The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Guns, Politics, Gunsmithing & Reloading Gunsmithing Dropped Box Magazine on .30-06?Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Dropped Box Magazine on .30-06? | Login/Join |
| one of us |
First Post. After reading nearly all the posts on 14 pages of the Gunsmith Forum, I decided I might be able to learn something here rather than argue senselessly. I'm an amateur but I'd like to continue to improve... I like Mausers, Winchester 70 control round feeders, Springfields, Sako and Remington 870s. Finely milled steel, polished wood, classic design. Quality and tight tolerances. Highly functional works of art... Enough about me. I have a commercial FN barrelled action .30-06 and I was wondering how difficult it would be to fit a dropped box magazine. I know Sunny Hill makes one for short magnums-- is this my best bet... would this be a screw on proposition? Other makes/options? How many rounds do you think I'd be able to cram in there? Would I have to swap out mag springs? Any thoughts appreciated... | ||
|
| one of us |
Sunnyhill makes a drop box for a 30-06 I think, but why? You would have to re-stock your rifle or have a custom stock made for it and you don't need a drop box for a non dangerous game rifle.... A short magnum box would not work perfectly for a 30-06 as the width is different to fit the rails...I suspect you would run into feeding problems... ------------------ | |||
|
| one of us |
I have to make a stock anyway- Richard's Microfit will leave extra wood in the magazine area for and extra $13... I like the way the wood curves around the trigger guard on a dropped box express rifle, looks good on a Mauser, I don't think it would add too much weight... I'll shorten the forearm and solder on a swivel base. Might go for a rear stock bolt too. The .30-06 and 12 gauge slugs are about the most recoil I can handle without flinching, this could be my light dangerous game rifle... However, if the mag box would cause feeding problems I won't attempt it-- that's what I needed to know... | |||
|
| one of us |
you need to check around and see if Ted blackburn or Wisner make a drop box for a 30-06 as it doesn't appear that Sunny Hill does..An original Mauser could be converted and welded up to a drop box by a good smith... I can't think of a better reason to have a drop box than the fact that you like them, however if I were recoil consious, then I would look into the 9.3x62 for dangerous game, it is a capable caliber for all game including elephant and recoils about like the 30-06 in my opinion... I do not consider the 06 a dangerous game rifle under any circumstances and there is little difference in light dangerous game and the big ones....short of Leopard.. ------------------ | |||
|
one of us |
Ray, I've started to put together the pieces for my next project, which is a Mauser M98 action (K98 bcd 43 donor rifle) in 9.3x62mm. When my wife complains, I direct all the blame to you! Anyhow, do you consider a drop box in a 9.3x62mm a good thing? How many rounds would the normal box hold, an how many should I expect with an aftermarket box? Any brand name recommendations? BTW, this is a huge departure from my plastic/stainless rifles and I really want a classy looking rifle this time. Thanks! ------------------ | |||
|
| one of us |
To get a drop box for a 06 , or a 9.3 , I would see little need to invest in the super priced new bottom metal . Any good metal smith should be able to make up a deeper box with the original parts . | |||
|
| one of us |
Ok, I was willing to go for the super priced bottom metal at about $400... I figure I'd be replacing the bottom metal on a Remington 700 also. But, if there is a cheaper way... I'm a fair metalsmith, could anyone provide some insight on the best way to deepen the original box, perhaps I'll preserve the original FN box and use a FN military box which has a flat on the front of the trigger guard... I've read an old Guns & Ammo article about lenghtening a box but that was little more than inspiration. How about a Rigby style .30-06 length floorplate? I've never examined a real Rigby floorplate, but it look like it's dished out with more room for the spring and floorplate and therefore more rounds... Details, links, pictures appreciated. | |||
|
| one of us |
SDgunslinger, Obviously you have never attempted to make a drop box from a standard box...I have and now I know why they can get $400. for one..Check the angle of the box and remember now that the screws have to be straight, this changes the angle of the loaded round and that's only the beginning...Anything can be done, but man hours can really run costs sky high and when you change one thing on a Mauser then brother you gotta change every damn thing on it, just like falling dominoes..If you decide to make one, I'll give you some pointers, I have the specs somewhere, if I can find them...I'll pay the $400. for mine. My suggestion, to simplify your life would be to go to a belted magnum in say 300 H&H, 30-338 or 300 Win. and the recoil would not be much different and if it was then load it down...All components are available for your gun, in the event no one makes a drop box for a std. length case..PMC might. You will gain two rounds with most mag calibers and probably 3 with a standard case... A drop box 9.3x62 has a charm about it but mine holds 5 and 1 up now and that should be enough for any situation, or I'm lunch..I cannot imagine getting off 6 rounds and not being the victor or et.... ------------------ | |||
|
| one of us |
Five 9.3x62mm cartridges in a stock box is good enough for me! Thanks Ray, you've saved me $400 that can now go to something else (and "no", you don't get a percentage! ------------------ | |||
|
| one of us |
Ray , your points are well taken . On the other hand , there has to be a jillion old magazines around to work with . You're also right that it wouldn't probably be practical to hire it done , labor costs being what they are . I'm also with you thinking the orignal chambered to an 06 based round nearly has a drop box as is , compared to some of the newer guns and rounds . Six shots should do the business , or give it up ! | |||
|
| one of us |
GS, Yeah, I got into that magazine re-building and became a designer, a mechanic, surgeon,rocket scientist and laborer all in a few days...How any thing so simple and plane looking can be so damn complicated I will never understand, but thats gunsmithing.. Goes with all thoes 60 hour $9.00 repair jobs that gunsmiths get involved in when they spend a month or two fixing a JC Higgens 22 that belonged to someones grandad...who I might add gripes his ass of over the $9.00 charge....Oh yeah, he was a lawyer or a brain surgeon makeing $1000. per hour.... ------------------ | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Guns, Politics, Gunsmithing & Reloading Gunsmithing Dropped Box Magazine on .30-06?
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia
)