Part II, Perfecting the Magpul Magazine Modification for Bolt Action Rifles, Removeable Base Plate

[Sharps40]

So, as you note in the attached original magpul mod thread, I'd acquired a Ruger American Ranch, .223/556 that uses the long 10 round magazines. I believe i mentioned the whole affair as neat but cumbersome on the bench/stalking and rather unsightly.

Weak Googlefu lead to a number of threads discussing the shortening and pinning the base pad back on and I'd investigated glue (and ultimatly decided not to pay $60+ for an adhesive touted to work with low surface energy plastics like the magpul)....so there I was.....

Mulling it all over and BOING, suddenly I had it figured. Many of you might prefer a shortened magpul for your Ruger American that has a removeable base plate and no pins showing.

So, since some of the mods are the same between the two, attached here is the original 4 in the mag, 1 in the pipe, pinned baseplate Magpul Mag Mod. If you havn't seen it, might want to review first before jumping in and cutting up your magpuls for your Ruger.

MagPul Modification for Bolt Action Rifles

OK. Photos all loaded now, takes a bit of time to do that on a hotspot with the nearest tower 18 miles away, even with a repeater on the house. Its hard to get under 94db for signal. But, modifying MagPul magazines for use in a bolt action rifle. Why? Because they are all too long, get...

carolinafirearmsforum.com

 

[Sharps40]

Disassemble your too long Magpul. Brads to the rescue again. Grind off the heads (two pointed ends is helpful later) and make matching steel staples from 1 1/4" 3d brad nails.

 

[Sharps40]

I'm making up another 4 rounder for hunting use, but after scribing cut lines, I cut it slightly longer than I wanted to finish at, grinding the bottom will aid in finish fitting the mag base plate later on.

After cutting, I scribed staple lines and punch marked drill spots (Front of staple thru the internal rib) using the appropriate staple for each side.

Staples are inserted, a drop of CN glue to help hold them in place while fitting and as you note in the photo below,

The base plate won't fit on, since I deliberatly left the mag body long, and....

The base plate won't fit on, since the staples are wider than the internal raceway in the base plate.

 

[Sharps40]

Several things have happened in this photo, all about the new staples.

They have been draw filed for a flat surface, equal on both sides and establishing a width that is the same as the internal dimensions of the base plate race way.

Any portion of staples protruding into the magzine spring way, are filed flush with the inside of the mag wall.

The base of the magpul magazine body is carefully filed so that the top edge of the staples just enters the raceway of the base plate.

Overall, the fit of the baseplate is free slide on and off, the mag walls are not buckled inward with the base plate installed, similarily, the base plate edges do not buckle outward and the base plate dosn't come off.


At this time, all the plastic hoosh is shaved off and the mag and base plate cleaned up inside and out.

 

[Sharps40]

As instructed in the original pinned baseplate thread, the Magpul dust cover is dropped in the trash can to stay in the dump for millions of years untill an archeologist finds it and says, "WoW! The infamous and thoroughly useless Magpul Dust Cover!"

The upper followers vertical front was shortened for 4 round capacity as instructed in the original thread.

The upper followers square bolt stop was rounded over to allow for closing the bolt on an empty magazine as instructed in the original thread.

The lower followers vertical front was slotted to fit the forward internal magazine rib as instructed in the original thread.

The lower followers vertical rear was shortened 1/4" as instructed in the original thread.

The edges and surfaces of the lower follower were dressed to provide a free running fit in the internally tapered body of the magazine.

The spring was shortened, I selected 6 coils, as indicated in the orignal thread. Good tension, not McPherson Strut strength, fine and reliable function.





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[Sharps40]

Reassembled, 4 in the mag, one in the pipe. Function in and out of the chamber is perfect.

 

[Sharps40]

Banging around the innerwebs, I've not seen this mod. Glad to share it with you, hope it helps ya.

 

[Mr. Bggs]

Great job! Sometimes it's fun to just make something for the sake of making it. Thank you for sharing the step by step with us. I really enjoyed watching your journey.