Gunsmithing lengthening an AI magazine

[heikki02003]

Has anybody cut the plate out of an AI short action mag? Is it as easy as drilling out the welds on the front? I know you'll lose some strength but how do they hold up?
Any information greatly appreciated. Detailed instructions would be nice too. Thanks

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

I milled mine out with a .250" center cut end mill. Once the welds are gone the plate will fall out. Tig & blend the holes and your set.

 

[JRose]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

Redneck way:

Drill the plug welds out with a 1/4" bit, pull plate, plug weld holes with you, or your buddies MIG welder (or TIG if you have one), smooth with a grinder and spray some paint on it. Done.

I slid a bar of aluminum inside the mag, behind the holes, to give me a surface to let the weld pool up on. This also keeps little weld booglets from hanging into the interior portion of the mag that might snag the tips of the bullets.

 

[Dans40X]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

Brass heat sinks work better than aluminum for the short arc process of MIG welding,and won't contaminate the welds.

 

[JRose]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DANS40X</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brass heat sinks work better than aluminum for the short arc process of MIG welding,and won't contaminate the welds. </div></div>

It's just a mag dude... No need to send it to X-ray...

 

[Dans40X]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

Sorry,
You did state that it was the redneck way!!!!!!

 

[deadly0311]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

it works dan...albeit i am no welder but brass heat sinks, contaminated welds???? Like JRose said its a fucking magazine. We arent talking about some million dollar part. Im sure you would have a time with my duct tape bolt knob, but it works just fine, but thats another topic

 

[JRose]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

Yup... It's good to give the man more options to choose from though. He now has the professional gunsmith's way, the redneck's way, and now the pompous, arrogant, know it all, "professional welders" way.

Life's all about having options!

 

[300sniper]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

you know what guys, dan's giving sound advice. take it or leave it. just because it is only a magazine, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it right if you have the means.

 

[kokako]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine


Good advice Dan.

I always work to the best of my ability regardless of what the job is!
From the descriptions of the work you guys do, it’s a wonder you can successfully wipe your crack!

Just an observation from the arse end of the world.

 

[USMCj]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DANS40X</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry,
You did state that it was the redneck way!!!!!! </div></div>

Who the fuck let you back on this board? Take a hint jackass, go back into that hole youve been hiding in for the past couple of months!

 

[Dans40X]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

The Keyboard/K-Mart Commando has spoken!!!!

Aggressive Denial is a sure sign of guilt!!!

 

[jasonk]

Re: lengthening an AI magazine

Holy shit, can you guys get over yourselves and your attitudes.

Dans40X gave sound advice, excellent advice from a professional and somehow he's getting bashed for "doing it the right way". JRose acknowledged that it was good advice and more options don't hurt.

Yes, it's just a mag, but if a guy had the option of aluminum or brass....why wouldn't he use THE BETTER OF THE TWO!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DANS40X</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brass heat sinks work better than aluminum for the short arc process of MIG welding,and won't contaminate the welds.</div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DANS40X</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry,
You did state that it was the redneck way!!!!!!</div></div>

I'm curious what about Dan's posts got you all flamed and thought he needed to be sworn at and called names.

There are plenty of guys on this board I don't like and might not agree with all the time, but I don't call them out and call them names for telling someone A BETTER WAY OF DOING IT!

The OP has his info he needs, the rest of you should grow up a little, it's the internet damn it.