Anyone seen or have a large bore sporterized 03A3?

i've got one in 358 win...

jeffe

Thanks for asking this question, I am very much interested in the answer. I know that my stepfather wants a Springfield some day in 358 norma and/or a 416 taylor on one. I am looking for the pieces slowly now to see about having it done for him as a surprise.

Red

jeffe , how big/long of a cartridge do you think one could stuff in the action?

The first problem is action length. The 03A3 will let you get a 338 Win Mag sized cartridge in, but getting an H&H sized cartridge to work, including building a new mag box, would be a fiendish amount of work if it were even possible.

The 03A3 route is not popular for standard length magnums for two reasons. First, the 03A3 does not provide all of the safety features of a true mauser. Second, the labor in the conversion is enough to soak up any savings on a cheap action. Third, the cheap actions are pretty much gone.

Does the width of the 416 Taylor, the 458 case, cause problems? I know that length wise it should fit, as that is part of the reason for the cartridge. Just wondering how extensive the work to rails and magazine would be.

thanks

Red