.22 magnum conversion - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Sika2 · 11-20-2004, 01:57 AM

I have a .22 BSA target rifle (Matini Henry action) and I am considering getting it converted to .22 magnum. I find I am not using it for smallbore target shooting and thought if converted it would be good for longer range varmit shooting. Any ideas and suggestions on how much work is entailed and whether it is worth doing or should I just buy a new magnum?

daswig · 11-20-2004, 05:35 AM

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!

If you want a varmint gun, get one. Don't go monkeying with an old classic which is likely to not come up to your desires anyway.

I cry every time I see a nice antique that's been fucked with...for example, I've got a Krag that some bastard "sporterized"....:GRR:

ziadel · 11-20-2004, 12:30 PM

long range varmint gun...

think bull-barrel .223

cuervo · 11-20-2004, 03:32 PM

Aren't the case sizes and head size completely different between .22LR and .22M?

If so, this would require a complete rework of the bolt as well as resizing the chamber at a very high custom cost.

Big Cholla · 12-06-2004, 12:20 PM

Sika2, the conversion is not difficult for a gunsmith. Make sure that your rifle is one of the more commonly produced BSAs before you have it modified. Some BSA Martinis are worth more than others. The gunsmith has to insert a chamber reamer and create a new dimentioned chamber. The rechambering can be done by hand. The extractor may have to be adjusted. The .22 MRF is slightly larger in diameter than the .22LR, both are rimfires, therefore the striking position of the firing pin has to be checked. More than likely it will be positioned OK to give reliable ignition. The bolt face does not need to be altered (It is a flat surface). Barrel manufacturers have often made barrels ment for the .22 MRF from .001 inch to .002 inch larger in diameter than those ment originally for the .22LR. If your .22LR barrel is of "tight" tolerances, the additional friction for the .22 MRF bullet might degrade its performance right back to your original .22LR. This is something that should be checked before the conversion.

.22 MRF is only slightly more powerful than the most powerfully loaded .22LR. You won't really be gaining much performace. You might be economically better off to just go find an existing .22 MRF rifle. Several versions are made by Savage and Marlin that are usually available at gun shows for less than $150. You would probably spend that much on the conversion. There are also BSA Martinis that were originally rebarreled and chambered for .22 MRF for several importers that are available. Check out "GunsAmerica" internet site.

11-20-2004, 01:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
Sika2 Upright	.22 magnum conversion I have a .22 BSA target rifle (Matini Henry action) and I am considering getting it converted to .22 magnum. I find I am not using it for smallbore target shooting and thought if converted it would be good for longer range varmit shooting. Any ideas and suggestions on how much work is entailed and whether it is worth doing or should I just buy a new magnum?

11-20-2004, 12:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
ziadel Myrmidon Location: In the twilight and mist.	long range varmint gun... think bull-barrel .223 __________________ Ron Paul '08 Vote for Freedom Go ahead and google Dr. Ron Paul. You'll like what you read.

11-20-2004, 05:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
daswig Banned Location: BFE	BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!! If you want a varmint gun, get one. Don't go monkeying with an old classic which is likely to not come up to your desires anyway. I cry every time I see a nice antique that's been fucked with...for example, I've got a Krag that some bastard "sporterized"....:GRR:

11-20-2004, 03:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
cuervo Tilted Location: NC	Aren't the case sizes and head size completely different between .22LR and .22M? If so, this would require a complete rework of the bolt as well as resizing the chamber at a very high custom cost.

12-06-2004, 12:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Big Cholla Upright Location: Las Vegas, Nevada	Sika2, the conversion is not difficult for a gunsmith. Make sure that your rifle is one of the more commonly produced BSAs before you have it modified. Some BSA Martinis are worth more than others. The gunsmith has to insert a chamber reamer and create a new dimentioned chamber. The rechambering can be done by hand. The extractor may have to be adjusted. The .22 MRF is slightly larger in diameter than the .22LR, both are rimfires, therefore the striking position of the firing pin has to be checked. More than likely it will be positioned OK to give reliable ignition. The bolt face does not need to be altered (It is a flat surface). Barrel manufacturers have often made barrels ment for the .22 MRF from .001 inch to .002 inch larger in diameter than those ment originally for the .22LR. If your .22LR barrel is of "tight" tolerances, the additional friction for the .22 MRF bullet might degrade its performance right back to your original .22LR. This is something that should be checked before the conversion. .22 MRF is only slightly more powerful than the most powerfully loaded .22LR. You won't really be gaining much performace. You might be economically better off to just go find an existing .22 MRF rifle. Several versions are made by Savage and Marlin that are usually available at gun shows for less than $150. You would probably spend that much on the conversion. There are also BSA Martinis that were originally rebarreled and chambered for .22 MRF for several importers that are available. Check out "GunsAmerica" internet site.