Gunsmithing 7.62x54R bolt gun

[rocky_lange]

I am kicking around the idea of building a bolt gun that shoots cheap surplus ammo. 7.62x39 and 7.65x54R come to mind. I like the power of the 54R for extra range and hunting potential (yes I realize that surp ammo can't be used for hunting due to it being FMJ, but there are soft points available for both).

My question is can a modern bolt action, like Rem 700 or a savage action, maybe even a Mauser style, be converted to shoot the 54R with the funky shaped rim? Doesn't have to be a repeater, single shot would be fine. I was kinda thinking taking an old 30-06 and cutting and rechambering the barrel.

I have seen the Finnish 28/76 rifles based on the hex nagant receivers but they just didn't thrill me.

Intended purpose: cheap trigger time for practice and potential for a backup hunting rifle.

 

[CaptLink]

Re: 7.62x54R bolt gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: guntard007</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am kicking around the idea of building a bolt gun that shoots cheap surplus ammo. 7.62x39 and 7.65x54R come to mind. I like the power of the 54R for extra range and hunting potential (yes I realize that surp ammo can't be used for hunting due to it being FMJ, but there are soft points available for both).

My question is can a modern bolt action, like Rem 700 or a savage action, maybe even a Mauser style, be converted to shoot the 54R with the funky shaped rim? Doesn't have to be a repeater, single shot would be fine. I was kinda thinking taking an old 30-06 and cutting and rechambering the barrel.

I have seen the Finnish 28/76 rifles based on the hex nagant receivers but they just didn't thrill me.

Intended purpose: cheap trigger time for practice and potential for a backup hunting rifle. </div></div>
The 7.62x54r is a great round,converting a modern rimless to rimmed would be a problem due to the extractor.A martini henry would be good and a Siamese Mauser would work a K-31 may work.The best is a 91/30 they can be "customized"and the trigger is not bad a reconditioned one is less than 200.As far as 7.62x39 a .223 bolt gun could be modified and the mini mark X was available in that caliber.

 

[Clark]

Re: 7.62x54R bolt gun

With Mosin Nagant actions being very good, and cheap, I can see converting them to other cartridge, but this is the first I have seen of anyone wanting to convert another action to 7.62x54R.

I have converted Mosin Nagants to 45/70 and 30-30.

I made a Mosin Nagant sniper this year with a $5 receiver and a $40 VZ59 machine gun barrel.

Most people think I am wasting time with those rifle and that cartridge.

If I were you, I would not screw up an Rem700 actions. They may be the cheapest design in the world, but their resale value is something like $300.

And don't try modifying Mauser Bolt faces as a starter project. That is hardened steel and and an interrupted cut.

 

[rocky_lange]

Re: 7.62x54R bolt gun

Those aren't bad ideas. The Nagant receiver with the VZ59 barrel is kinda cool. But, I wanted the modern action for its ergonomics. I want it to feel and shoot like my other rifles for practice.

I might have to look for that MarkX in 7.62x39.