VZ-58: Installing Magazine Latch Hardware

Installing the hardware for the magazine was pretty straight forward. The parts comprise two springs, the bolt hold open catch, the magazine latch, a retainer pin and a pin.

The components for the magazine latch and bolt hold open

I started assembly with the bolt hold open button. I placed the spring in place and compressed it enough to allow the pin to be pushed through.

The biggest trouble I had with this part of the build is likely due to a worn mill or excessive chatter. I’ve circled the area that caused issue, and you can see the tooling marks left by milling operation.

The rub marks were left from a testing fitting the magazine latch into the well.

I cleaned up this area with a file to provide a little additional clearance. Otherwise the fit between the magazine well and the latch was too tight, and it would bind.

Another photo clearly showing a little roughness left over by the milling operation. This caused a tight fit between the magazine latch and the well.

The spring and latch was pushed into place. This required two hands so it was difficult to get a picture of. The fit of the pin was tight, and required some tapping with a soft face hammer.

The magazine latch with the retaining pin installed.

Once installed I tested the latch with a magazine several times. Ensuring that there was a positive lock up and an easy release.

The retaining pin is installed from inside of the receiver.

That was it. It was as easy as it gets.