Gunsmithing Mcmillan A5, M700 Bottom Metal, and inletting

richardca99

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 24, 2008
36
1
I'm about to order a McMillan A5 for my M700 5R, and I have a question about bottom metal. I'm going to order the stock without pillars and have a smith pillar bed the stock with new bottom metal. I'm looking at either the Seekins, Surgeon, or Badger. Stocky has a new M5 Stealth that looks pretty nice and appears to be a copy of the Badger. My only requirement is that the system use AI mags, and it must be compatible with a Jewel Trigger.

Can I get some pluses and minuses of these systems? I'm also confused as to the whole M5 compatibility thing; is it just the Badger and Stealth that are made to M5 MILSPEC, and how does that affect inletting?
 
Unless you can wait 8-10 months I'd simply look at the for sale ads for an A-5. I ordered one back in April...still not here.
I ended up buying basically the exact stock I ordered a few months back from a poster here on the Hide.
 
I'm about to order a McMillan A5 for my M700 5R, and I have a question about bottom metal. I'm going to order the stock without pillars and have a smith pillar bed the stock with new bottom metal. I'm looking at either the Seekins, Surgeon, or Badger. Stocky has a new M5 Stealth that looks pretty nice and appears to be a copy of the Badger. My only requirement is that the system use AI mags, and it must be compatible with a Jewel Trigger.

Can I get some pluses and minuses of these systems? I'm also confused as to the whole M5 compatibility thing; is it just the Badger and Stealth that are made to M5 MILSPEC, and how does that affect inletting?

I've got an a5 ordered, and I am looking at bottom metal myself. I read that you can get bottom metal to support 10 round mags. What is an AI mag? I'll try and look that up. (Accuracy International)
I've done some reading on the Jewell triggers, you don't want one unless this gun isn't going to get dirty, or you have to clean the trigger often.
 
Last edited:
I've got an a5 ordered, and I am looking at bottom metal myself. I read that you can get bottom metal to support 10 round mags. What is an AI mag? I'll try and look that up. (Accuracy International)
I've done some reading on the Jewell triggers, you don't want one unless this gun isn't going to get dirty, or you have to clean the trigger often.

I already have the Jewel trigger and have been shooting this gun for several years. AI is the manufacturer of high end magazines.
 
I'm about to order a McMillan A5 for my M700 5R, and I have a question about bottom metal. I'm going to order the stock without pillars and have a smith pillar bed the stock with new bottom metal. I'm looking at either the Seekins, Surgeon, or Badger. Stocky has a new M5 Stealth that looks pretty nice and appears to be a copy of the Badger. My only requirement is that the system use AI mags, and it must be compatible with a Jewel Trigger.

Can I get some pluses and minuses of these systems? I'm also confused as to the whole M5 compatibility thing; is it just the Badger and Stealth that are made to M5 MILSPEC, and how does that affect inletting?


From a preference stand point I like the Surgeon because I dont like the mag release lever sticking down. It has never gave me any trouble, I just dont like it that way. If you are wanting to keep a budget in mind look at PTG's bottom metal. It accepts AI mags and is $99. PTG Short Action Stealth Detach Mag Bottom Metal M5 Style [N3861324] - $99.00 : Pacific Tool & Gauge, Inc. - Store Home, Redefining Quality in Manufacturing