the burrs like teeth.  A stronger spring could actually make this problem worse.  If that's the problem then just sand and/or radius those edges.

You might also check the stamping on the follower and make sure it's clean with no burrs or hangups.  Might also check the inside surfaces of B for debris, burrs, carbon fouling, etc.

And, of course, make sure that the mag is properly cleaned and lubricated.  A lot of people forget to lube their mags and it is a good place for all kinds of junk to accumulate.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

[TexCanaan]

Took me a moment to figure out how to dismantle the magazine. This is actually the first semi-automatic pistol I've ever owned. Only had a revolver before.

I got the magazine apart and, wouldn't you know it, there was a bunch of carbon build-up on the spring. In addition, the magazine was as dry as a bone. I cleaned the spring, gave it two drops of oil, re-assembled it, and VIOLA!, it works perfectly now. Quite honestly, I would never have thought to oil a magazine.

Thank you for the great advice! That was a big help!

On a side note, does anyone happen to know where I can get a couple of extra mags of decent quality for a reasonably affordable price?

God bless!
TexCanaan

[il.bill]

Took me a moment to figure out how to dismantle the magazine. This is actually the first semi-automatic pistol I've ever owned. Only had a revolver before.

...

Certainly sounds like iklawson was right on with his advice - glad that it worked out for you.

I was struck by one thought when reading your reply.  If the CZ52 is you first semi-auto pistol, then I hope your revolvers were .357 magnum, .44 magnum, or .45 Colt.  With the 7.62x25mm Tokarev round, you have a handful in your first semi-auto, even if it is a well built CZ52!

[TexCanaan]

Haha, actually.....

The only handgun I've owned prior to the CZ 52 is a (please don't laugh) TA 76 .22 revolver. I've fired a 9mm and a .40 semi-auto (as well as the CZ 52 prior to owning it), but never owned a semi until recently. I received it after the passing of my father. It was the last firearm we went target shooting with together. Regardless, the weapon feels very comfortable to me when handling or shooting. I've heard many say it has a kick, but it doesn't feel that bad to me.

[lklawson]

Glad we got you working. 

I bought teflon coated spares from Keepshooting.com but their website is now reporting "out of stock."  I don't know if this is a temporary or permanent condition.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk