Tool for use in loading cartridge magazines

Abstract

A tool for use in loading cartridge magazines comprising an elongated body with two small spaced apart tangs projecting laterally at opposite ends. One tang enters the slot in the magazine and engages and holds the follower down to accommodate the entry of shells with the other tang engaging the upper end of the slot.

1 . A tool for use in loading elongated tubular cartridge magazines which have open ends for loading and discharging cartridges therefrom, elongated slots along their sides and spring biased followers reciprocal therewithin for urging cartridges toward the open ends of the magazines; said tool comprising an elongated body with first and second small tangs at opposite ends which project laterally in the same direction, said tangs being spaced apart longitudinally so that one of the tangs can be inserted into a magazine slot to engage an end of the slot adjacent an open end of the magazine with the other tang also inserted In the slot and engaging the follower and holding the same in open position against the urging of the spring for ease in loading of cartridges. 
     
     
         2 . A tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the tang that is inserted into the slot adjacent the open end of the magazine is substantially shorter than the other tang to accommodate cartridges passing through the tubular magazine from the opening downwardly. 
     
     
         3 . A tool as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the shorter tang has a small notch for receiving an edge portion of the magazine at the end portion of the slot adjacent the open end of the magazine thus tending to retain the tang in the slot. 
     
     
         4 . A tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein each follower includes a small button exposed outwardly of the slot for manual manipulation in retracting the follower for loading cartridges, and wherein the longer tang engages the button and urges the same along with the follower away from the open end of the magazine for ease in loading cartridges. 
     
     
         5 . A tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein a lanyard forming a loop is attached to the tool adjacent the end of the same having the longer tang, the loop being placed over the head of a user of the tool and being used in removing the tool from a magazine merely by exerting a nominal retraction force.