Custom Base Plates

Published on April 10, 2012
Duration: 9:30

Lenny McIll from Glock Store Performance Center demonstrates how to install custom aluminum magazine base plates on Glock magazines. This modification not only personalizes the firearm but also aids in identification at the range. The process involves carefully removing the factory base plate, shaving specific ears off the aluminum replacement to ensure proper fit, and then reassembling the magazine with the new base plate.

Quick Summary

Custom aluminum base plates for Glock magazines offer personalization and prevent mix-ups at the range. Installation involves removing the factory plate with a solid punch, capturing the spring, and shaving down the magazine body's ears to accommodate the more rigid aluminum replacement before reassembly.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction to Custom Base Plates
  2. 00:11Benefits of Custom Base Plates
  3. 01:30About GlockStore Aluminum Base Plates
  4. 02:23Installation Process Overview
  5. 02:38Tools Needed for Removal
  6. 03:09Technique for Removing Factory Base Plate
  7. 03:33Capturing the Magazine Spring
  8. 04:05Understanding the Insert Plate
  9. 04:20Older vs. Newer Glock Magazine Design
  10. 05:06Preparing for Custom Base Plate Installation
  11. 05:13Magazine Body Ears Explained
  12. 05:48Shaving the Magazine Body Ears
  13. 07:11Sliding on the Aluminum Base Plate
  14. 07:28Reassembling the Magazine
  15. 08:04Securing the Insert Plate and Base Plate
  16. 08:32Conclusion and Customization Options

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of installing custom aluminum base plates on Glock magazines?

Custom aluminum base plates enhance the look and feel of your Glock magazines, providing a unique aesthetic. Crucially, they help prevent magazines from being lost, stolen, or mixed up with others, especially at the range. They also allow for personalization with names or logos.

How do you properly remove the factory base plate from a Glock magazine for custom installation?

To remove the factory base plate, use a solid, thick punch on the hole at the bottom. Place the magazine on your lap and apply downward shoulder pressure to dislodge it. It's vital to capture the magazine spring during this process to prevent it from ejecting forcefully.

Why do custom aluminum Glock base plates require modification of the magazine body's ears?

Custom aluminum base plates are more rigid than factory plastic ones. The ears on the magazine body are designed to be captured by the plastic base plate. For aluminum plates, these ears must be shaved flush with the magazine body to allow the rigid aluminum base plate to slide on correctly.

Can I install custom aluminum Glock base plates myself, or is it a job for a gunsmith?

Yes, you can install custom aluminum Glock base plates yourself with the right tools and a bit of care. The process involves removing the factory base plate, shaving down specific ears on the magazine body, and then installing the new base plate and reassembling the magazine.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from GlockStore

View all →