Cutting and Rewelding an Action
This is a technical question. It is directed towards those with experience who like to tinker and experiment. It is not practical in terms of time, money, or end result – unless your end result is that you like working in your shop and creating something unique; which I do.
Here goes;
I recently picked up a H&R Handi rifle in 300 Blackout. It's short, light, and I can push a 170 gr cast bullet at 1900 fps with a mild report and small charge of pistol powder. Nice.
Now I want one in a bolt – and I want it as small, short, and light as possible. I have a Model 11, but would like a shorter action.
Cheap is good too so I'm looking at an Axis. But that long action just won't do.
So now I'm wondering what it would take to cut/shorten and reweld the receiver to a length that matches the short 300 BO round. The bolt/mag/stock would also have to be modified to match.
The plan is to remove a section out of the center port area and stitch weld the receiver back together slowly to avoid warping and heating the front of the receiver. It seems like there is plenty of metal on that tubular receiver so I don't think strength would be an issue with a good weld.
I know in the past Savages only came in long actions so surely someone cut one down for a short round or a pistol cartridge?
Tips for cutting down the bolt/firing pin/spring?
Anyone have any experience? Any pitfalls to avoid? I read a thread where a guy shortened a 98 Mauser for 45 ACP. At the end he couldn't find a short fp spring with enough travel to make it work. That's the kind of thing I want to avoid.
Yes, I know I could wind up with a couple hundred dollars of scrap...or a small, short, light rifle I built myself a piece at a time.
Any technical advice?
Thanks.
