I would like to reduce the height of a Mexican Mauser magazine box. I'm not concerned about magazine capacity. I assume the trigger length would have to be shortened (I was going to try to cut a Timney and solder it back together). Anything else that would have to be considered? And what ramifications are there to stocking it, if any? Realistically how much could it be reduced?
Thanks

Beyond what dpcd said, you would have to shorten the guard screws and may find the magazine spring becomes tighter. Magazines are touchy things and can be contankerous. Shortening it could put the first round on the other side, with unexpected consequences.

I have removed almost 1/2 inch (.460") leaving just enough room for three 7 X 57 cartridges down.

But the trigger (Timney) modifications got a bit complicated.

I made a new finger piece from cold-rolled stock, using a drill press, band saw, bench grinder and files. Then re-positioned the pivot pin higher up, and cut off the bottom of the aluminum housing, as well. After fitting and polishing, I hardened the new part with Kasenit, then drew back the bottom of it a bit.

Also had a shorter bolt handle welded on.

And as 338 mentioned, shortened the guard screws. But mine feeds fine.

A lot of time and trouble, but this makes a very trim rifle, the hollowed out straight-grip European walnut stock weighs just 14.4 ounces with a Kickezz Jr. pad. The rifle weighs 5 # 7 oz, scoped in steel mounts and w/iron sights.

I recently went through this with a G33/40, Timney trigger and Wiebe bottom metal. It's quite amazing how sleek this looks when put together.

Not a Mauser but several years back I handled a Win M70 in 300WSM that Kevin Weaver had changed the depth on, not only did it look great but when you held it you could really feel how trim it was. His held 2 down and if I recall he shortened and re bent or contoured the trigger. He took one cartridge diameter (300 WSM) out of it for depth. Feed function and trigger were flawless.
Like I said it wasn't a Mauser but a M70 shouldn't be much different.
Good luck with your project.

I think I still have pictures of it in my photobucket.

I "saved" these a while ago.

Rich,

Yep, those are photos of my .250 Sav., I will have to measure how much the depth was reduced on that one, but I suspect that it is more than 1/2".

I wanted to see how much weight I could trim off, and probably went a bit too far.

It weights 4# 12 oz as shown.

Someone called it The Broomstick Mauser, I cannot imagine why...

I just measured the depth, this one was reduced .555". Takes 3 down, and feeds fine.

Ok, that is just grotesque. Paul and Wilhelm are rolling in their graves.

While I will call it interesting. It is for sure not for me. I have built a couple blind box Mausers that I needed to file down the bottom of the trigger for clearance. For a LITTLE goes a long way.

Extreme and very cool.

quote:

Originally posted by Redoak8:
Rich,

Yep, those are photos of my .250 Sav., I will have to measure how much the depth was reduced on that one, but I suspect that it is more than 1/2".

I wanted to see how much weight I could trim off, and probably went a bit too far.

It weights 4# 12 oz as shown.

Someone called it The Broomstick Mauser, I cannot imagine why...

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Ok, that is just grotesque. Paul and Wilhelm are rolling in their graves.

When these photos were originally posted, someone said something to the effect that "it's like a train wreck, terrible, but I cannot stop looking at it".

I admit that I am surprised by these negative reactions, but so be it.

The OP asked how much could be taken off the top of the magazine box. I have cut off over 1/2 inch and this rifle functions and feeds perfectly. You could probably take even more, but the wood behind the recoil lug starts getting very thin.

My favorite Model 70 in 375H&H is in a custom laminated stock. I inletted the top end and then turned it over and inletted the bottom metal. When complete I inserted the magazine box and lo it was far too tall. Only thing to do at that point was to cut top of box. When finished I could get 3 in magazine but not with one in chamber so I had one in chamber and 2 down. Used it for all my African hunts with no problems. In my 8 hunts I never once fired more than 3 shots that I did not have time between to reload. Can't really say the rifle looks very different or slimmer. I really like it though. I think I sawed off about 1/4" from top of box. The person who profiled the stock did so because I think they use custom boxes for their rifles and they are wider to fit the specific caliber. I'm very happy with it the way it is. It would have never entered my mind to slim the magazine deliberately. That's probably why I was never a really great gunsmith,very few original designs.

It is more like gun porn to me. I love it. But then, I try to do the "different" when I do my rifles. For example, I have only used a ebony forend tip once, as I recall. The rest are rosewood, cocobolo or mesquite.

You have forgotten old standby tips from,Vermilion,Purple Heart(amaranth),Maple,TigerWood,Koa,Ironwood,Bocote,Bodok (osage orange) and almost any hard different colored wood than the stock.

quote:

Originally posted by Redoak8:
Rich,

Yep, those are photos of my .250 Sav., I will have to measure how much the depth was reduced on that one, but I suspect that it is more than 1/2".

I wanted to see how much weight I could trim off, and probably went a bit too far.

It weights 4# 12 oz as shown.

Someone called it The Broomstick Mauser, I cannot imagine why...

I just measured the depth, this one was reduced .555". Takes 3 down, and feeds fine.

What is the LOP measured for that stock? Different for sure, but I think I like that rig.

quote:

Originally posted by Evan K.:
What is the LOP measured for that stock? Different for sure, but I think I like that rig.

The LOP is 14 3/8".
It handles like my bird gun.
The FN Browning .308 above it has a LOP of 14", even.

dpcd
Would you like it better with a pistol grip stock?

Not quite sure what to say. It kind of reminds me of an Arab muzzle loader with those extremely slim lines. It is obviously a very well done rifle and it certainly is an intriguing experiment in lightness. For us older riflemen I would liken it to the Twiggy of centerfire rifles. Not my cup of coffee but a very interesting and unique rifle and I applaud the results. I'm pretty certain there won't be another one like it in the deer camp.

Jerry Liles

in one of the gunsmith kinks book is a picture of Pete Brown with a straight stocked rifle. it was somewhat a pattern for a rifle i put together years ago on a small ring Mexican mauser for a client. it was made as a blind magazine that held two down. the trigger was a military trigger that was shortened and reworked. should have probably taken pics of it but it was before the digital age. it did make a nice lively rifle.

I find it interesting and to each his own.

Not my cup of tea but with this design in mind, a new stock with a bit more wood here and there in the butt portion would certainly make a rifle I would like. It certainly took some skill to put it together and what a wonderful cartridge it is.

I see no point in condemning a mans ability or his choice of design. If one dislikes it then disregard it.

I find it hideous, but admire the light weight and small size. In that light kicking caliber, it would seem to be a utilitarian mountain Trekkers dream rifle.
Matt

It's interesting for sure. I bet its tough to shoot well with that grip position. Looks like you'd be pulling the trigger up as much as you'd be pulling it back. My wrist would probably get in the way of the scope!

Who would have thought that a stock could be made from a tent pole or tomato stake? I don't want one but I do think it's cool in a Halloween sort of way.

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
... In that light kicking caliber, it would seem to be a utilitarian mountain Trekkers dream rifle.

Exactly. The .250 was built for early season Sitka blacktail above timberline on SE Alaskan islands.

The similar 7 x 57 is my Sheep rifle.