Albert,
I always give due respect to your opinions since you have examined the article first-hand, and the magazine does appear pristine. I have encountered a couple of bogus flat-button magazines, so I hope you will forgive my caution. Regarding â??What would be the reason to change a button to a flat-type?â?, it could be as simple as someone needing a flat-button magazine and not being able to locate an original. The more avaricious answer would be that a mint standard magazine might cost anywhere from $200-$300 depending on type, whereas a mint flat-button magazine is going to run $800-$1000, and not everyone would know how to examine a magazine to determine its authenticity.
As to â??The retaining pin at the bottom of the magazine is perfect and untouchedâ?, - G.T. (not that he has anything to do with this magazine) can undetectably swap out a magazine base virtually with his eyes closed. I suspect that there are a number of other enterprising individuals with the required talent to perform such an operation (not necessarily with their eyes closed!) if sufficiently motivated.
Since DWM had already determined the inadequacies of the flat-button design, I am a wee bit reluctant to accept that they would employ leftover flat buttons with a later type magazine tube just to use up existing stock.
