DIY Arca Multi Plate

Zee705

Zee705

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I have some components laying around that I can use to make a multi plate for precision rimfire matches.

Multi Plate https://www.shortactionprecision.com/products/gray-ops-arca-multi-plate

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The material I have is 2 - 1/8" x 12" x 12" sheets of aluminum. I'd like to laminate the 2 sheets together but I'm not sure how to go about doing that? Should I epoxy them, JB weld or just plain old super glue?

Once I hate them laminated, I'll cut holes and shape it kind of like the real deal. Then I'll paint and add some kind of rubberized coating to the bottom; maybe rockerguard?

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I would paint it with some general purpose paint. Then, if you want the bottom to stick to a bag better, you can add some hockey tape. This way, if you end up not liking the stickiness, you just peel the tape off rather then having to strip and re-coat the plate.

I also don't know anyone using a sticky coating on a plate. I can imagine having trouble if the plate is too attached to the bag, you won't be able to easily re-align the rifle relative to the bag, i.e transitioning to another target laterally. You would have to lift the rifle off the bag and re-position, rather then just rotating left or right.

My custom gamechanger has some rubberized panels, but they aren't sticky enough to grip my plate or forend enough to affect movement. They are more just to improve durability on sharp barricades.
 
Alpheus said:
I would paint it with some general purpose paint. Then, if you want the bottom to stick to a bag better, you can add some hockey tape. This way, if you end up not liking the stickiness, you just peel the tape off rather then having to strip and re-coat the plate.

I also don't know anyone using a sticky coating on a plate. I can imagine having trouble if the plate is too attached to the bag, you won't be able to easily re-align the rifle relative to the bag, i.e transitioning to another target laterally. You would have to lift the rifle off the bag and re-position, rather then just rotating left or right.

My custom gamechanger has some rubberized panels, but they aren't sticky enough to grip my plate or forend enough to affect movement. They are more just to improve durability on sharp barricades.
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Good call. I'll just paint it first and try it.

Hoping someone chimes in about the laminating.
 
I made some different versions last year, settled with the one in the photos at https://imgur.com/a/jVSu28i that has the clamp flush with the top/bottom of the plate.


I had some thicker aluminum plate to start with, but I'd recommend in-setting the clamp into the plate so it's flush top and bottom (the plate sits tight to the chassis full length).. using two plates like you have may be easier - just cut the right thickness of spacer to separate the two sheets and glue it all in.

The one I ended up with I tried aluminum brazing rod to connect the clamp to plate (it wasn't pretty but it's strong) , but previous versions used JB weld and flush screws and its plenty strong enough and easier to make look pretty.
 
I had good success making mine out of 1/4" aluminum checker plating.( an old floor hatch lid)

Holds the bag a bit better than smooth.The clamp to plate I drilled and tapped.
 
If the MD is constantly making shooters go into and out of ports and small openings, this type of plate is going to be a PITA. Personally, I can't think of anyone using them at a larger BC match

ARCA rail, good bag, plenty stable

And he can't inset the clamp because the tightening bolt would not be accessible.

Jerry
 
Mystic Precision said:
If the MD is constantly making shooters go into and out of ports and small openings, this type of plate is going to be a PITA. Personally, I can't think of anyone using them at a larger BC match

ARCA rail, good bag, plenty stable

And he can't inset the clamp because the tightening bolt would not be accessible.

Jerry
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I agree, it's not suitable for every scenario but it's a nice tool to have in your bag.
 
Absolutely... I use my plate so rarely, I just left it at home.... but you may prefer it for some situations

The biggest improvement was finding a front bag that suits my style.... that got rid of alot of widgets I had made up.

Jerry
 
Here's what I have so far, a cheap Amazon bag, arca clamp and scrap aluminum. I need to drill and tap the wider plate to fasten the arca portion to it but it's almost complete. Feels stable. I'll take more pics once it's finished. I might make another one to use with the Fortune Cookie I just ordered. I'll make it so I can change the orientation of the bag depending on the prop.

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i wouldn't over think this too much. 1/4" plate is totally fine. Don't laminate anything. i made one to fit around the Armageddon bag and i use it 90% of the time. If you're on instagram @andyontherange, theres some pictures on there
 
s_moneh said:
i wouldn't over think this too much. 1/4" plate is totally fine. Don't laminate anything. i made one to fit around the Armageddon bag and i use it 90% of the time. If you're on instagram @andyontherange, theres some pictures on there
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I laminated 2 - 1/8" plates, it's solid. I might make a bunch of holes with the drill press to lighten it up a bit, it's currently sitting at over 2.5 lbs. I'll take it for a test drive first though.

I'll check out your insta, thanks.
 
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