Magazine base pad?

W

WaltherPPQ

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Quebec
I've looked and I can't find what magazine base pads are for. I've seen the ones that are magazine extensions, so the use there is obvious for American competitors. But, I've also seen base pads that are 0+.

So, what is the main purpose of magazine base pads which seem to be ubiquitous in IPSC et. al.? Are they to protect the magazine when dropped? Do I have that right? Thanks.
 
Not their designed purpose, but they could cushion the fall a bit if they fall correctly I suppose.

The main use for the 0+ is people like me with big hands, can really go a long way to getting a better purchase on the gun, more room to work with.
 
For plain old target shooting from a bench, save your money unless you're buying them for the bling. If you shoot competition, it's more material to get your hands around when doing fast mag changes and also the added weight helps when dropping empty mags.
 
Trinimon said:
For plain old target shooting from a bench, save your money unless you're buying them for the bling. If you shoot competition, it's more material to get your hands around when doing fast mag changes and also the added weight helps when dropping empty mags.
Click to expand...

Common reason for most shooters I've seen that have them. They replaced the plastic base pad for a heavier one so they drop free easier.

Haven't used them personally, dont have that issue and it can be pretty pricey when you have 8 or more magazines..
 
NickVR said:
Common reason for most shooters I've seen that have them. They replaced the plastic base pad for a heavier one so they drop free easier.

Haven't used them personally, dont have that issue and it can be pretty pricey when you have 8 or more magazines..
Click to expand...

When I didn't use +2 basepads on my Shadow2 (I don't think they really add any additional weight like the metal ones), I'd do the wrist flick method to use centrifugal force as an assist in flipping the mags out quicker. I can see weighted basepads being a benefit with lightweight Glock mags.
 
Firstly, they are for positive seating to the pistol so they lock in better, especially if you have a magwell. How many times have you put the mage in, and have it drop after the first shot?

Secondly, Weighted mag bumpers allow a smoother drop from the gun for faster reload

Thirdly, +2 option (not here in Canada Though)

Finally, cushioning the mag when bouncing on the ground

I see a lot of people use the wrist flip, I have also seen the mag stay in the gun when those are done too. Just from my experience.
 
All are very good points. For me, base pads are for cushioning the magazine when bouncing off concrete floors (HK magazine base plates are expensive and not indestructible). My inexpensive solution, buy furniture leg felt floor protector pads in the appropriate size, stick on and trim, replace when needed.
 
Thanks all for the good information. It's appreciated.

Thinking it over, I'm just looking for rubber slip on base pads for PPQ M2 magazines. Such a thing doesn't seem to exist. Everything is metal even the 0+ base pads. I just really don't see myself dropping $80+ PPQ magazines on the concrete floor at indoor IPSC events. I'm now thinking of a magazine dump pouch riding over my butt.
 
WaltherPPQ said:
Thanks all for the good information. It's appreciated.

Thinking it over, I'm just looking for rubber slip on base pads for PPQ M2 magazines. Such a thing doesn't seem to exist. Everything is metal even the 0+ base pads. I just really don't see myself dropping $80+ PPQ magazines on the concrete floor at indoor IPSC events. I'm now thinking of a magazine dump pouch riding over my butt.
Click to expand...

Walther makes a 15+2 mag for the PPQ that includes an extended plastic base pad. I bought them for mine as I like the additional material to grab at for quicker reloads. They are tough and I don't think dropping them on concrete from 4ft would do any damage, although I doubt there would be much damage to the metal base plate either.
 
All the reasons listed above and you also need something to grab on to when clearing a double feed and have to strip the magazine from the gun.
If you have a big deep magwell, a mag without a base pad is waaaay up in there.
 
WaltherPPQ said:
I just really don't see myself dropping $80+ PPQ magazines on the concrete floor at indoor IPSC events. I'm now thinking of a magazine dump pouch riding over my butt.
Click to expand...

IDPA sounds perfect for you. Not wanting to drop a mag in ipsc seems kind of silly and you'll probably never be competitive. People drop $200 mags all the time in the sport.
 
You guys realize that gravity is a constant, and a weighted mag vs a non weighted mag makes no difference in the velocity in which they fall from the gun... The weight might aid overcoming friction and thus "releasing" the magazine but it does not make it fall any faster. Press the mag release and hold the pistol perpendicular to the ground, the mags fall out.
 
In not sure if there is a option of affter market mags for your gun. That's how I solved the problem of not wanting to scratch up my fancy mags for my sp01 Canadian I bought a bunch of cheap mec gar mags that I don't mind dropping.
 
madcow said:
Firstly, they are for positive seating to the pistol so they lock in better, especially if you have a magwell. How many times have you put the mage in, and have it drop after the first shot?

Secondly, Weighted mag bumpers allow a smoother drop from the gun for faster reload

Thirdly, +2 option (not here in Canada Though)

Finally, cushioning the mag when bouncing on the ground

I see a lot of people use the wrist flip, I have also seen the mag stay in the gun when those are done too. Just from my experience.
Click to expand...

after getting one too many stuck mags, I've started stripping as I reach down for the next mag.
 
Do any of you know for certain if this mod (mag well and base pad) would reclassify you into the open/unrestricted devision for 3 Gun competitions?

My assumption was that this mod would still be acceptable in the other divisions but 3 Gun Nation specifies that magazine length shall not exceed 141.25 mm for double stack mags unless you want to shoot in open/unlimited. Now the confusion comes from the fact that these are US rules, and base pads would generally extend the magazine capacity as well as length in the US. Here in Canada, we're getting the extra length using base pads but no extra capacity as we're stuck at 10 rounds. Is this rule based on wanting to limit competitors' magazine capacity, or is this rule legitimately wanting to limit magazine length?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom