Gunsmithing Broken off magazine release lever on my Accuracy International AT

[Terminator2]

10 days ago I was looking in my gun safe and found a 1/2" x 3/8 " rectangular piece of blued metal with rounded edges at one end an a broken end at the other end. This obviously was a part to something and broken off. I made a cursory look at my rifles and shotguns and assorted parts I have stored in the safe and couldn't determine what the part went to. I ultimately tossed it out. Yesterday while inserting a magazine into my AI AT, when I tried to release the mag with the magazine release lever, I discovered that there was no lever as it was broken off at the bottom of the mag well and missing. Well, now I know what the unidentified piece of metal was that I found 10 days ago. I really couldn't understand what could have caused the lever to break off in the safe as I've never dropped anything on it. I also was surprised to see how fragile the mag release lever is. It is metal as it is magnetic and the area at the point of the break actually looks to be similar to pot metal. I would have thought that it would have been of a heavier duty metal. I've searched the internet for possible a possible replacement lever without success. I've emailed Euro Optics where I bought the gun back in 2014 and asked if they sell the part and can it be installed without sending it back but I've not heard back from them. Has anyone had an issue like this with your AI AT?

 

[squib]

It should be under warranty if you are the original owner. You may want to contact Mile High as they are a AI service center.

 

[Supersubes]

Shouldn't require sending back the rifle. The part installs easily. The pins push out easily when you relieve spring tension on them(no need for a hammer). Call mile high, my guess is they’ll sort it out in about 30 seconds.

 

[GIXXER2000]

I have a 2014 AT no issues. As stated I would give Mile High a call.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I'd call AINA @ 540-368-3108 and talk to them directly, they're good about getting these kinda things taken care of. They may even refer you to Mile High for service but they would be my first call. Tom Irwin (President of AI) also posts here as well as many of their team shooters so they may have already seen it. They'll get you taken care of and unless you somehow caused the failure I doubt you'd be required to pay for the part.

It's an easy part to replace, you just have to remove the chassis skins and drive the pin through. Support the latch from the inside of magwell with a finger when pushing the pin out so that the spring and remaining latch piece doesn't go flying.

 

[Terminator2]

Thanks to all that replied. I appreciate your input and suggestions. I'll give Mile High a call. Merry Christmas to all!