Do I need a DBM

[Jig Stick]

Im having a hard time with a build. Im building a 6.5x47 Lapua for groundhog and coyote hunting. Bat repeater action. Manners T3 stock. Krieger barrel. Im pretty happy so far with the components. I planned on using a hinged bottom plate for this build to help save on weight. Im trying to keep the gun under 10lbs including optics. But I just have this gut feeling that Im not going to like how the gun looks with out a DBM on it. I really dont think I need a DBM on this one. This gun needs to be light because I carry it while walking hundreds of acres. But all the other precision rifles I own are heavy guns with DBM's. Should i go without a DBM on this one? Or suck it up and deal with the extra 0.5lbs that the DBM system weighs?

 

[RonHam]

Re: Do I need a DBM

While a DBM for hunting has some advantages it may not fit your needs.

Do you need quick reloads?

How many rounds do you usually have on you?

Do you need to empty the rifle and clear it often?

Those questions aside I like versatility for my firearms and would probably go with a DBM

 

[steve123]

Re: Do I need a DBM

Since you have other rifles with DBM and don't need it for this one I'd say no.

It'll save some weight and you don't have to worry about loosing a mag out walking around.

I'd like to build a light weight walk around rifle with a one of those new Pierce titanium actions!

 

[desertHK]

Re: Do I need a DBM

You said already that you might not like the look of the rifle without the DBM. Also, I believe in the "have it andnot need it" as opposed to the "needit but not have it". Besides, the DBM is only about .5 pound. The real weight of your rifle is going to be the barrel contour type that you select.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Do I need a DBM

I have a Badger Ord M4 Alumium. I like it a lot. It's super light and has a wide guard to protect my Timney. Another thing I like, but I'm sure it would annoy most, is it is very difficult to open. There is absolutely no way you can open this floorplate accidentally.

I chose a floorplate for a few reasons: Weight, simplicity, and I find they make rifles more comfortable to carry and easier to shoot off odd objects.

There has only been one occasion so far that I wished I had DBM: Winter. They are easier and quicker- rounds in rounds out by use of the mag and the big lever. Very gross motor, which I prefer when it's damn cold and I have thick gloves on. I was at the range today (-30C) and I was thinking it would be great to toss a mag and jam another in. Instead I had a pocket full of loose rounds and was single feeding the 700. This works, but not as convenient as a mag and would suck if you needed quick follow up shots- Coyotes?.

Luckily, it isn't always -30, so I'm still overall happy with the floorplate. I don't think I'll be changing it out anytime soon.

From reading the forums DBM's seem to be a must if competing.

 

[D_Lamz]

Re: Do I need a DBM

Do it

 

[adkmtnman]

Re: Do I need a DBM

On a precision rifle, hands down go with a DBM... On a hunting rifle, I've always liked a hinged floor plate. Weight is NOT an issue versus either one. My main concern is that I like a no snag rifle. I do not want anything that is going to snag up on me. I also noticed on some DBM's the mag has a little bit of play causing some light noise. Hunting here in the Adirondacks, its pretty thick and most shots present themselves within 50 yards. That light noise may cause you to be busted. The newer DBM's may have corrected this with tighter tolerances. I know on my brothers 280 rem mountain rifle it is pretty sloppy. Honestly, that wouldn't be enough of a reason for me NOT to use a DBM "the noise factor" But the snag situation is... I know some guys like the faster reloading of them, however you ever get 5 shots off on a whitetail running and have time enough to reload and fire again? thought not....

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Do I need a DBM

I wouldnt say I necessarily need fast reloads. I usually have my Kifaru scout pack on when walking fields for groundhog and coyote, and carry extra ammo in that. I usually have my magazines filled with 5 shots, and when its empty, i go in my pack and grab another mag. I guess it would be just as easy to reload with an internal mag with hinged floor.

I do have to unload a lot though. We work one farm over, and then drive to the next, and repeat this process all day. So each time in and out of the car the gun needs loaded and unloaded. The mag would be nice for that.

And ive never had to fire more than one shot at a deer.

I definitely like the idea of not having it. It will be more comfortable to carry thats for sure. I think it will save a little on weight. Im not sure how much a hinged floor plate and internal magazine weigh. I cant find that info (any help?).

