MAKING YOUR HITECH MAGAZINES WORK
The Hitech (brand) magazines are, in my opinion, a great idea. By "permanently" installing the adapter, you can use the magazines easier, and quicker than the duckbill style. BUT, don't think you are buying a ready to use magazine. Think of it as a kit, and you will not be disappointed. The following is my recommendation for installing and testing the magazines, based upon my several hours of trial and error. All necessary disclaimers and caveats apply.
You are an adult: use your best judgment and spend your money wisely. I am not yo momma!
BY FOLLOWING THESE SUGGESTIONS, YOU MAY INCUR THE WRATH OF THE MANUFACTURER
OR DISTRIBUTOR. THEY MAY RIGHTFULLY REJECT ANY CLAIM YOU MAY MAKE
AGAINST THEM. IF THIS IS A CONCERN TO YOU, CHECK WITH THEM FIRST,
OR DON'T DO ANYTHING THEY HAVE NOT SUGGESTED.
The manufacturer recommends to file edge (H) if surface (A) rubs upon installation. DON'T DO IT YET. First file and or sand area (A) on all your mags. You want to smooth the outside of the back of the magazine, but you do not want to remove enough metal to enlarge the cut-out (C). Smooth the edge of the cut-out (C) and the inside of the magazine around the cut-out. Keep in mind that the base (and PRIMER) of the shells will be passing this cut-out. We do not want the primer rubbing against sharp metal.
There is a metal loop that is attached to the follower which protrudes out the cut-out (C) and will be engaging the "last round slide" or "bolt stop" upon firing the last round, to hold the bolt open. Depress and release the follower. If it does not operate smoothly, do some more work on (C).
If there are any sharp edges or annoying bumps on the outside of the magazine, it might behoove you to take care of that now.
PRELIMINARY FITTING: UNLOAD THE RIFLE! Put the safety on. (NO, THIS IS NOT A REDUNDANCY TO KEEP YOU FROM SHOOTING YOURSELF, THE SAFETY HAS TO BE ON OR YOU WILL NEVER REMOVE THE TRIGGER GROUP). Remove the trigger group by pushing in on the dimpled button behind the trigger guard with a tool. I like to use a number 2 phillips. Remove the stock. Put the trigger group back into the receiver, leaving the stock off. Choose your best looking, most symmetrical adapter and put in in place. NOTE: without the stock, NOTHING is holding it in. If this becomes too annoying to you during the fitting, you might try a rubber band, zip-tie, or duct tape.
Try installing your magazines. If they all rub at the back surface
(A), file and smooth edge (H), just as the manufacturer suggests.
Don't go too far. You may have to file surface (A) on some magazines,
as a compromise, keeping in mind the warnings stated above. Eventually,
all your magazines should go in without rubbing at (A). I don't know
why they tell you to file edge (H) and not (G).
Do not assume that the magazines are rubbing at (A) if they don't go
in easily. The sides of the magazine may be rubbing on the adapter,
or the catch (B) may need some work. If the sides are rubbing, you
should see some scratches or wearing there. You may need to file
the adapter, or sand individual magazines.
Work the magazine release back and forth, with NO magazine installed, noting the extremes in travel. Now install a magazine. If the release will not go closed or almost closed, you will have to file the surface(s) or edge of catch (B). If the magazine doesn't like to be released, file the edge of the catch (B), it is too long.
FINAL FITTING: Do all your magazines go in easily, stay securely, and release normally? OK, then. Put the stock back on and try again. (I hope you remembered to remove your duct tape). They don't go in so easily now, do they? Your old duckbill magazine traveled in a wider arc, swinging into place, closer to a linear movement. Your new magazines pivot from a point on the edge of the magazine, rubbing against a larger area on the stock. Some filing and sanding of the stock will be required.
GETTING THE MAGAZINE TO FEED SHELLS: Load at least 4 shells into the magazine and install it. KEEPING THE MUZZLE POINTED DOWNRANGE, etc., etc., you know the drill...., operate the bolt by hand until the magazine is empty and the bolt stays open. I found that the last 3 shells jammed, with the bullet pointing up. This was caused by the magazine follower loop hanging up on the cut-out. More filing was required. If the jam occurs when more than 3 or 4 shells are still in the magazine, it is probably due to a misalignment of the curved ends at (F). If not aligned properly the shells will point too far up or down. These can be bent (ever so slightly) with a pair on needle-nose pliers. These curved ends can also hold the "next in line" shell too low (failure of the bolt to pick it off), or too loosely (tossing the next in line up in the air). Careful bending should cure these problems. Examine the expelled shells and see if they are being scratched by the hole (D). You might want to file the inside of the hole edges.
TEST FIRE, AND CONCLUDING REMARKS: Fire off a few rounds, and make further adjustments as necessary. These are the problems I encountered, and my solutions. This should not be considered the final word on the subject. In fact, I have not seen any words on the subject, which is what prompted me to share my experience.
I believe Hitech has a good product, but I think they should put more emphasis on the fact that the SKS was not designed for detachable magazines, and each rifle has it's own peculiarities, requiring some degree of fitting. I think they could greatly improve their product by using a thicker follower, one that does not tip for and aft so easily. I also think their public relations could use some polishing.
The purpose of this article is not to influence the sales of these magazines, in either direction. I suspect that I may have discouraged a few of you from buying them, and inspired a few others to go ahead and try them out. If you want high capacity removable magazines for your SKS, I think there are only four options: the standard duckbill, the Hitech, the AK conversion, or the "design your own system and get rich overnight scheme".
Questions and comments are welcome. e-mail: wonderpig@townsqr.com