Magazine retainer leaf spring removal.

[DAVE RICHARDS]

I took out the large leaf spring that is used to hold the CZ's magazines in place. This obviously allows the mags to drop free. Are their any problems related to doing this procedure?

[Navy87Guy]

Why did you remove the magazine brake? Was it because the magazines didn't drop free?

That's a common problem -- and one that I have with my CZ 75BD. The best thing to do is remove the brake and try to straighten it out so that it doesn't drag on the magazines. Once you do that, they'll drop free with no problem.

By removing the brake altogether, you run the risk of the magazine or the first round jamming against the hammer spring. You'll notice that most pistols contain the hammer spring within some type of channel, so there's no danger of hitting it with the magazines. Because of the CZ design, you really need that magazine brake in place.

I did find that when I straightened out my mag brake, I had to shorten up the end where it attaches to the main spring housing plug. It got too long because it was straight and I had a hard time getting it back into place. I cut about 1/8 inch off the end and adjusted the curve with a pair of needle nose pliers. Works fine and it will last a long time.

Hope this helps,

Jim

[m2hmghb]

You can also just buy the drop free design from CZ, I tried straightening mine but I wasn't as "gentle" as needed and the spring cracked, bought a new one and all is well.

[DAVE RICHARDS]

Thanks for the great info guys. Yes I removed it because my mags would not drop free. It pressed them in pretty tight. One of the gun mags said if you wanted it to drop free to just remove the thing. Got to thinking about the level of some of the articles from the gun rags and thought I should ask. Don't want to damge my CZ. It's a real favorite. As accurate as my Sigs at half the price. Tough as nails. Superb grip. Of course everyone in this section already knows this. Think I'll just order the new drop free design form CZ. Didn't even know they made one. Thanks again!

[kamann]

This place rocks. I just came in here wanting to ask the same question, alas here it was. ;a

[Old Coastie]

I seem to remember reading that if you remove the brake and turn it over and re-install it so the bend is toward the main spring, all will be well. Warning, I sometimes remember things that never happened.

Good shooting,

Mike

[pnarq5]

Originally posted by Old Coastie
Warning, I sometimes remember things that never happened.

Good shooting,

Mike

:laughabove: :laughabove: :laughabove: :laughabove:
Too funny!

[SDM]

I know this is a old thread but I have a related question - I looked on the CZ website but I couldn't find a drop free brake. Does anyone know of any other sources? I tried to straighten mine and in the process of adjusting for the extra length (as mentioned above)....well let's just say I need a new one.

[dirksterG30]

Originally posted by SDM
I know this is a old thread but I have a related question - I looked on the CZ website but I couldn't find a drop free brake. Does anyone know of any other sources? I tried to straighten mine and in the process of adjusting for the extra length (as mentioned above)....well let's just say I need a new one.
I would suggest calling or e-mailing CZ-USA. Their website is, shall we say, somewhat incomplete. I wanted to order some mag baseplates that weren't on the website. After a phone call, I had the baseplates I wanted.

[SDM]

Thanks, I'll try that. Any idea what one will cost? It's just a flat piece of metal with a few bends in it, but I bet it still ain't cheap. Thanks again.

[elsolo]

Originally posted by SDM
Thanks, I'll try that. Any idea what one will cost? It's just a flat piece of metal with a few bends in it, but I bet it still ain't cheap. Thanks again.

CZ-USA hammers folks on shipping. Go ahead and get some rubber grips, a couple spare springs and whatever else you can think of to try and spread out the shipping charge among several items

I would recommend just recontouring the mag brake rather than replacing. I have done this to several CZ's without any problems, mine has at least 4000 reloads on it after I rebent it and it's still running strong. I know this won't work for you, but anybody else reading this...

[Pinetop]

What I found when I straightened out the mag brake was that I neede to dremel off a couple of thou from the end, as straightening it a bit makes it longer. Just dremel off a small amount at a time till it fits correctly.

[SDM]

I was able to take what I have after messing with it I got it to stay in the gun. I shot it in an IDPA match over the weekend and it didn't come out and it kept the mags from catching on the mainspring. I may just wait until what I have now starts giving me trouble.
What I found when I straightened out the mag brake was that I neede to dremel off a couple of thou from the end, as straightening it a bit makes it longer. Just dremel off a small amount at a time till it fits correctly.
Folks listen to this, if I had done this I would be fine. Don't try to to re-bend the brake. It is brittle and will break.

[DAVE RICHARDS]

I originally started the thread. I ended up just ordering the drop free spring from CZ. Yes they do make one.
I don't remeber exactly how much it was but it was easy to install and solved all my problems. I don't think it was much over $20.00 including shipping. If it was even that. Call them. They'll hook you up!

[AFshooter]

Crazy, my BD POLICE has always dropped free. I can see the thin metal part inside but it doesn't contact the mag.

[JSG81]

For what it is worth I took the grips off and used a screwdriver to slightly bend the break until the mags would drop free. I did have to try it a few times because I did not want to crack it.

Mine works well.