Hawkins Precision Detachable Box Magazines Review

Hawkins Precision is a CNC machining company that produces aluminum rifle components from rings and bases to bottom metals (Hinged Floor Plates and Detachable Box Magazines or DBM) for modern precision rifles. I began using their products years ago in my custom rifle builds have been very happy with the results. The quality machining and design processes from Hawkins Precision yield some of the best parts coupled with great customer service.

I had numerous issues with other companies over the years when trying to replace broken parts on my rifles’ bottom metals and was told to source parts for their products else where… Long story short, I don’t use these companies anymore and have rebuilt all my rifles using Hawkins Precision DBMs and Bottom Metals.

Hawkins M5 DBM

This is the ultimate DBM for the precision long-range rifle. It incorporates a mag-well-designed port for fast and easy magazine insertion. This is obviously most commonly used for rifle matches and competitive shooting, but there is no doubt that a magazine change on a DBM is faster than “rammin and jammin” rounds into a bottom metal magazine box. I personally prefer my 6.5 PRC, 300 WSM, or 7 SAUM type cartridges in a DBM, as I’ve found center-fed magazines to feed much better than the traditional bottom metals. This is due to the cartridges being fed from the center of the magazine and pushing directly forward into the chamber as opposed to the staggered push from a double-stack mag box in a traditional bottom metal.

Coupled with Hawkins Precision Forward Picatinny Rail mounted in the front action bolt, this setup allows you to clip your rifle directly into your tripod head or attach a bipod farther back on the rifle to aid positional shooting. Additionally, the magazine release is designed with proper tolerances and spring pressure to ensure the magazine is seated properly and securely. The M5 DBM is available in short, medium, and long action for Remington 700 actions or clones.

Hawkins Hunter DBM

This is a fan-favorite DBM for use in the field for hunting as it incorporates a magazine release lever inside the trigger guard and a more streamlined design. The Hunter DBM doesn’t have the mag well flange as does the M5 DBM. For hunting scenarios, you can still adequately reload the rifle in a timely manner without the mag well, it just takes a little more practice to hit it cleanly every time. Hawkins Precision also makes some amazing lightweight magazines for their Hunter DBM that feed smoothly and reliably. For you lightweight backcountry guys, this is the ticket. The Hunter DBM is available in short, medium, and long action for Remington 700 actions or clones.

Hawkins Oberndorf Bottom Metal

This part makes a great upgrade from factory floor plates for your existing rifle or next custom rifle build. High-quality machined aluminum and proper design deliver a secure latch to keep the floorplate closed and rattle-free. With the proper follower and spring, you can get standard and magnum cartridges in both short and long actions to feed smoothly and reliably. Hawkins Precision offers short, medium, and long action bottom metals for the Remington 700 and clones. All bottom metals are cut for use with Wyatt’s Extended mag boxes, so ensure your action is cut appropriately to fit. If not, a quality gunsmith can open your mag box for it and make the proper adjustments.

I have several new rifles underway for review in 2022 that will be using Hawkins Precision Bottom Metals and DBMs, so stay tuned for follow-up, including a review of the new medium-length DBM and Bottom Metal for the XM/medium length actions. Order your next DBM or Bottom Metal from Hawkins Precision online at Hawkinsprecision.com, and see why they are the new standard.