Hey all,
I was wondering why our RWVA chamber flags have those wings on the side, so the flag is shaped like a "T". It seems to me if one took those wings off the flag would be able to fit farther in, and you wouldn't have to force it into .22 ejection ports. Before I decided to cut one down, I figured I'd ask if anyone has already done this, and if they encountered any problems. The only potential issue I thought of is that it might decrease the structural integrity and it might break quicker.
Thanks in advance for any input...
Roland
Back in the old days of the program, Roland, when the line was 99% centerfire, and we were using the CMP chamber flags, we had trouble with bolts slamming forward on them, either accidentally, carelessly, or deliberately, and the CMP flag would be chopped in two, with the shaft being jammed up the barrel.
It was particularly a problem with ARs, as you'll notice how sharp the forward edge of the ejection port is.
So when we decided we needed our own flag design, we made sure that that weak point was addressed by making it extra thick at that location.
We're lucky that when surplus centerfire dried up, and everyone started shooting rimfire our existing flag worked relatively well in .22s.
Yes, it's sometimes a tight fit - which is why the SB has the option of allowing it to be inserted up thru the mag well of 10/22s - it fits much easier, and in addition provides highly visible confirmation the mag is out.
Early in the program, we also did that for FALs, as to see the rifle was on safe, it had to be turned ejection port down, slowing down "clearing the line" considerably.
For rimfires, I always cut the wings totally off and cut the shaft to about 1 3/8 inches. It works out MUCH easier this way, even if you put it in the mag well of the 10/22s.
Fred, thanks for the explanation, it makes sense now. Just figured there had to be a reason.
Roland