MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

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Gwhite
Posts: 3347
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:04 pm
Location: Massachusetts

MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by Gwhite »

I've been promising this one for a while. I originally created it as a 3 video playlist, only I wanted to park it under my overall MG2 playlist. Apparently you can't nest playlists in YouTube without 3rd party software (at least I couldn't find a way to do it).

As result, the 3 videos on maintaining the carrier hardware are lumped in with my other two videos. They are all clearly labeled, but it's not as tidy as I would have liked. In any event, here's the link to the complete MG2 playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 1BwdNMPPeU
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ghostrip
Posts: 417
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:07 pm
Location: Athens, Greece

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by ghostrip »

Lovely videos. i hope you do an upper frame maintenance video
Gwhite
Posts: 3347
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:04 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by Gwhite »

Working on the slide cover is a challenge. I've had to do it three times on my first MG2, which now has over 20,000 rounds through it. My second MG2 has only about 8,000 rounds through it. So far I haven't had to replace anything up top.

I do have a 3D printed bench block design for working on the slide cover. I should try to get that up on Thingiverse...
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deadeyedick
Posts: 1186
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:55 pm
Location: Australia

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by deadeyedick »

Great video tutorial Doug. These videos would have made my life much easier back in 2006 when I purchased my first MG2 👍
Gwhite
Posts: 3347
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:04 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by Gwhite »

I have my 3D printed MG2 slide cover bench block up on Thingiverse now: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6662216

The Summary includes notes on how to use it. It's labeled so you drive the pins in the right direction, and it will accommodate pistols that have one of Jon Eulette's optics rails installed.

Slide Cover Pin Removal.jpg
Slide Cover Pin Removal.jpg (53.41 KiB) Viewed 2559 times
PaulE84
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Sep 09, 2024 8:20 pm

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by PaulE84 »

Your videos are great, thank you so much. I'm waiting for my permit to pick up my brand new EVO Rapid Fire model - I live in Melbourne Australia. I haven't had much success finding information regarding the hammer spring. One of my older MG2's from a few years ago had one break and a gunsmith put a replacement in for me. I can't for the life of me remember how he did it but I'm sure it's straight forward.

I have 2 questions.

1 - How likely (if you know) are the new EVO hammer springs going to break?

2 - Do you have any videos or instructions you could share on hammer spring replacement including any other parts on the upper?

Thank you in advance - Paul
Gwhite
Posts: 3347
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:04 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by Gwhite »

The springs can break. I've had to replace one once (with 3 pistols in service). There is a weak point introduced when the form the hooks, and I sent that info to the factory to see if they could get their spring maker to fix that, but I have no idea if they did that, or how many older springs are still out there in pistols.

Replacing it (or the "bullet insert lever" BIL) is a pain in the neck. I can dig up my notes, but won't be making a video until I have to go through the process again.

There are a couple things that make the process easier. The 3D printed bench block is essential. I also like these punches: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085V67VW.

The trick that really helps if the hammer spring is intact (like when replacing the BIL) or when you need to install a new one is to stretch the spring by inserting a bunch of small washers between the coils.

2-7-21 Hammer Spring w Washers.jpg

The washers I use are General Purpose Brass Washer for M2.5 Screw Size, 2.700 mm ID, 5 mm OD, 0.40 to 0.60 mm thick
https://www.mcmaster.com/98691A112
PaulE84
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Sep 09, 2024 8:20 pm

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by PaulE84 »

I really appreciate the info, thank you. I have a friend that will 3D print the block for me, and I’ll also look at getting those tools. The washers idea is great, thank you.

Cheers
Shiloh
Posts: 81
Joined: Tue Dec 29, 2015 3:46 pm
Location: Northern Virginia

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by Shiloh »

This what I used to relace the hammer spring (twice) on my MG2. Anchor the upper frame (I use an old Craftsman woodworking bench vice with wood inserts), partially remove the pin holding the spring in front, stretch the spring with the tool, push the pin back in to secure the front of the spring.

Designed for and works great on S&W revolver rebound springs.

https://gunsmithertools.com/shop/ols/pr ... -s8b70415b
PaulE84
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Sep 09, 2024 8:20 pm

Re: MatchGun MG2 Carrier Maintenance

Post by PaulE84 »

Shiloh wrote: Fri Sep 13, 2024 3:08 pm This what I used to relace the hammer spring (twice) on my MG2. Anchor the upper frame (I use an old Craftsman woodworking bench vice with wood inserts), partially remove the pin holding the spring in front, stretch the spring with the tool, push the pin back in to secure the front of the spring.

Designed for and works great on S&W revolver rebound springs.

https://gunsmithertools.com/shop/ols/pr ... -s8b70415b
That's a great little tool, I never thought of that. Thank you.
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