I guess I just like the looks of a DBM, and the convience of loading and unloading really quick. What I dont like is the weight and bulkiness its going to add to this hunting rifle, as well as the mag diggin into my back when slung, and getting in the way when using the handrail of my deerstands as a rest.

 

[Heretoimproveforhunting]

Re: Do I need a DBM

Do you already have your stock inlet for BM? I could be wrong, but you could always start with Badger's M4, and if you don't like it then open up the stock to accept the M5. I don't believe you can do it the other way around though. Undoubtedly you could sell the M4 on here and recoup most of your $.

I'm not too familiar with the size of the round your using. I run badgers M4 on a rifle chambered in .25-06. I started a .300 WM build and couldn't decide whether to do another with the M4 or the M5. I ended up going with the M5 to be able to hold 5-6 rounds. The internal mag of the m4 couldn't hold as many.

 

[adkmtnman]

Re: Do I need a DBM

ahhh, the fact that you have to load and unload often crossing roads and such, then I would lead to a DBM. Its a real P.I.A. reloading and unloading... I would stick with the badger, the mags are shorter than that of the Wyatt's... I had a Wyatt's and it was a nice unit. I switched it for the Badger as most all the components on my GAP were Badger.
I hope this helps you out. I think the weight difference is minimal... maybe an once if that. Factory hinge being the heavier. If you want to save weight and if you are building the gun, use a lighter barrel contour, maybe a lighter stock. Manners offers the composite feature making it way lighter... Try using lighter rings as well.

 

[67rschev]

Re: Do I need a DBM

Definitely a good modification that I would recommend to anyone . The convenience and speed are well worth the extra dollars spent and will improve resale value of the piece

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Do I need a DBM

My Manners T3 is the light version. The total weight of my build including the Bat Action, T3 stock, Krieger 24in light palma 1:8 twist spiral fluted barrel, Vortex Viper PST, and Jewell trigger comes in at 8.7lbs. I was going for aluminum Tulley rings, which I think are only a few ounces. So basically I have just over 1 pound to figure out bottom metal. i cant find weights listed for hinged floor plates on Brownells or Midways website. ive even tried manufactures sites too, so its hard to compare how much weight i can actually save.

I like the easy loading and unloading, but i just HATE how my mag digs in my back with my other rigs. But this stock will be the first one i have with flush cups on it. So that may fix that problem.

Who else makes nice aluminum DBM systems so I can compare weights and choose the lights one? Ive always used badger on my prior builds

 

[adkmtnman]

Re: Do I need a DBM

I'd stick with the badger or try the Manners Mini Chassis. Sounds like you've got a solid build man... Very nice. At least if you go with a manners or the mcs, you can use same mags!
I'm with you on the digging into my back

 

[T2CH]

Re: Do I need a DBM

Some builders say the DBM takes material out of the stock and the stock is not as ridgid as an internal magazine. I vote floor plate. Thats how I ordered my build.
Why do you need to completly unload the gun? Can't you just eject the chambered round and push the others don, then close the bolt on an empty chamber? Thats how I do it.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Do I need a DBM

yes i could unload like you just said. I just think building a "tactical" looking gun ie the TC3 in GAP camo, just may look not as cool w/o the DBM. I hate buying stuff just because of how it looks....but the DBM actually has some function to it.

 

[adkmtnman]

Re: Do I need a DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some builders say the DBM takes material out of the stock and the stock is not as ridgid as an internal magazine. I vote floor plate. Thats how I ordered my build.
Why do you need to completly unload the gun? Can't you just eject the chambered round and push the others don, then close the bolt on an empty chamber? Thats how I do it. </div></div>

It is still considered a loaded gun... At least here in NY it is... Bullets OUT of the weapon...

Jig stick like you want the DBM and are leaning towards it... Just get it man

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Do I need a DBM

Hey Jig Stick, do you have that light palma barrel on hand? If you do, could you get me a measurement of the muzzle diameter of the barrel if it were cut to 24".

