G-Code Firebase: Good for the Grip

Introduced in 2022 as a magazine enhancement, the Firebase by G-Code provides the end user with increased surface area for control, and a textured non-slip base for support when needed.

Made from a rubberized polymer, each Firebase (sold in pairs) measures 2.75” (L) x 1” (W) x 2” (H). The Firebase is designed to accommodate a majority of the most popular magazine brands.

With its flexible 1/16” thick sidewalls, the Firebase slips over the bottom of a rifle magazine, giving it an improved texture for tactile control.

A reinforced base with a textured exterior allows the end user to comfortably rest the base of a magazine on a variety of surfaces without concern of slippage.

The Firebase is available in Ranger Green (featured), Black, and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

  • CostAverage (3/5): At $24.95 for a pack of two; the Firebase is made from a flexible, rubberized polymer similar to many common non-slip devices. The Firebase is compatible to many common types of magazines, and assists in supporting the rifle when needed. In contrast, similar types of alternative magazine support bases (that don’t add additional round count) includes the Base Plate ($19.95) by Mag-Pod, Ranger Plates for PMags ($24.95) from Magpul, and the aluminum Ranger Baseplate ($45.00) by Lockstep Arms. This demonstrates the diversity in design and materials amid the market of magazine accessories (separate from the versions that add additional round count), and place the Firebase at an appropriate (or average) cost amid the overall market.
  • Comfort Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Firebase slipped on the magazine’s base easily, and didn’t come off unless so desired and pulled off. This was thanks in part to the flexible sides that created a slight suction effect to keep the Firebase in place. When attached, the textured base of the Firebase mitigated any accidental slippage of the magazine when a support platform or bench was being used. Additionally, by increasing the surface area of the magazine’s base, it made grasping the magazine from pouches, belts, or plate carrier easier and more readily tactile. Those using a “beer can” grip for magazines would find the Firebase an added benefit while manipulating between magazines.
  • Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the Firebase was aided by the polymer material, that was the same blended material as popular magazines. This gave the Firebase a good degree of durability and flexibility to resist impact and abuse. Over the course of field use, only surface marring and other marks were encountered but at no point did the material become torn, weathered, or cracked. It is most likely over time the Firebase would take on similar exterior wear as PMags and other polymer accessories, but would continue to function as intended for the long-term. Perhaps the greatest risk would be over extreme usage the non-slip textured surface on the base may become gouged, but this would be consistent to heavy usage.
  • Functionality Good (4/5): Functionally the Firebase offered a simplistic advantage, with its textured magazine base preventing inadvertent slippage while at a bench or over a barricade despite recoil. The Firebase also provided a larger surface area in which to grip on when pulling the magazine out of the pouch. The triangular structure of the base’s interior illustrated the reinforcement and durability of the Firebreak over long-term usage. The principle focus of the Firebase was to improve tactile control, and offer support to the rifle while at rest. Perhaps the only limiting factor to the Firebase is that it is not sold individually or combo packs of three (a consistent number to magazines pouches on plate carriers). It would be recommended to G-Code to consider a 3-pack offering of the Firebase as well.
  • Weight Excellent (5/5): Each individual Firebase weighed in at just 30 grams, which was negligible considering the overall weight to a rifle and other mounted accessories. The Firebase owed much of its light weight to the offset in design whereby the supporting base was a latticework of space-saving triangular supports rather than a solid structure, allowing the design to add thickness to the supportive walls while not becoming burdensome. In contrast, the Base Plate (60 grams) by Mag-Pod, Ranger Plates for PMags (113 grams) from Magpul, and the aluminum Ranger Baseplate (77 grams) by Lockstep Arms demonstrate the lightweight characteristics of the Firebase’s materials, and make it one of the lighter support bases available on the current market.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/firebase/-1196

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Categories: