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Why detachable magazine?

S

springerjb

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 28, 2010
133
7
49
Ephraim, UT
So I can:

1. Spend $250-400 for quality bottom metal and and then $100-150 to have the smith work done. Plus spend $50-100 per mag for additional mags. For a total cost of $350-500+ depending on mags needed.

2: Go the Wyatt's route and spend $300 (with 2 mags) on a less desirable, less proven system.

3. Suck it up, sell a kidney, and go the $900 AICS route. Significantly upgraded stock and mag capable.

So why again do I need/want bottom metal? I thoroughly expect to be virtually slapped about the head and neck for asking such a question.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

you don't need a DBM... unless you're going to be shooting tactical comps, or using the rifle for LE work (possibly), for a hunting or target rifle, no reason
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Hinged floor plate is how I roll... Doesn't seem to affect my accuracy any, which is what I'm most concerned about... I'm sure I'm not maximizing my 'cool points' though, which sucks.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

BDL for me, too. Costs have nothing to do with it (although it's a bonus), I just prefer BDL.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I was looking into bottom metal too, the cost just doesnt fit the reward. If I want to buy the top of the line stuff price adding the cost too fit, I'd have half the cost of another 5R ... why change clips when I can grab a second gun!

So for me it'll be something i add down the road when i find a real need I'd rather use the funds and add another caliber to the collection and once I'm happy with the way they shoot upgrade from there.

Same goes for rails and rings as much as i want to get the top gear do i really need it at this time. A slightly less accurate .223 without the stiff metal is a reasonable trade off to be able too add a .308

And how much better are the top players at double the price do they really offer double the accuracy improvement. I will repeat i would love to add the good stuff but its not very cost effective at least for me at this time .. If one has money to burn why not go for the best. And the best being very subjective.

Fast reload is a nice feature but with cost of ammo I'll keep my roll slow for now.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

There are less expensive DBM's out there if you look. The recent group buys for CDI are one example. The one constant is the magazine price. AICS/chassis systems are not for everyone.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I had it on a issued gun, personally, I don't like mags. There are positives and negatives to both.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Totally useless in my opinion as well. Plenty of gas guns out there that come with magazines if I need a DBM. There is the cool factor, but that I can do without.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Well, if you really "needed" it you would already know. The real question is "How bad do you really want it?" and you seem to be on the fence. Just my opinion, I would take the $1000 and save/put it towards another rifle equiped with a detachable magazine instead of the upgrade as you'll get more for your money that way. Of course, YMMV!
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I'm going Wyatt's as soon as my DBM comes from PTG. For every day shooting not necessary. I am getting it only for hunting, makes it so much easier to load & unload before putting the rifle back in the truck. On speed goat hunts I can easily cover hundreds of miles of public land spots and I will not have a loaded rifle in my vehicle.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

There's people that live their entire lives with one kidney. What the issue?

Naaa, DBM is not a necessity. I shot Tac Comps for YEARS with an internal mag and did just fine.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
So why again do I need/want bottom metal? I thoroughly expect to be virtually slapped about the head and neck for asking such a question. </div></div>

I don't know. Why do <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> need a DETACHABLE MAGAZINE SYSTEM?

("bottom metal" is not an accurate description of what you are talking about)

If you don't compete or use your rifle for work, you can keep going just fine with a factory internal magazine system.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Resale value: Because snipers must buy rifles with magazines.
wink.gif
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Resale value: Because snipers must buy rifles with magazines.
wink.gif
</div></div>

laugh.gif
Best answer!!
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Naaa, DBM is not a necessity. I shot Tac Comps for YEARS with an internal mag and did just fine.</div></div>

The stages of fire are now geared more towards DBMs and having one makes life easier and will put more points on the board. I used a top loader up until 2007 when I found myself losing points because of it.

