Bottom Metals

Description

Each design fills a slightly different role, so the best option comes down to whether you prioritize low weight, field security, competition features, or a simple proven AICS magazine conversion.

MDT Hunting Bottom Metal

The MDT Hunting Bottom Metal is our field-focused option for hunters who want AICS magazine compatibility without unnecessary bulk or snag points.

Its streamlined profile works well on hunting and backcountry rifles, while a lockable magazine latch helps prevent an accidental magazine release while carrying or moving through rough terrain. The release tension can also be adjusted to suit the shooter.

Best for: Hunting rifles, lightweight builds, backcountry rifles, and shooters who prioritize secure magazine retention.

Key features include:

• Low-profile, streamlined design
• Lockable magazine release
• Adjustable magazine-latch tension
• AICS magazine compatibility
• Corrosion-resistant hardware
• Available Remington 700 M5-pattern fitments

MDT Precision Bottom Metal

The MDT Precision Bottom Metal is the competition-oriented choice for shooters who want faster magazine changes and more control over magazine fit.

An integrated barricade stop helps keep pressure off the magazine when the rifle is loaded against a support. The adjustable magazine latch allows feeding and magazine position to be fine-tuned, while the flared magazine well makes reloads easier during competition or positional shooting.

Best for: PRS-style rifles, long-range competition, precision range rifles, and builds where magazine fit and fast reloads are a priority.

Key features include:

• Integrated barricade stop
• Adjustable magazine latch
• Flared magazine well
• AICS magazine compatibility
• Competition-focused ergonomics

MDT CORE Bottom Metal

The MDT CORE Bottom Metal is the straightforward, versatile option in the MDT lineup.

Machined from aluminum and designed around AICS-pattern magazines, the CORE offers an ambidextrous magazine release and compatibility with MDT’s adjustable magazine latch. It provides the core functionality most precision and hunting builds need without the additional hunting-specific or competition-specific features of the other MDT designs.

Best for: General-purpose custom rifles, hunting and range builds, and shooters who want a simple AICS-compatible bottom metal.

Key features include:

• Aluminum construction
• AICS magazine compatibility
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Compatible with MDT’s adjustable magazine latch
• Generous trigger-guard clearance for factory and aftermarket triggers

Hawkins Precision M5 Bottom Metal

The Hawkins Precision M5 Bottom Metal is a proven option for custom Remington 700 and Remington 700-pattern rifle builds using a standard M5 bottom-metal inlet.

Machined from billet aluminum, the Hawkins M5 combines a rigid magazine system with an integrated barricade stop and Hawkins’ cantilever-style magazine release. The release is designed to remain secure under heavy recoil while still providing quick access to the magazine when needed.

Best for: Custom precision rifles, competition builds, magnum rifles, and shooters looking for a premium M5-pattern AICS bottom metal.

Key features include:

• CNC-machined billet aluminum construction
• Standard M5 inlet
• AICS-pattern magazine compatibility
• Integrated barricade stop
• Cantilever-style magazine release
• Designed for Remington 700 and compatible custom actions

Which Bottom Metal Should I Choose?

For a hunting rifle, we generally recommend the MDT Hunting Bottom Metal for its streamlined shape and lockable magazine release.

For a competition or PRS-style rifle, the MDT Precision Bottom Metal provides the most competition-focused features, including the barricade stop, adjustable magazine latch, and flared magwell.

For a simple, versatile AICS conversion, the MDT CORE provides the essential features without unnecessary complexity.

For a traditional M5-inlet custom precision build, the Hawkins Precision M5 remains an excellent premium option with a robust magazine release and proven billet construction.

Fitment Note

Bottom metal must match both the action length and the inlet in your rifle stock. A standard factory BDL inlet is not the same as an M5 detachable-magazine inlet and may require stock machining or a stock already manufactured with the appropriate inlet.

Always select the bottom metal configuration that matches your action, stock inlet, and intended magazine length.