Howa Mini - Comparison of Bottom Metal Upgrade

[Oso Polaris]

We now have three (3) quality solutions to Howa's plastic trigger guard.

The first is simply a quality metal replacement of OEM plastic trigger guard and continues to use OEM magazines.
http://www.diproductsinc.com/Search.aspx?TERM=howa

The other two (2) are designed with an internal/blind magazine that eliminates the external plastic OEM magazine (critical design failure).
http://www.oregunsmithingllc.com/
https://www.jeffersonoutdoor.com/shop/ho...ttom-metal

Both the replacement bottom metal / internal magazines from Oregunsmithing and Hokey (Jefferson Outdoors) are approximately the same price and similar quality construction.

[Oso Polaris]

Max. COAL
DIP Model: OEM Mag length
Jefferson Outdoors Model: 2.46"
Oregunsmithing Model: 2.45"

Magazine Loading:
Jefferson Outdoors Model: top loading down into internal magazine may have loading interference if using full-length picatiny rail (limited finger room)
Oregunsmithing Model: top loading down into internal magazine (tight fit loading from above with rail)

Unit Weight
Jefferson Outdoors Model: 3.1 oz
Oregunsmithing Model: 3.4 oz


*** Note: Updated with product weights ***

[Oso Polaris]

Does anyone have any experience with both the Hokey and Oregunsmithing replacement units? If so how do they compare operating... any issues with feeding or nose diving?

Thanks

[jmkhenka]

I have the Jeffersons model, i will take some photos and measurements.

[jmkhenka]

Jeffersons outdoor.

Aluminium frame with plastic box inside, top has plastic lips on both sides similar to the OEM magazine.
Capacity 4 rounds, but recommend 3 for ease of closing bolt on empty.
Top load is viable, but there is a snag sometimes where a round gets stuck between the left lip and the left side of the action. Most common is when you load the 4th round as you need to push harder.
But if loading in the field, its easier just to turn the rifle upside down and drop 3 rounds in the box and close it (on closed bolt), takes no time at all.
you can still single feed with no issues.

The magazine lips holds the round practically identical to the OEM mag so feeding is not an issue.

Max COAL is 63mm or 2.480 inches. Would probably limit myself to 62mm as the magazine is V formed, and it might be tight.
But as the Howa mini throat is designed i have never been able to load anything this long before hittings lands.

Photos: https://imgur.com/a/jUjFdNK

Overall, nice when in the field (3+1) and on the range top loading is easier.

[tdbru]

i can get 4 in my JO setup. i have a rail so no room to load from the top. i simply flip it over, drop 4 rounds in, and close the hinged magazine cover. neat.
feeds just fine.
-tdbru

[JSH]

Has anyone tried 204 Ruger with the 223 bottom metal?

[garyrapp55]

DIP is the only company that has upgraded the mag release, correct?

[tdbru]

JO has one too.

https://www.jeffersonoutdoor.com/

-tdbru

[garyrapp55]

tdbru, please explain. This is all I see on JO site, "The magazine release securely holds the magazine tighter making it difficult to accidentally drop a magazine. This magwell does not ship with a magazine release, pin, or spring you will need to transfer your factory parts from the original magwell to this one." These 2 sentences almost contradict each other. Is it an upgraded release, or is it the factory release?

[HokeyPokeyKid]

tdbru, please explain. This is all I see on JO site, "The magazine release securely holds the magazine tighter making it difficult to accidentally drop a magazine. This magwell does not ship with a magazine release, pin, or spring you will need to transfer your factory parts from the original magwell to this one." These 2 sentences almost contradict each other. Is it an upgraded release, or is it the factory release?

I do not sell an upgraded mag release, I just pre-tensioned the spring in the pocket to hold the factory release tighter.

[garyrapp55]

Thank you HPK, now I understand. What's the lead time on these?

[HokeyPokeyKid]

Thank you HPK, now I understand. What's the lead time on these?

My target is before the end of the July.

I doubled my regular quantities because of the demand but It's still my side job so it takes longer than I like.

[Dinny]

I'm satisfied with all functions of the Oregunsmithing metal. Max COAL is 2.45"

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...loorplate)

Thanks, Dinny

[Oso Polaris]

I'm satisfied with all functions of the Oregunsmithing metal. Max COAL is 2.45"

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...loorplate)

Thanks, Dinny

Dinny,

Any challenges loading rounds into internal blind magazine? Any issues with clearance/tight fit when top loading cartridges into the magazine if using a picatiny scope rail?

Thanks

[Dinny]

It's a tight fit with my chunky fingers but I have Talley lightweight rings and no experience with a pic rail. I do load the 129gr ABLR to magazine length of 2.45" and find I have to make sure the case is loaded into the back end of the magazine or they bind up front.

Thanks, Dinny

[cwlongshot]

I have the DIP, as well as the MAG BUTTON.

My eye dosent care for the shape of the trigger guard. But thats not a worthwhile Criticism. The BM is 100% it allows for solid screw torque without fear of compression cRacks with the plastic junk. The mag release is well thought out and awesome.

I swapped to a Boyds stock that I "recontoured" last year its MUCH better. While I was contouring I pillar bedded then glass bed the action. The barrel is free floated and the gun preforms remarkably. Shooting under 1" @ 200 with a few loads.

I like the idea of a blind or hinged floor plate. But I spent $$ on the DIP and ya dont fix what aint broke. I bought two extra mags when I bought the gun. They have given zero problems. But I prefer metal. They feel cheap but provided care free service for a few years now.

CW

CW

[garyrapp55]

I bought two extra mags when I bought the gun. They have given zero problems. But I prefer metal. They feel cheap but provided care free service for a few years now.
CW

Agree on the mags. I'm somewhat surprised no one has made better/metal mags and possibly a 10 round.

[Troutguide]

Love my Jefferson Outdoors bottom metal box magazine. Works great and makes the mini a real quality rifle in my opinion not a cheap entry level gun with an seriously annoying magazine.

[Troutguide]

It would be tight. Tally here. Still need to grind off that extra bit that overhangs. Grrr.

Dinny,

Any challenges loading rounds into internal blind magazine? Any issues with clearance/tight fit when top loading cartridges into the magazine if using a picatiny scope rail?

Thanks