Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45 Review

Hands-On with the Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45

As someone who spends considerable time in environments ranging from dusty workshops to pristine labs and rugged field conditions, I’ve learned to appreciate gear that not only performs but also enhances the user experience. My recent acquisition, the Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45, falls squarely into that category. My Ruger 22/45 has been a reliable companion for countless range days, but mag changes, especially under pressure or during rapid fire sessions, always felt like a slight bottleneck. I was looking for a way to make reloads smoother, more intuitive, and frankly, just a bit faster. While there are generic extensions out there, I gravitated towards Volquartsen for their reputation in precision rimfire enhancements. The immediate impression upon unboxing these base pads was one of solid craftsmanship; they felt substantial and precisely machined, a far cry from some flimsy plastic alternatives I’d encountered. My initial thought was a simple, “This is exactly what the magazine needed.”

Real-World Testing: Putting Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45 to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for these Volquartsen base pads were primarily the local indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. The scenario was straightforward: numerous magazine changes during a typical range session, interspersed with drills focusing on speed and efficiency. I specifically focused on how much quicker and easier it was to seat a fresh magazine and, perhaps more critically, to strip a partially or fully depleted magazine from the pistol. The difference was immediately noticeable. The extended lip provided a significant purchase, allowing for a more positive grip compared to the small, often slippery, factory base plates.

Even after just a few exchanges, the muscle memory began to adapt. There was no real learning curve; the intuitive nature of the extended base plate meant I could focus on my grip and the target, rather than fumbling with the magazine. One minor quirk I encountered was during the initial installation of the first pad. While generally straightforward, ensuring the internal components of the magazine were properly seated behind the new base pad required a bit of deliberate pressure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and well over a thousand rounds through my MK IV 22/45 with these Volquartsen base pads installed, their performance has been remarkably consistent. They’ve endured repeated drops onto the range floor (accidental, of course) with nothing more than minor cosmetic scuffs on the aluminum, and more importantly, no functional impairment. The aluminum construction has proven robust, showing no signs of cracking or deformation despite the forceful impacts that magazines can sometimes experience.

Cleaning and maintenance have been virtually non-existent. A quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked rag is all that’s ever needed, and they haven’t developed any stiffness or looseness. Compared to the factory plastic base plates, which can become brittle over time or lose their grip texture, these aluminum extensions offer a tangible upgrade in both feel and longevity. They’ve proven to be a significant improvement over the OEM offering, providing a much more positive and durable experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45

Specifications

The Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45 is precision-machined from billet aluminum, a choice that immediately signals durability and a premium feel. This material is not only strong but also relatively lightweight, contributing only approximately 2oz to the overall magazine weight, which is a negligible increase. The product is designed to be compatible only with 22/45-style Ruger pistols, a crucial detail for potential buyers.

These base pads are engineered to work seamlessly with factory magazines and importantly, can also convert Ruger MKIII magazines to function with the MK IV 22/45 platform. The black anodized finish provides a sleek, non-reflective appearance that complements the firearm. This thoughtful specification means an enhanced grip surface and a more positive magazine release, crucial for quick reloads.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of these base pads is to facilitate faster and easier magazine insertion and removal, and they excel at this. The added surface area provides a much more substantial grip compared to the standard, flush-fitting base plates. This makes both seating a fresh magazine into the pistol and stripping a depleted one out significantly more tactile and efficient.

The performance is exactly as advertised: lightning-fast reloads become more achievable. The primary strength lies in the tactile feedback and increased leverage they provide. A potential minor weakness, though not a flaw in design, is the need for careful installation to ensure all magazine components are correctly seated. For their intended purpose, they meet and exceed expectations, offering a noticeable improvement in handling dynamics.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Volquartsen base pads is elegantly functional. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, they possess a robust feel that instills confidence in their durability. The finish is a durable black anodization that not only looks good but also offers a slight increase in grip over bare, smooth metal.

Ergonomically, they are a significant improvement. The extended profile allows for a firm, positive grip, especially useful when your hands might be slick with sweat or when wearing gloves. The slight increase in length does not interfere with the magazine well or the handling of the pistol. The overall feel is that of a quality component that integrates seamlessly with the firearm.

Durability & Maintenance

The billet aluminum construction suggests a high degree of durability, and my experience confirms this. After months of rigorous use, including accidental drops, these base pads show minimal wear. There are no signs of cracking, bending, or any degradation in performance.

Maintenance is practically zero. A simple wipe-down with a cloth is sufficient to keep them clean. The anodized finish is resistant to scratching from normal use, and the design doesn’t trap dirt or debris. This inherent durability means they are built to last, saving potential hassle and replacement costs down the line.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45 is a standalone product, and as such, it doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its primary customization aspect is its inherent compatibility with both factory Ruger MK IV 22/45 magazines and, as mentioned, MK III magazines for conversion.

The clean, functional design means it integrates smoothly without requiring additional mounting hardware or specialized tools beyond basic magazine disassembly. The black anodized finish is a subtle aesthetic enhancement that blends well with most firearm finishes. There are no specific “must-have” accessories directly related to the base pads themselves, though pairing them with an extended magazine release (as some user feedback suggests) can further enhance the speed of reloads.

Pros and Cons of Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45

Who Should Buy Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45?

This product is an excellent choice for any owner of a Ruger MK IV 22/45 pistol who frequently engages in range shooting, competitive events, or any scenario where fast and efficient magazine changes are beneficial. It’s particularly useful for those who find the standard magazine base plates difficult to grip or manipulate quickly. Furthermore, individuals looking to get more mileage out of their existing Ruger MK III magazines will find this an invaluable conversion tool.

Those who should likely skip this are owners of standard Ruger Mark III, IV, or other rimfire pistols that are not part of the 22/45 line, as compatibility is strictly limited. If you are perfectly satisfied with the ergonomics and speed of your factory magazines and never experience issues with reloads, then this upgrade might be considered superfluous. For an even faster reloading experience, pairing these base pads with an extended magazine release for the MK IV 22/45 is a highly recommended complementary modification.

Conclusion on Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45

The Volquartsen Firearms Magazine Base Pad for MK IV 22/45 is a prime example of a small accessory making a significant difference in the overall shooting experience. Its robust billet aluminum construction, combined with a thoughtful design that enhances magazine handling, positions it as a must-have upgrade for 22/45 owners. The ability to breathe new life into older MK III magazines adds considerable value. For its price of $49.50, the enhanced usability, durability, and the quality feel it imparts to the magazines make it a worthwhile investment. I would absolutely recommend these base pads to anyone looking to streamline their reloads and add a touch of Volquartsen quality to their Ruger 22/45.