Gunsmithing Wyatts extended magazine box

[Longshot38]

I am starting to rebuild my Model 70 (long action w/mag bolt face) and am turning it into a lightweight hunting rifle (from the 20 lbs beast that it was). I am replacing the internal magazine box with one of Wyatts extended boxes. From the directions that I have it seems the installation will require opening the magazine well rearward a bit. Am I correct on this? My concern with this is that the hole for the middle action screw sits right at the back of the magazine well and that isn't much material there to remove in the first place. Any words of wisdom?

BTW I am going to take this to a smith who can machine the receiver correctly (I don't have the machinery or skill to take this on yet). But after spending the afternoon looking at this I'm a little concerned.

 

[Kells81]

Re: Wyatts extended magazine box

You might be money ahead to let a pro take care of it.

 

[Engine 22]

Re: Wyatts extended magazine box

An alternative is to remove the spacer at the rear of the factory box which will require some welding and some drilling of other welds. It will also be necessary to shorten your bolt stop to allow your bolt more travel rearward. I have recently had this done to my new 280AI. No milling of the receiver, no removing stock material, and no fitting of a new box. Let me know if you have any ??

 

[Jkob60]

Re: Wyatts extended magazine box

Those Wyatt's boxes are a POS.