It will also require removing some metal from the receiver well to let the mag ride up high enough to feed. But that is a good thing because you can get a snug fit that way. You might even be able to craft a mag lock/release with a replacement for the stock clip lock/release.
Posts: 3862 | Location: SC,USA | Registered: 07 March 2002
A slim little rifle with a near flush detachable mag would look good and make a great stalking rifle. 3 down and one in the chamber is plenty.
Heck, why not move the bolt handle to the rear, notch the rear bridge for it, then partially fill the receiver slot with a welded in steel plug; leaving room for the bolt root to pass so it can be retained as a safety lug. Then you could mount a scope over the receiver.
Posts: 3862 | Location: SC,USA | Registered: 07 March 2002
All excellent suggestions, and yes they do make a nice light stalking rifle in an underrated but capable cartridge.
For my own tastes I prefer the look of original rifles, especially those that came with the magazines hanging down like the Carcano's, Mosins, '91's and Lee's. Internal modifications to improve feeding or whatever are fine but its not a Mauser and I prefer not to try and make them into one. Just my preference, no offence intended to someone else's taste.
Roger
Posts: 1054 | Location: Was NSW, now Tas Australia | Registered: 27 June 2009
I put a 788 mag on a 93 Mauser sometime in the 70s; in a Richards stock too. Single stack feed worked fine. Yes, move the bolt handle back, like I do on the Mosins. Then you weld on a real bridge for a real scope mount. You can bend the mag lips if they won't hold the 6.5 rounds tight enough.
Posts: 17438 | Location: USA | Registered: 02 August 2009