The Accurate Reloading Forums
1903 Springfield re-worked into a 20 gauge, can this be done?
18 February 2008, 19:54
alvinmack1903 Springfield re-worked into a 20 gauge, can this be done?
I have somewhat of an odd question, then again I am a odd duck of sorts so what the hell! Are there any limitations on a turnbolt action that would impede it from being rebarreled into a shotgun cartridge. Here is why I ask, I live in an area that is limited to shotgun use. I would really fancy the idea of a single shot bolt action shotgun on an old Springfield which was previously demilled drill rifle. Being the fact I would never feel comfortable rebarreling to any high pressure rifle cartridge I thought that it would be neat to make this into a 20 gauge slug gun. If it is at all possible I would restock on my own. The reason why I even thought of this is because I saw many of the Remo Mausers that were converted to bolt action shotguns.....
18 February 2008, 20:03
tsturmquote:
Originally posted by alvinmack:
I have somewhat of an odd question, then again I am a odd duck of sorts so what the hell! Are there any limitations on a turnbolt action that would impede it from being rebarreled into a shotgun cartridge. Here is why I ask, I live in an area that is limited to shotgun use. I would really fancy the idea of a single shot bolt action shotgun on an old Springfield which was previously demilled drill rifle. Being the fact I would never feel comfortable rebarreling to any high pressure rifle cartridge I thought that it would be neat to make this into a 20 gauge slug gun. If it is at all possible I would restock on my own. The reason why I even thought of this is because I saw many of the Remo Mausers that were converted to bolt action shotguns.....
It has been done on mausers why not on a 03/03a3
I think you answerd your own question?
Time is $$$$$$$$
18 February 2008, 20:05
WestpacThe barrel and receiver modification would be easy. Making it go "boom" would be easy. Extraction would be a different story. Don't know off hand how you would handle that. You sure you don't want something in, say... .410.
_______________________________________________________________________________
This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.
18 February 2008, 20:17
tin canedited out- I should make a habit of reading the entire post before I respond.
18 February 2008, 23:26
StonecreekWow! Those cold, dark winters in MN can really affect one's mental processes! But to humor your current disability, undoubtedly caused by cabin fever:
I believe that the Mauser shotguns do away with the front locking lugs entirely and just use the rear "safety" lug and bolt handle for breeching. I've never examined one of the Mausers and don't know how they handle extraction, but I'm assuming that the regular extractor hook is simply shortened to match the rim size of the shotshell.
18 February 2008, 23:39
craigsterIn"Bolt Action Rifles" by de Hass there's a pretty detailed explanation of what was done turn the 98 into a shotgun gun action. Sounds like a lot of work.
19 February 2008, 02:42
jeffeossoyes, it can be done, I would do it as a single, like ed hubel's 20gr FH
jeffe
19 February 2008, 03:05
dsitemanHave no idea as to cost to convert to shotgun, but did not Browning mfg. the A Bolt in a shotgun form at one time?? Perhaps not a good option, but would think less cost and no bugs to work out?? Just a thought.
19 February 2008, 04:01
Jim KobeMike
Come and get that damn Springfield I blued for you.
Jim Kobe
10841 Oxborough Ave So
Bloomington MN 55437
952.884.6031
Professional member American Custom Gunmakers Guild
19 February 2008, 04:05
craigsterquote:
Originally posted by dsiteman:
Have no idea as to cost to convert to shotgun, but did not Browning mfg. the A Bolt in a shotgun form at one time?? Perhaps not a good option, but would think less cost and no bugs to work out?? Just a thought.
Marlin and Mossberg also made bolt action shotguns.
19 February 2008, 06:06
alvinmackquote:
Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Wow! Those cold, dark winters in MN can really affect one's mental processes! But to humor your current disability, undoubtedly caused by cabin fever:
I resemble that remark!
quote:
I believe that the Mauser shotguns do away with the front locking lugs entirely and just use the rear "safety" lug and bolt handle for breeching. I've never examined one of the Mausers and don't know how they handle extraction, but I'm assuming that the regular extractor hook is simply shortened to match the rim size of the shotshell.
So the same could be done with a 1903 since it also had the same safety lug that makes contact with the ejection port side of the rear bridge?
quote:
Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
Mike
Come and get that damn Springfield I blued for you.
Duly noted! Thanks Jim
19 February 2008, 07:31
22WRFquote:
Originally posted by dsiteman:
Have no idea as to cost to convert to shotgun, but did not Browning mfg. the A Bolt in a shotgun form at one time?? Perhaps not a good option, but would think less cost and no bugs to work out?? Just a thought.
Yes, Browning did make their A-bolt in 12 Guage Rifled barrel Shotgun. I have one and they are a very nice gun. Here is a photo. They look almost the same as the rifle except that the magazine box sits below the stock line so that you can get 2 shells down.
