Which bottom metal and why?

I'm putting together a 20" tactical 6.5 Creedmoor on an LTR stock. I'd like to keep the weight down so it is not so heavy to carry for hunting. So, a few extra ounces won't matter, if the fit and function are improved, but an extra pound might matter. What bottom metal would you recommend?

Does anyone know how much the various bottom metals weigh?

Badger M4
Wyatt
Surgeon
PTG
Rem Factory

I can provide a little info. A short M4 alloy weighs 3.3 ounces. A short steel one weighs 8.6 ounces.

Thanks, that helps. I found the weight of a PMAG AICS 5 red mag is 3.2 oz, so combined with M4 alloy BM, I'd be adding 6.5 oz. To me that seems reasonable.

A Badger M4 trigger guard is a hinged floorplate BDL style part. Your magazine reference makes me think you want an M5 style.

M5 style trigger guard with DBM (detachable box magazine)



M4 style trigger guard (hinged floor plate)

ok, I got the M4 and M5 mixed up. I would prefer to used detachable mags, but not if they add significant weight. I can't find weights listed on any of the websites for Badger, PTG, CDI, etc. I found weight for an Australian BM, Atlasworx, but don't know much about them.

Badger M5 weighs 10.2 oz with empty 5-round magazine

Surgeon DBM weighs 6 oz. +weight of AICS magazine (3.6 oz. approx)

PTG is a clone of the Badger M5

Remington Factory DBM is a non-starter, not worth the effort to install.

Wyatt's - I would use any of the above 3 first because of Wyatt's magazines.

Regards.

sable tireur said:

Badger M5 weighs 10.2 oz with empty 5-round magazine

Surgeon DBM weighs 6 oz. +weight of AICS magazine (3.6 oz. approx)

PTG is a clone of the Badger M5

Remington Factory DBM is a non-starter, not worth the effort to install.

Wyatt's - I would use any of the above 3 first because of Wyatt's magazines.

Regards.

Click to expand...

That's very helpful, thanks!

blue_ridge said:

That's very helpful, thanks!

Click to expand...

I'll add this info I just found from APA for their bottom metal. They say it is the same footprint as M5 and is 8.8 oz. with the AI mag included.

https://www.americanprecisionarms.c...uards/redesigned-trigger-guard-rtg-sa-rtg-sa/

blue_ridge said:

I'll add this info I just found from APA for their bottom metal. They say it is the same footprint as M5 and is 8.8 oz. with the AI mag included.

https://www.americanprecisionarms.c...uards/redesigned-trigger-guard-rtg-sa-rtg-sa/

Click to expand...

If you have an APA M5 bottom metal do you know if a Bager M4 bottom would fit without a bunch of work?

It should fit. Badger's M4 and M5 share the same inlet dimensions. APA says theirs uses a Badger M5 inlet.

Thank you for the info. I like the M5 concept with drop magazines but for hunting it rattles and seems be be in the balance center right where my hand needs to be when carrying. Would I be able to maintain the same OAL of cartridges in the M4?

The APA bottom metal is really nice (check availability). I much prefer the streamlined mag release VS the standard "tongue depressor" found most elsewhere. I have 2 of the "tongue depressor" style and find they snag on every dern thing you get near. I've never lost a mag thank god but they are a PITA.

I vote APA.


1

APA or curtis custom BM.