I'm considering purchasing this used rifle in a noncatalogued chambering I've found for sale.
I'm purchasing this for the chambering and not because it's a Scout rifle. I plan to alter it to fit my needs; Boyds stock, standard scope rail.

1. Is the bottom metal just that, made of metal? Can this rifle be easily converted to a blind mag instead of the box mag? I don't need 10 rounds, 3 would suffice.
2. Is the barrel profile the same as that of the tactical rifle; heavy barrel?

Thanks for any assistance you may provide.