How to make an extended Mec Gar magazine flush-fit a compact?

[FilcoRumHam]

Hi all, I've found plenty of info on replacing a factory full-size CZ mag fit a compact with the SP01 baseplate.

However, I haven't found anything on the mecgar mags. I have a local source for these:

http://shop.mec-gar.com/Magazines/CZ/CZ-75B-85B-SP-01-Shadow3

For $20 each! I purchased one, and it functions fine but is ugly as all get out. The baseplate is different from the springed retention on a factory mag.  Any ideas if there's some sort of pinkie slider cover or something that will cover the exposed mag?

[75Plus]

What you have is the Mec-Gar 17 round mag with a plus2 base. The Shadow base pad looks similar but its extra length is to close the gap on the CZ 18 round mags. The Shadow base can be used on 16 round mags to close the gap for use in a Compact but using them on a 17 round Mec-Gar will still leave a small, i.e. .100", gap.

Joe

[FilcoRumHam]

Got it, thank you Joe!

So, I think I'm just going to leave this 19rd as-is and save it for a possible full-size CZ purchase later on.

They also have the mecgar compact factory magazines (14 rds) for $19.99 so I'll buy a couple of SP01 extensions

[75Plus]

They also have the mecgar compact factory magazines (14 rds) for $19.99 so I'll buy a couple of SP01 extensions

The SP01 base will make the 16 round mags fit flush but will not increase capacity. They cannot be used on 14 round mags as they cover too much of the mag body.

The Mec-Gar Plus2 will not work with the 14 round mag as it is too thick above the flange grooves and hit the grip before the mag can latch. This thickness can be reduced by sanding it down until the mag latches but, since you are dealing with polymer, the base will be weakened.

I can machine an aluminum base that can be used to close the gap when used on a 16 round mag or add 2 rounds to a 14 round mag but the cost would be about the same as the mags you are using.

Joe

[FilcoRumHam]

Very interesting, thanks 75plus.

Ok here is what I've found. I have the 17rd+2rd base extension = 19rd mecgar. If I take off the +2 base and put it on a 14rd factory mag, there is a gap as you noted.

So my options are either trade out these 17+2rds for 16 rds and buy an sp01 to cover the gap OR deal with the gap the +2 creates on a 14 rounder.

So... I think I'm going to trade out these 17+2 in the fs/t forum for 16 rd factory mags. That way someone else benefits from the 19rd mags, and I only have to buy an $8 sp01 base to make the 16rd fit flush.

[RNA]

Hey Filco, I sent you a pm. I'd gladly trade you for 19rd Mec Gars for my 16rd Mec Gars!