OP here's a thread that was in the comp section about DBMs in matches. Whether <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> need one is only a question you can answer. I know all my rifles have them.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3030675#Post3030675
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

The marines don't seem to need a mag box on their sniper rifle?
Seems to work OK for them?
smile.gif


Probably not required, but I do like quality bottom metal perfectly fitted (even bedded) rather than the factory Remington pot metal shit. More than once I have had factory Remington metal crack under the front guard screw on heavy or hard recoiling rifles (created some strange group shift issues). I have used Sunny Hill a few times...I am very pleased with their stuff.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The marines don't seem to need a mag box on their sniper rifle?
Seems to work OK for them?
smile.gif



</div></div>

Guess you haven't seen the M40A3 that sports the Badger M5 DBM.
wink.gif
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Originally they did but they went to DBMs as I am sure they saw the advantage to more capacity and faster reloads.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The marines don't seem to need a mag box on their sniper rifle?
Seems to work OK for them?
smile.gif
</div></div>

Be careful with that.

While I love my Corps, they are seldom on the cutting edge of technology. A prime example is still using a 24" barreled .308 as a primary Sniper Rifle. Sure it works, but there are NOW other options that work better all around for the effective range of that weapon system.

Yes, even the Corps adopted a removable magazine system.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The marines don't seem to need a mag box on their sniper rifle?
Seems to work OK for them?
smile.gif
</div></div>

Be careful with that.

While I love my Corps, they are seldom on the cutting edge of technology. A prime example is still using a 24" barreled .308 as a primary Sniper Rifle. Sure it works, but there are NOW other options that work better all around for the effective range of that weapon system.

Yes, even the Corps adopted a removable magazine system.</div></div>

I don't know if it's still going like it was in 09 when I got of the Army, but the 0311's had better equipment than we did. I was also under the impression that the Marines were adopting the M40A3 while the Army was adopting the M110. So I'd say they were ahead of the curve. Is it the M40A5 that has a 1:10 twist with a shorter barrel? I haven't been watching all this stuff as close as I used to.
 
Re: Why detachable magazine?

I got my Suregoen bottom metal for 2 reasons.
1. The stock magazine did not feed reliably and I figured if I am going to upgrade I want to do it right.
2. If your doing anything besides just shooting groups off a bench the magazine system is much better. You can have ammo in the gun, you can reload faster, you can switch ammo types faster. Its better in every way except cost. Its not absolutely essential but its really nice to have.
Pat
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The marines don't seem to need a mag box on their sniper rifle?
Seems to work OK for them?
smile.gif
</div></div>

Be careful with that.

While I love my Corps, they are seldom on the cutting edge of technology. A prime example is still using a 24" barreled .308 as a primary Sniper Rifle. Sure it works, but there are NOW other options that work better all around for the effective range of that weapon system.

Yes, even the Corps adopted a removable magazine system. </div></div>

Aren't the Marines the ones who insisted on using fixed 10x scopes well past when they had become obsolete?
Pat
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The marines don't seem to need a mag box on their sniper rifle?
Seems to work OK for them?
smile.gif
</div></div>

Be careful with that.

While I love my Corps, they are seldom on the cutting edge of technology. A prime example is still using a 24" barreled .308 as a primary Sniper Rifle. Sure it works, but there are NOW other options that work better all around for the effective range of that weapon system.

Yes, even the Corps adopted a removable magazine system. </div></div>

Not on the cutting edge of technology?

The only branch smart enough to know that two camoflage uniforms are needed and the pioneers of modern sniper programs in the US military.

Somewhat cutting edge there.

On the counter side of that sometimes the "cutting edge" isn't the best thing.

The Marines know that much of the time when you have something that works you don't need to change it. Which is naturally the opposite of what most internet tough guys think.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

The edge cuts both ways.

During my career I say many examples of new gear sucking and old gear no longer supporting the mission.

