IDPA rule Q - magazine base plates....

[S391]

While I was putting away my gear after my last match I noticed that my mags are taking a real beating during the match. I was thinking that a heavy duty base plate might be a good thing to look into to try and preserve my mags and extend their life.

However, I had 2 quick questions: 1. Can I use heavy duty / armored / rubber base plates on my magazines in IDPA? 2. If so, does anyone know of a source for rubber / heavy duty base-plates for M&P magazines?

[Chris]

Steve,
This is one of the very "Grey Areas" in the Rule Book. Adding weight to a magazine is not allowed. Just what consitutes that is left to opinion. As cheap as the standard S&W base plates are, I would just buy some spares. I normally shoot on soft ground, sometimes concrete, but my mag bases haven't been beat up... and they can't rule the factory ones I use illegal. It's a cheap way to avoid headaches with a Range Nazi.
Chris Christian