Magazine Spring Tension Reduction Mod

The Vulcan 22 magazine spring tension is higher than actually needed to retain pellets. Mine measure about 55 grams rotational force for the 1st pellet position when measured at the pellet position. Subsequent pellets wind the spring tighter. So, that is lowest force exerted.

I modified my magazines to have just 15 grams force on the first pellet. Makes it a little easier to load the magazine and the pellets still cycle fine. The downside is that vigorous shaking of the magazine (when out of gun AND nearly empty) may more easily dislodge a pellet. I keep my magazines full. So, it really that is not a problem.

Takes about 5 minutes/magazine to do the mod.

1. Remove just the central spindle screw. You do not need to remove the other two screws.

2. Lift the spindle straight out of the magazine. The spring will probably remain in place.

One end of the spring goes into the magazine body. The other end engages the spindle. Notice the stock position has the spindle end of the spring at about the 2:30 position. By drilling a new hole in the magazine body, one can change the position to about 1:00 for a lighter loading force.

You will need to examine your own spring’s original position to determine were to drill your new hole. Use a tiny drill bit to make the new hole the same size as the original spring holes. If you don’t have micro drills, you can also drill the hold using a small jeweler’s screw driver. Takes longer, but you can do it that way.

Reassemble taking care to place the end of the spring into the spindle’s slot. Rotate the spindle to the magazine empty position and then seat it into the magazine body.

Reinsert the spindle screw and you are done.

You will immediately notice the initial spring tension of the magazine is much lighter after the mod. Makes it a bit easier for me to spin the magazine as I load pellets.

It would be even better if I could find finer replacement torsion springs. Then we could have lower forces for the entire magazine.

BTW, in case you don’t already know, the magenta coloring on one spoke and silver on the one next to it respectively indicate when a magazine is empty & at last shot.