What bottom metal will fit/interchange a 1948 FN Magnum bolt action?I tried a browning 300H&H and it would fit but was lot slimmer.Will a MarkX magnum or Charles daly/Zastiva fit better?The one i have now has a original push button deal sticking out and i dont like that very well...The whole bottom comes off if its bumped.Where can i find bottom metal for this FN rifle action and how much should i expect to pay or can my original be copied and rebuilt with a hinged style?Also a FN Magnum action browning safari stock looks like it will almost drop in,what other stocks might interchange or i could get to work with little trouble.Any suggestions?

I have a few of these and here is what I have found. The action is the same dimensions as the standard m98 so any of the aftermarket parts (that are well made) will be a correct fit. My first question is what caliber are you wanting to do here? That will have alot to do with what bottom metal you use (personally I have the factory metal that you have on all of mine and like it, but to each his own) as to the stock, the top inleting is the same as all of the m98s large rings out there, but the bottom metal, if you change it, will be a fit as needed. So for example if you take the stock and bottom metal from a Mark X and bolt them to your barreled action it will fit (assuming the barrel profiles are the same). These are great actions and I like them as much as my model 70s. The only limiting factor here is what you want.

BTW I looked at the pictures again and if this were mine and I wasn't changing the caliber, I would clean it up good, refinsh the stock, maybe have the floor plate adjusted and reblued, and shoot the hell out of it. They made some very fine guns back in the day.

I have a 1950 factory .375 H&H that I just recently aquired. The fellow that I bought it from had the original removible bottom plate fitted with a hinge and a model 70 type button. Works and looks real good. The smith that did the work died a while back and I can't take pictures but it doesn't look all that hard to do.

For what its worth. I have a stock that has been inletted for a FN action with the guard and floorplate like your picture. I just stuck an early model guard from a MKX in the stock. Actually just a little on the tight side.

If it were mine and I really needed a hinged plate I would have my current guard converted.

Thanks everyone for the great help.I just didnt know what my options might be and if i saw some parts for sale ,i will know now if they will fit.The stock doesnt have a stock recoil crossbolt lug and the caliber is 375H&H so iam thinking about installing one or two and have the stock bedded ?and a new recoil pad installed,but just have aquired the old girl and want to do some shooting first.If i can buy a used stock that will fit with all this work allready done,i will come out better hopefully..I do want one of those model 70 style safetys,Will i have to send my whole gun off to have a safety built for it or just the bolt?
Thanks again!

Bear you lucky dog! I didn't realize that it is an H&H. You IMO you have one of the 2 best bolt rifles made. Lets assume that it is original. From looking at the pictures heres the plan. This rifle is +/- 60 years old and still ticking. Take the stock and refinish it (maybe rechase the checkering if needed) glass bed it a little around the recoil lug. Clean the action really well, and mount a nice (leupold comes to mind) medium power scope (2x7x32 comes to mind) and then as I said in my last post shoot the hell out of it. We all try to build what you already have, a well built classic from an era whan they cared about how they built guns. Remember this gun was built to compete with the holy grail pre 64 model 70 winchester 375 H&H and I think did a very good job (hence one of the two best).

BTW try the saftey it works great in field conditions. Put it on, throw to your shoulder while turing it off with your thumb an you will see.

Blackbearhunter
I agree with idahoelk101 that the original saftey is the way to go, my 30-06 is set up that way. My .375 had a Beuhler installed and it looks like the factory flag type that's set up on the right side of the bolt. It is also easy to work. Those boys knew what they were doing back in the day.

OK,Iam easy,I will keep the safety.What should i do about the side mount griffen & howe scope bracket?Take it off and cover it up or just use it like is?Also I will keep the bottom metal and try to keep gun original.Thanks again for all the support and ideas,keep them coming.I really like this old rifle,its a keeper.
I will take better pics when i can...

If you got the rings for the G&H mount and they are 1" split, then I would say keep the setup. It does appear to be a bit high over the bore, but if you can shoulder the rifle and find yourself looking through the scope, I would leave it alone. That is a classic, strong and reliable system. If you don't have the rings and ring base, they are available from G&H and on e-bay. They are not cheap. In that case you may want to consider an alternative mounting system. However, if the stock is cut out for the receiver base, you will have to consider that and you will need to plug 3-5 holes in the receiver side. I would be inclined to go G&H either way. If you decide to take it off, you can always sell the base on ebay or here. I for one would be interested.

Blackbearhunter
My 30-06 has the Griffin & Howe side mount and although it looks bulky there is really no other mount that when removed gives a better view of your iron sights, there is nothing in the way at all. Also it doesn't mess with the FN crest on the front ring.
My .375 had a Blackburn trigger installed and I would recommend that.

The G&H mounts are all there,I have the rings & levered top part,its perfect for a 40mm objective,I mounted a old 50s streight tube weaver 2.5x also and the scope lines up perfect with my eye.I will just use the G&H Mounts,theres no way i will be able to cover up the holes in the side and it look good & the stock is cut for the bracket anyway a little bit,so i guess i can figure that was the going thing back in its day & live with it.It is kinda cool vintage!I like old guns & gun stuff anyway so iam sure it will grow on me in no time at all...It for sure keeps the sight pic for the express iron sites clean and uncluttered.Thanks again for the support!

I forgot to tell how i found it.It was way back on the back shelf of a old gunshop in the middle of no-where.......I only stop by there when iam up that side of the world and probley only get around there 2 times a year.It was on consignment,the owners widow was saleing it & it hadnt been there long.I was just lucky.

My Sears Model 50 is bulit on an FN action and also has that floorplate release sticking out of the bottom metal. I have not tried it, but I strongly suspect that you could simply replace the release with a military floor plate release that would be recessed into the hole. That would make it impossible to knock off inadvertantly. I rarely (i.e. never) remove cartridges through the bottom of the magazine anyway.

Clemson