Thanks

 

[T2CH]

Re: Do I need a DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: adkmtnman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some builders say the DBM takes material out of the stock and the stock is not as ridgid as an internal magazine. I vote floor plate. Thats how I ordered my build.
Why do you need to completly unload the gun? Can't you just eject the chambered round and push the others don, then close the bolt on an empty chamber? Thats how I do it. </div></div>

It is still considered a loaded gun... At least here in NY it is... Bullets OUT of the weapon...


</div></div>



Not a problem if you have a CCW,

( I ass-u-me NY has a process for those(?)

 

[former naval person]

Re: Do I need a DBM

NO. But if you WANT one...get one. JMHO

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Do I need a DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jig Stick</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I think it will save a little on weight. I'm not sure how much a hinged floor plate and internal magazine weigh. I cant find that info (any help?). </div></div>

OEM 700 Floorplate: 2oz
Badger Ord. M4 Alloy: 3.2 oz
Badger Ord. M5 S/A w/ empty 5rd mag: 10.8 oz
AICS 5rd mag: 5.6 oz
AICS 10rd mag: 9.4 oz


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bhanDallas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I ended up going with the M5 to be able to hold 5-6 rounds. The internal mag of the m4 couldn't hold as many. </div></div>

You can get five rounds (plus another in the chamber) in a 700 BDL. Just file down the two tabs on the follow:

 

[adkmtnman]

Re: Do I need a DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: adkmtnman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some builders say the DBM takes material out of the stock and the stock is not as ridgid as an internal magazine. I vote floor plate. Thats how I ordered my build.
Why do you need to completly unload the gun? Can't you just eject the chambered round and push the others don, then close the bolt on an empty chamber? Thats how I do it. </div></div>

It is still considered a loaded gun... At least here in NY it is... Bullets OUT of the weapon...


</div></div>



Not a problem if you have a CCW,

( I ass-u-me NY has a process for those(?) </div></div>


We have since our new judge in our county was elected, he has taken it upon himself to NOT ISSUE CCW's.... And has been revoking peoples permits left and right. Time to move, or time for a new judge!!!

 

[kill_goose]

Re: Do I need a DBM

I dislike DBM for hunting, especially coyotes. In fact, I hate it.

In and out of the truck 20-25 times a day, unloading the chamber is a pain. Drop the mag, eject shell, than pop the shell back into the mag and put the mag back in the rifle. (would be easier if using mags that stagger feed)

With a good old fashioned internal mag with floorplate, open the bolt and stop live round coming out with hand, click it back into battery, hold it down and close bolt. The cartridge never actually leaves the gun. So so so so much easier and faster.

We're allowed to have a loaded mag in the vehicle here.

 

[Tengo1]

Re: Do I need a DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dislike DBM for hunting, especially coyotes. In fact, I hate it.

In and out of the truck 20-25 times a day, unloading the chamber is a pain. Drop the mag, eject shell, than pop the shell back into the mag and put the mag back in the rifle. (would be easier if using mags that stagger feed)

With a good old fashioned internal mag with floorplate, open the bolt and stop live round coming out with hand, click it back into battery, hold it down and close bolt. The cartridge never actually leaves the gun. So so so so much easier and faster.

We're allowed to have a loaded mag in the vehicle here. </div></div>

+1, I've used my FN SPR for Coyote hunting and Antelope hunting so far with a standard hinged floor plate and dont feel that not having DBM restricts me in any way. Unless your running the courses that are timed and require 20+ rounds fired during the course a DBM is not needed.

 

[VKC]

Re: Do I need a DBM

hinged floorplate for hunting for me, DBM only if you need to reload fast for comps.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Do I need a DBM

i think im going to go with a floor plate. I have to call my gunsmith and see which one he likes to use. If the price is similiar to the badger M4, then I may go with that. I know its not hinged, but it will atleast give me the option of inletting for the M5 down the road if I want. But damn, I wish it was hinged. I hate having to run all the bullets through the chamber just to get them out of the internal mag

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Do I need a DBM

The Badger M4 <span style="font-style: italic">is</span> hinged, it's just difficult to open.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Do I need a DBM

It is hinged? Fantastic. You just confirmed my choice. Thanks for all the input guys. Im really looking forward to this build.