Base Pads

[FSTRN]

I've got a Series 70 Colt Gov't Model to which I have recently added a Smith & Alexander mag well w/flat MSH. All my mags are 7 rounders, mostly Colt and Metalform with a few old Randalls thrown in. I like the 7 rnd mags because of their reliability.
Which base plates, in your opinion, would work best to bring the mags flush with this particular well? Would it be better just to get some of the Tripp 10 rnd mags? I found them to be held in high regard here as I did the yellow search. This is a bedside gun, not a carry piece, so concealment is not an issue. Thanks for any input.

[Kokopelli]

I like these.. Ron

http://www.the-armory.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product1324.html

[fixit69]

Tripp research, Wilson, and CMC are the most trouble free mags I have used. Carry or HD, I do trust them with my life, and for a hassle free shooting day.

ETA: kokopeli, do you really use those? I had one(I know a sample of one is a sample of none), and it lasted about 300 rounds and started puking. That was enough for me though.

[Kokopelli]

Tripp research, Wilson, and CMC are the most trouble free mags I have used. Carry or HD, I do trust them with my life, and for a hassle free shooting day.

ETA: kokopeli, do you really use those? I had one(I know a sample of one is a sample of none), and it lasted about 300 rounds and started puking. That was enough for me though.

I have a couple dozen and have been using them since 2008. No problems so far.. They're all I use at the range and if you buy in quantity they're ~$16.50 or so. I believe I gave about $15 each for mine.. Ron

PS: I carry Checkmate mags, but I wouldn't hesitate to carry the KimPros. At least the ones I have..

[duece71]

My vote is for CMC or Wilson. Never a problem with either one.

[Amp Mangum]

Get some Wilson ETM's or CMC Power Mags.

[Kokopelli]

Designer magazines are a currency exchange program.. :haha: Ron

[FSTRN]

OK, so you guys are suggesting different brands of magazines. That's fine, I appreciate the input. What I'm seeking, though, is advice on filling that void created by the mag well. I don't feel like I'm decreasing reload time by having to push my fingers up into the well to get my stock magazines to lock up.

I see that Ed Brown sells plastic base pads that will fit the Metalforms. Does anyone have experience with these? Are there better base pads that will fit in the S&A well?
-or-
Would it be a better approach to get a reliable higher cap magazine that will extend down to the opening of the well, allowing a flush fit? If so, which specific ones would you recommend?

[Kokopelli]

OK, so you guys are suggesting different brands of magazines. That's fine, I appreciate the input. What I'm seeking, though, is advice on filling that void created by the mag well. I don't feel like I'm decreasing reload time by having to push my fingers up into the well to get my stock magazines to lock up.

I see that Ed Brown sells plastic base pads that will fit the Metalforms. Does anyone have experience with these? Are there better base pads that will fit in the S&A well?
-or-
Would it be a better approach to get a reliable higher cap magazine that will extend down to the opening of the well, allowing a flush fit? If so, which specific ones would you recommend?

If your magazines (baseplates) are drilled and tapped or removable you're good to go on adding pads. The baseplates can be terribly hard and tough. Ron

[nanners83]

OK, so you guys are suggesting different brands of magazines. That's fine, I appreciate the input. What I'm seeking, though, is advice on filling that void created by the mag well. I don't feel like I'm decreasing reload time by having to push my fingers up into the well to get my stock magazines to lock up.

I see that Ed Brown sells plastic base pads that will fit the Metalforms. Does anyone have experience with these? Are there better base pads that will fit in the S&A well?
-or-
Would it be a better approach to get a reliable higher cap magazine that will extend down to the opening of the well, allowing a flush fit? If so, which specific ones would you recommend?

I have these on some metalforms that I got when I bought a used TRP.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24857/Product/MAGAZINE-BUMPER-PADS
They're pretty good for the price. I'd highly recommend using loctite on the screws and an adhesive between the contact areas as long as you plan on keeping the pads on your mags permanently.

[Norseman]

The Ed Browns and Metalform pads work just fine and you should be GTG with either. I have mags with both for what it is worth.

As your mags start to wear, just replace with CMC, Tripps, or Wilsons and carry on with no worries.

If you are dead set on staying with 7 round capacity, the stainless mags I have from Springfield armory have been great, I have 10-12 of them with no issues. I believe they are made by Metalform, but someone please correct me if I am wrong on that.

[FSTRN]

Thank you all for the replies. I'll probably get a six-pack of Ed Browns and try them out. WRT the Tripp mags...is there a difference in overall length (including the bumber) between the 8 round and the 10? Would one fit better than the other?

[fixit69]

Yes there is a difference,they are longer. But a better fit, I'm not sure what you mean. As far as fit to the magwell, it will hang below it with both.

I'm trying to remember(if I'm tracking you right), what brand had a beveled baseplate. Is that what your talking about?

[FSTRN]

I'm really not sure who has beveled base plates. It seems, however, that some base plates have a proprietary shape that may fit a limited few types of magazines. If I'm wrong about that, someone please correct me.
That's what I mean about fit. That and, as I said before, the bottom of the mag should not be recessed into the well.

[fixit69]

Ok. Tracking you now. Wilson's, CMC(with baseplate attached), and Tripp's are long enough to hang down especially the ten rounders. But reguardless of the mag, it should fall free.

The best thing would be to try to get your hands on someone's and try it in your pistol to see if it's what your looking for.

Oh and I was thinking of the cobra baseplates where the upper part of the base is beveled.

ETA: I get what your saying about baseplates and proprietary design. To get what you want you might have to change magazine brands. Only you can figure that one out.

[FSTRN]

Roger, thanks.