The metal is COMPLETELY exposed. It looks stupid, at least to me.
As I said when I started the thread, the S&W looks bad enough (Of course I have one. That's why I asked the original question.), why in the world would I want to ugly it up even more with this *******ization? I can't even imagine why somebody would even visualize this as a product much less produce it and expect to sell it. You asked.
Why would you take off the perfectly FUNCTIONAL baseplate from S&W and replace it with this... "thing?"
What purpose does it serve? What is it supposed to do??? What does it suppposedly do that the OEM mag does not? There must be a reason for it in somebody's mind. I just don't get it.
Seems clear that you don't get it. Some of us actually view this as an improvement over the factory filler piece. This is a minimalist design that is made to replace the factory extension collar. It still allows you to slam a magazine home with no worry about over inserting, but offers users a more streamlined design. The factory design adds unneeded bulk and is clumsier to reload and is less comfortable to carry (at least IMO). There is no real concern about the metal being exposed on three sides, anymore than would be the case when carrying any metal mag in an open top mag pouch. We'll have to agree to disagree about the looks thing, but I will say the first gunny friend at the range that saw my 10-8 base plate told me he thought it was "dead sexy". To each their own...
Others that have reviewed the product seems to find merit where you see none. From Brownell's web site, here is what one persons said:
"Replaces the ugliest piece of plastic I've ever seen on any firearm. Greatly diminishes the bulk of the plastic. Fits perfectly. Looks cool."
From the 10-8 site:
"The factory M&P 14-round extended mag looks good hanging on the wall, like all the lines seem to flow perfectly. Placed in the weapon, it looks a bit odd, and feels even odder. The 10-8 extended mag base LOOKS streamlined, and feels great in the hand. A big bonus is that it takes less space in a mag pouch. A perfect example of doing more with less."
"Designed and built great, easy to grab and load. However, I bought them for the looks for my bead blasted, 14rnd mags."
"The base pad for the factory sw mp 45 14 round magazine is a great product! The factory base pad that comes on the magazine is not only ugly, it's also awkward and cumbersome to manipulate and carry on your belt. The 10-8 base plate is extremely well made, easy to handle and wear, and looks super slick. Another great product from 10-8!"
"I bought the 14 round mag for my M&P .45 FDE & I just didn't like the tan sleeve on it. It looked ugly plus it doesn't feel right when I handle it in my gun. So I bought 10-8's extended base pad & followed the instructions on how to tap out the tan sleeve & to install the new base pad. Now my extended mag looks like a REAL extended mag, giving my gun some flair with the silver part of the mag exposed & makes it easier to grip the firearm & reload. Awesome item 10-8, keep it up!!"
