Savage .223 Conversion to 7 WSM

[Haagen_Dazs]

I've been thinking about upgrading from my trusty .223 Savage 12 to something in 7mm (I like the WSM). I got to thinking that I could just re-barrel my existing rifle, pick up a PTG magnum bolt face and I should have myself a new (single shot) rifle, right? My question is if I could run into any issues, either safety or precision related, because the receiver/bolt/recoil lug/stock may not be designed for a short mag.

I have reason to believe that there shouldn't be an issue because I can't seem to find anything on this topic online. I'd just like to hear from some of you who may have experience in this topic.

Cheers

 

[doc25]

The only issue I could see is if it was a small shank. Even there the original savage wsm's were built on them. I can't see why not.

 

[Haagen_Dazs]

By shank you mean the tail bit that slides into the bolt carrier?

 

[tiriaq]

No, the barrel shank.
For a single shot, a replacement bolt head and barrel would do it.

 

[yodave]

By shank you mean the tail bit that slides into the bolt carrier?

the outside diameter size of the threads, small shank barrels will slide right into a large shank action, the threads won't even touch

 

[Haagen_Dazs]

Ah, I now understand the difference. It seems the new Savage rifles in WSM chamberings are large shank (similar to the target actions such as the model 12 LRPV).

Kinda puts up some red flags for putting the money into a small shank WSM prefit barrel. I guess I could get a new action and build it form the ground up though.

 

[doc25]

In all seriousness do some checking on the web. It has been done lots. As far as I know there was no recall done on earlier savages so it appears they were safe. Apparently the savage small shank is pretty close in size to rem 700 and winchester model 70. They seem able to offer the wsm in their actions.

 

[Mystic Precision]

prefits for short mag in standard shank - no problem to source

Jerry