G17 Magazine Catch Spring

[SCmasterblaster]

I was replacing the worn mag catch with a new one, and the mag catch spring broke off, leaving the bottom third stuck in the channel with darn little to grab a hold of with the thinnest of needle-nose pliers.

The question is:

Must this spring (what's left of it) be pulled straight up to remove it, or can it be pried out sideways?

I would appreciate some help on this, for my only CCW piece is dead until I get this done. :sad:

[Duck of Death]

Straight up, I've given some thought as to what I'd do if this happened. Take a dental tool and make a hole then a slot at the base of the spring, then work it up enough to get some needle nose pliers on it.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally posted by Duck of Death
Straight up, I've given some thought as to what I'd do if this happened. Take a dental tool and make a hole then a slot at the base of the spring, then work it up enough to get some needle nose pliers on it.

I am ready to try anything. I have a great old 2nd gen Glock whose frame doesn't even make a good paperweight!

Thank you!

[SCmasterblaster]

Finally. I used a steak knife to slide it out from below. I placed the blade down in th grove alongside the broken remnant of the spring, and used friction to ease it out.

My G17 is restored! Praise the Lord!