Weighted Magazine Base Plates

These are my custom made weighted magazine base plates. I shoot bowling pin matches at my local club and speedy reloads are the key to winning. The new bases ensure the magazines eject fast and clean from the pistol as soon as I press the magazine release button.  The extended base also allows me to make sure the mag is fully seated on the reload.

The stock mags have a thin base plate that sits flush and some times when in a rush it may not fully seat.

The new base plates are made from cutting board material. I started by tracing out the stock plate.

I used a endmill in the mini mill to cut the basic shape of the new plate.

I then laid out and mark for the groves to be cut.

I cut the grooves with a Dremal bit in the mill.

I quick test fit to ensure they are cut properly.

I used a simple hobby saw to cut the rear angle to match the magazine.

After a quick test fit in the gun….

…the grip is traced onto the new base plate.

I rough cut the shape with a bandsaw…

… and finish shaping it on a sander.

The new plate so far.

Next I have to drill a hole for the spring retainer.

I mount the plate to the magazine and using a punch I mark the location of the hole.

I start the hole with a center drill…

…and then finish with a normal drill bit.

I tested a few versions… on this one I drilled and tapped a hole in the front.

Lead shot was then added…

…and capped with a set screw.

On other versions I milled slots in the top and filled them with shot and then sealed them with JB Weld.

The finished Base Plates where then painted black to match the Pistol.

They may not be the prettiest things but they work great and I care more about function than looks. The ulgy grip on this pistol is a custom molded (clay) grip that is formed exactly to my hand. This allows me get the same exact grip on the pistol every time I pick up the gun.

All Information, Pictures, and Material is copyright © 2018 by Stephen Thone and may not be used for any personal or commercial purposes without the consent of the author. All rights reserved. The Author makes no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of, or results to be obtained from accessing and using the Information herein.