Matchguns MG2/MG4/MG2 EVO RF Slide Buffers

[Shiloh]

When I received my MG2 EVO RF (Rapid Fire), it had no slide buffer installed. After shooting it, I noticed some peening on the frame where the back of the slide makes contact. I then installed the MG2/MG4 buffer (same part with only the 1st number different - "2" for the MG2 and "4" for the MG4). The pistol worked fine and it solved the peening problem. The only difference that I noticed was that I could no longer lock the slide back. That wasn’t a problem because I could still insert an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) for NRA /CMP pistol tournaments/matches.

During discussions with one of the Matchguns’ gunsmiths in Italy before the Matchguns company went “sneakers up” revealed that the buffer was intentionally left out of the RF version because the slides or frame would have to be modified. Given that the slides have been a common failure problem, that probably was a not wise decision regarding omitting the buffer on the RF. Given the constant battering of the slide against the frame, the peening would have increased as well as would the failure of the slide (cracking/breaking).

My solution was to reduce the thickness of the MG2/MG4 buffer from 0.2425 to 0.1905”. Doing so provided a more than satisfactory buffer that was much thicker than the recommended installation of the O-ring which is 0.0695” thick and almost 3 times as thick. With the O-Ring installed, I was still had peening. I can now lock the slide back again.

I don’t have a MG2 but do have a MG4 which works as intended with the stock buffer which was installed when I received the pistol.
If you have the Rapid Fire version of the MG2, the above is provided for info. Whatever version of the MG2 or the MG4 you might have, it is probably a very good idea to make sure that you have a buffer installed and that it is in good shape.

The MG2 and MG4 are great guns if taken care of and kept clean after use. That makes them no different than any gun. The appearance may seem a bit odd or revolutionary or even novel. But if you are familiar with old Winchester lever-action, Marlin 39A, or Remington 870 and 1000 shotguns, the concept is very old. That makes the MG2 and MG4 not so unique or different.