Converting AI mag to single shot for f class

[JMH30]

I am just curious if anyone has converting their AI magazine fed rifle to have a single shot adapter on top of the magazine. The main concern is using it for f class, I have a surgeon bottom metal in a mcmillian a5 and I would rather not switch the stock out. It's a Remington 700 short action. I would like to use something for the year before another build dedicated to f class.

 

[tac284]

Have you seen these?

http://originalbobsled.com/BoltGunSleds.aspx

 

[JMH30]

No I had not, I have just seen the little follower from Sinclair used for adl or bdl actions.

Thank you! I will look into that

 

[tac284]

I've heard good results but I've never personally used the bob sled one.

I have used with success the Sinclair one in my Rem 700 long action dbl setup for a bench rest/f-class rifle.

 

[Kakumba]

I use a bob sled in my FTR rifle, works a treat. The only thing was that I needed to file down the catch, it was too big and wouldnt lock in in bottom metal. Bought mine from Brownells

 

[Dgd6mm]

Jeff at CDI also makes one like the Bob Sled and works fine. Two of my friends use them.

 

[rardoin]

I use a BobSled in a Ruger PR. It works fine...just pricey but well made. I have seen some use a section of PVC pipe, about 1.5" OD cut on a cord and tapered as a solution. It seems to work great but will not win any beauty contests.

 

[FatBoy]

What is stopping you from just sliding the round 80% into the chamber then closing the bolt? Bolt stop on the rear of the follower? If so, there are direction on the Web on how to sand down the catch so the bolt rides over it.

 

[Archer]

Have you seen these?

http://originalbobsled.com/BoltGunSleds.aspx

Works very well in my AICS. As Kakumba noted, I had to touch the catch a bit with a file to complete the lockup.

 

[Albany Mountain]

Have you seen these?

http://originalbobsled.com/BoltGunSleds.aspx

I use as well, works beautifully.

 

[boltman13]

If your mag does not have a bolt stop the small PVC pipe, filed to the right size is an inexpensive answer to your need. It may take some trial and error before you get it just right but the cost is minimal. Best of luck.

 

[rardoin]

What is stopping you from just sliding the round 80% into the chamber then closing the bolt? Bolt stop on the rear of the follower? If so, there are direction on the Web on how to sand down the catch so the bolt rides over it.

Nothing at all....but NOT having to hand guide the tip of the round into the chamber 80% and just dropping the round in on top of the Bobsled and closing the bolt is much quicker and can be done easily without disturbing my shooting position...saving time.

 

[FatBoy]

Nothing at all....but NOT having to hand guide the tip of the round into the chamber 80% and just dropping the round in on top of the Bobsled and closing the bolt is much quicker and can be done easily without disturbing my shooting position...saving time.

True. Not sure how much time you'd really save but whatever works for ya.

For those looking at the single shot follower solution, that will not work to just lay a round in. The feed lips of AISC mags are too narrow to get a round onto the follower. You would need a solution like the Bobsled if you want a strait in, no "finger guide" solution.

 

[Hollywood]

+1 on Bob sled.

Great guy to deal with if you have any questions. Got one for my RRA LAR-8.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I have several F-TR rifles with Defiance actions (Remmy 700 SA footprint) and Badger DBM5 systems that use AICS mags, both .223 and .308. I have never done anything but lay the loaded round on top of the mag and close the bolt. No partial feeding is required. The plastic .223 AICS mags wouldn't allow this, but a .308 mag fits into the .223 mag well and allows single feeding just fine. I recently tried this approach on one of the .308s with a Magpul 5-round plastic mag, and it also works just fine. The benefit of the Magpul mag is a weight savings of ~ 0.15 lb over the steel AICS mag. Not sure from your post what kind of mags your using, but have you actually tried laying a round on top and closing the bolt? Works well for me.

 

[BP1]

JMH30.i don't remember if you're the one I sold the AI 2.0 to or not but what gstaylorg said I have never had a problem single feeding with the AI mag out of that stock or my AI mkiii.When you drop a round in make sure it is all the way back and close the bolt slowly.

 

[Cujo]

Bob Hahin, developer of the Bobsled, is one of the good guys. I have one of his for .223 and it works great. Other products that have single shot followers/inserts don't work as well and that's why he designed his Bobsled. The model that he has for AI is for the AICS or similar (double stack/single feed). If you call or email him with questions, he gets back to you right away.

 

[JMH30]

I sent Bob an Email the other day, and he replied to me within 2 hours. I ordered one of his bobsled models and gonna try it out.

gstaylorg I attempted to try placing the round on top of my ai mag in matches, and it catches on something. even when i had the rifle built into a BDL action, the shoulder would get caught in the action. The ai Mags are great, but I do not load them up for matches and when I place the rounds in my chamber, i have to push them about halfway in the throat so they dont get stuck.

Thanks guys for the advice, I will try the bob sled out and i think i will be very happy with it.

 

[rardoin]

Thanks guys for the advice, I will try the bob sled out and i think i will be very happy with it.

It is a safe bet to say I know you will be happy with it. Good shooting.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Too bad you can't load on top of your mags, but if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work. Fortunately, it sounds like you have found a reasonable way to resolve the issue - Good Luck!