I am going to convert a Rem 700 TI to a BDL. I have the parts ready to go (BDL mag box and bottom metal).

I have always noticed the ADL mag box is screwed to the action and the BDL is not. I am curious as to why. Could I simply trim the ADL mag box to the BDL dimensions and keep it screwed to the action?

What effect on accuracy does the fitting of the mag box have?
What is the proper way to fit a mag box or do you just slap it in and take your chances?

I'm not trying to open a box of worms. I slept restless last night and in contemplating the origins of the universe, this came to mind so I thought I'd check it out.

What better place to gather the information!

BTW I've got a Winchester 70 that I am working on as well. Any tricks there?

Because the ADL has what is considered to be a "blind" magazine, meaning hidden and out of sight, it is screwed to the action to keep it in place during assembly.

Magazine fit can contribute to accuracy issues if the fit is so tight that it causes any binding of the action when the action is screwed down tight. On the Remington BDL, I don't mind a little (very little) play in the box when everything is tight.

Not all ADLs have the screw down tab and many of the ADLs that have the screw down tab don't even have a screw in it. I think it is just a matter of convenience when assembling the rifle.
When you put it together, the end of the follower spring tries to get under the edge of the magazine box. To check this out you turn the rifle right side up and the magazine box can fall out of the receiver. If the action screws are tightened with the follower spring under the magazine box of a wood ADL stock the stock may crack.

quote:

Originally posted by ireload2:
Not all ADLs have the screw down tab and many of the ADLs that have the screw down tab don't even have a screw in it. I think it is just a matter of convenience when assembling the rifle.
When you put it together, the end of the follower spring tries to get under the edge of the magazine box. To check this out you turn the rifle right side up and the magazine box can fall out of the receiver. If the action screws are tightened with the follower spring under the magazine box of a wood ADL stock the stock may crack.

I once cracked a stock once just as you described. The ADL's without the screw can be a pain in the ass to assemble. I hold the spring/follower in place with plastic electrical tape when dropping the action back into the stock and just leave it there.