[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I've had 2 wilson ETMs for a while now, and while they've always functioned perfectly, I've always hated the huge base pad they had.

I don't have an oversized mag well, and I never intend to. Even if I did, I don't see the point of having a fat base pad that fits pseudo-flush with the sides of such a thing.


Well, yesterday, I finally got fed up with it, slapped on a 600 grit belt on my belt sander, and went to town!

I really slimmed these things down, and now the sharp edges that used to poke me are as smooth as a baby's bottom!


I am very glad that I did this.

[Tom Fury]

Wilson has always sold thin base pads to replace those with; I'm confused; if you never have had an oversized mag well, or intended to, then why did you buy those mags?
J

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

That's strange, Tom, because when I called Wilson they told me that they don't have slim base pads for the ETM, nor would they be producing any in the near future.

[Black Majik]

I must agree, while the witness windows are cool on the ETMs, those fat basepads are the reason I still prefer 47Ds.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Yeah, I regret not getting the 47Ds, Majik, but I let hype get to me.
No real regrets, though; they work really well.

I don't understand the advantages of these fat base pads even on a gun with a mag well, either. (other then aesthetics, I guess

[Jim Watson]

The ETM basepad-floorplates slide on with ribs engaging grooves in the tube. Sand the plastic too thin and they might pop off or crack. Maybe the reason Wilson did not want to make them any smaller, not stiff enough. 47s have an internal retainer that will keep the magazine from spilling its guts if the pad comes off.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I should've been more specific; I sanded the sides, Jim.

Also, the retaining ribs are inside of the grooves, so as long as I don't sand off the front or the button, I don't see how they would fail

[Double Naught Spy]

The new Wilson mags reminded me too much of the Tripp Research mags and those didn't work out so well for me. Coupled with the extra expense, I opted NOT to go with the ETMs The large bases could be okay. They dissipate the impact when doing tap-rack drills and that is a nice thing to have, but otherwise, I don't see a need for them for me.

47Ds are just fine.