Trick for removing magazine spring cap on Stoeger M3000

[openclassterror]

A few people have mentioned having difficulty removing the spring cap, so I thought I would share a pro tip here. Discovered as an emergency method after breaking our last pair of snap-ring pliers, it has now become our standard method of removal:

All you need is a 1/2" coarse thread bolt! The minor diameter goes right through the center, and the thread pitch angle breaks loose the goop that glues them in sometimes by lifting the cap on the side where the thread goes under the split. Then you simply slide it out, and it stays captivated on the end of the bolt until you unthread it! Easy to control, no flying parts or broken snap-ring pliers. Here is a pic-

[MTGlass]

Cool. Thanks!

...and I use a hose clamp to compress the spring cap for re-insertion. It works on my 1100 at least. I haven't tried it on the M3000.

[ruiner41]

I used the snap ring pliers, a whole lot of force and ended up getting it out.  Of course the spring cap shot out, hit me in the ear, then ended up across the room...but mission accomplished.  Looking back I should have just used the bolt method.