Field Expedient Mag Catch Spring

[backspin]

My mag release spring cracked in my G19 today. I ordered a replacement spring but it won't get here in time for the match this weekend.

So in a semi act of desperation I went MacGyver on it and cliped a piece off a large silverette paper clip, threw it in the gun, and it found that it actually works.

While the paper clip metal is quite soft and bendable, when cut down to the size of a mag catch spring the paper clip is rigid enough to provide ample tension to keep the mag in place.

I have been doing dry reloads all night with mags full of dummy rounds and all seems well.

Of course this is only a temporary solution until the real replacement spring comes in. I'm not sure how long the paper clip will hold up, but it should be just fine for a couple of days at least.