I love bolt guns, but I think the days of the M40 are numbered. I am not saying the M110 is all that. The ones I have seen had some issues. However the gas guns have now evolved to where they can accomplish the mission once reserved for the .308 bolt gun AND still be effective in a close range gunfight.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

For me it has a lot to do with feeding. My 223 ai doesn't like to feed well out of a bdl, but it does much better in a aics mag.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cegorach</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For me it has a lot to do with feeding. My 223 ai doesn't like to feed well out of a bdl, but it does much better in a aics mag. </div></div>

I agree. My 700 would not feed reliably, I tried factory rounds, FGMM - TAP, several others, reloads of different lengths, I could never get anything to feed- everytime. Once i went to a DBM system and AI type mags, I have no hang ups and every feed is smooth as glass.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cegorach</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For me it has a lot to do with feeding. My 223 ai doesn't like to feed well out of a bdl, but it does much better in a aics mag. </div></div>

Roger that!
The 223 feeds like shit out of a BDL setup.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I sure don't 'need' one. But I'll be getting one as soon as I can scrape the money together!
laugh.gif
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

The money that is spent on a DBM along with the inletting cost of the stock is better spent on a quality trigger and or better optic. Just my opinion.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I didn't feel I needed it until I shot my first comp and ran out of time on a stage reloading. Then I said, Never Again. As previously stated if you're just punching paper or hunting there's no need.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Comp is why I need one. Capacity, speed of load, reload, unload and malfunction clearance.
 
Re: Why detachable magazine?

You can get a lot more than $900 for a kidney.

I'd put the money towards a completely kitted out Badger M2008 and lots of beer to keep the remaining kidney working well.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The edge cuts both ways.

During my career I say many examples of new gear sucking and old gear no longer supporting the mission.

I love bolt guns, but I think the days of the M40 are numbered. I am not saying the M110 is all that. The ones I have seen had some issues. However the gas guns have now evolved to where they can accomplish the mission once reserved for the .308 bolt gun AND still be effective in a close range gunfight. </div></div>

How is the M-110 running in the field?
Seems like a bad ass rifle!
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Mtneer,
You probably don't "need" to spend the money on a detachable magazine bottom metal and magazines at all.

We both live in the good old USA where "need" and "want" tend to get confused quite a bit.

Only you can decide if it is want or need in your case.

I personally do "need" a detachable magazine setup on my bolt rifle because I shoot in tactical matches. Because tactical matches are designed to test the equipment as well as the shooter, anything other than detachable magazines show up early as a definite limitation.
Try shooting 10 rounds at a moving target down at Rifles Only once or twice and you will figure out the limitation of a top loader real quick.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Center feed mags are the most reliable, but if you don't need it don't gt it.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Until recently I was running an A5 with a Williams bottom metal BDL and that was great for tripod and pack shooting however reloading in the field was a constant issue.

It messes you around carrying ammo wallets or trays as a primary source of ammo.

The DBM is a convenience thing, sure there are more moving parts but it depends on how you shoot and what your priorities are.

If you don't need it, don't get it... If you shoot alot, it makes life a lot easier.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I only saw good use of mine while shooting a P-dogs, and in rapid fire practice... most bench style shooters just load one at a time as to not loose their precious Lapua bras (me included) but i can count on both hands how many full mags i put through mine...

looks, cool points, and resell value.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Shoots some matches and you will understand. If your not a match shooter then there is no "real reason" besides wanting it.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

I'm a poor kid, but I sure as heck saw why a DBM system would be much better than the BDL. The BDL would not feed reliably, and it was a pain to load. To me, it was worth the cost.
 
Re: Why bottom metal?

Did not see anyone say one reason other than ease of use and reliability of feeding.....

One of the biggest reasons is because you can use ammo that is longer than will actually feed from an internal box mag.

Load em LONG.
 
Re: Why detachable magazine?

honest answer and nothing wrong with it .. I'm sure down the if i have the cash i would do the same thing because i want it not because i really need it. But only after i get a .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marctolate</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have one just for the looks
grin.gif


I just missed something to my rifle, so I installed a DBM, now it's perfect. </div></div>
 
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