STI Base Pads

[Jgriffith96]

Just ordered my first open gun and looking at base pad options for STI 140MM and 170MM base pads.  What are your opinions on best base pads for these?

  

[Foxj66]

I found the TTI base pads to be my preferred pads for a 2011 in limited with 140s. Easiest time getting 21 reloadable and fitting the gauge with them.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: I like the Dawson and TTI base pads the best. If you get a chance before you order some see if you can fondle some to see which feel better in your hands. Thanks, Eric

[Jgriffith96]

Thanks I will look at both of these.

 

[Mikeski]

I have used TTI base pads for all my STI mags and have had no issues with them. I like how easy they are to remove so you can clean your mags should they get dirty. Just make sure you order the right thickness for the 170 as to keep your mag legal length. 

[NamesNotMike]

On ‎12‎/‎3‎/‎2018 at 6:10 PM, Mikeski said:

I have used TTI base pads for all my STI mags and have had no issues with them. I like how easy they are to remove so you can clean your mags should they get dirty. Just make sure you order the right thickness for the 170 as to keep your mag legal length. 

Like Mikeski said TTI base pads  works great. The 170 gen 2 STI mags takes the 3mm TTI base pads and they fit in the gauge.

[fatjoe123111]

Go with 3mm TTI pads for 170s and 7mm for 140s 

[Glk21C]

Grams

[Sarge]

34 minutes ago, Glk21C said:

Grams

I always heard Grams pads were fragile. What is your experience with them?

[dapribek]

When we dropped our mags with Grams base pads indoor on the concrete floor, they frequently cracked. Grams did replace them when that happened. 

[Glk21C]

I've talked at length with Bevin about his BP's.  He's called the mag master for a reason; he figured out a long time ago all the intricacies about the 2011 double stack mags and how to make them work reliably and with the extra capacity most want. 

It's critical the bottom of the tube is within spec (size) just like the middle of the tube and the top of the tube (feed lips).  If the bottom of the tube is too wide, and you install the u-pin into the BP and it's really tough to push in the BP will inevitably crack when the mag hits the ground.  That extra friction of the u-pin fit creates a lot more stress on the material he uses to make the BP's.  If the u-pin slides in when the BP is on the tube just as easy as when the BP is off the tube, the tube is within spec.  When fitting correctly the BP then acts more like a shock absorber when the mag hits the ground, taking the majority of the impact, putting less stress on the tube itself, keeping all those other dimensions about the tube within spec.  Aluminum BP's, giving the impression of being stronger because they are metal don't absorb all that impact energy, instead transfers that energy through the tube, which will more negatively affect al those critical dimensions.

Yes, he will replace cracked BP's, he's good that way, but when you contact him about it he will ask how the u-pin fit in the BP when on the tube.  

[biggulp]

I went with the Dawson base pads and have not been disappointed.  Easy on/easy off, and enough weight to speed up the mag drop. 

[anbrumm]

I like the Dawson basepads. Easy to get on and off. I would recommend getting extra springs and detents just in case. I lost one before, and takes that mag out of service.