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Just ordered a new mag catch and spring for my M-41. The new spring
is to small to go over the threads on the catch. It's the right part number
at least that's what's on the bag. Is the spring supposed to go over the
threaded catch that the mag nut screws on. Thanks Bob

Ps it's a Smith m 41

That is because the spring doesn't go over the threads in the catch. The spring goes in the plunger next to the catch. It has a smaller shaft spring guide. On the top of the magazine catch hole there is a small plunger in the frame. It must be pushed inward, with a small punch, to unscrew the magazine catch cap. Once the cap is removed the back "L" shaped part can come out of the right side of the frame. The plunger is the part that you pushed inward. After the cap is removed you can flip the frame over on the left side and the plunger should fall out. The plunger has a small spring guide on it and the return spring. Slide off the old spring and then place on the new one. Put the plunger and spring back into the plunger hole. Place the "L" shaped mag catch back into the right side of the frame. Start the cap back onto the shaft from the left - take care not to cross-thread the cap screw's delicate threads. You will only be able to screw it down about a one turn before you have to use a small punch to depress the plunger. Once the plunger is depressed, continue screwing down the cap until the shaft is about flush with the top of the knurled part of the cap. Release the plunger and turn a little farther and listen for the "click" sound of the plunger engaging the locking slot. Test with a mag to ensure positive engagement and that the release will allow the mag to drop free. If it is too tight, depress the plunger momentarily and rotate the cap 1/2 turn CCW until it clicks. If it is too loose, depress the plunger momentarily and rotate the cap 1/2 turn CW until it clicks. Repeat this process until you get the right engagement necessary for proper operation. This is how the magazine catch is adjusted.

Hope this helps.

R,
Bullseye

Bullseye thanks. When I took the old one out it had a spring over the threads.
That's what got me confused. And that don't take much. The owner before
me must of had trouble and added the spring. I've had it at least 20 years
and no trouble until got some new magazines. Looks like it had one
extra spring. Thanks again. Bob

That additional spring could have been the problem. It would have interfered with the plunger's ability to lock the catch. Plus, as I can see that extra spring would have absolutely no effect on returning the catch since it only tensioned between the cap and the "L" bracket. Only the plunger and spring have the necessary tension to return the catch into the frame and firmly lock the mag in place. But that plunger serves a dual purpose as it also locks the cap onto the threaded rod. The cap is where the catch's adjustment is made. How tight/loose it is on the threaded rod will affect the position of the catch in the magazine slot.

I have edited an exploded view of the mag release for you to better see the relationship of the spring and the plunger.



R,
Bullseye

Thanks Bullseye. Took it down to my shop and did like you said. Magazines
work now just a little hard to insert. Push the button in and they go easy.
Maybe need to loosen the nut up a turn or two. Noticed the catch had ben
filed or worn. That extra spring was what had me confused. Bob

The release button should be pushed until the mag is just about ready to lock into place otherwise they will be hard to insert. If they're overly hard to insert even with the release button pushed, then back off the cap screw one half turn and try it again.

R,
Bullseye

Thanks again. How do you remember all this information? Must be a
lot younger than me. Bob

It's what I do. I've got over thirty years invested in the shooting sports and building match guns.

R,
Bullseye

Bullseye.
Took my 41 to the range and the Mag's worked good. Still have to push
in on the latch for them to go. Thanks again Bob

Good deal Bob, have fun with your M-41.

R,
Bullseye