A fun project that I thought I’d share,
Some time ago I bought a Chiappa Mares Leg Takedown in 44RM.
A very nice looking rifle, I loved the casehardened look.
My intent at the time was to use it when I took motorcycle camping trips (in the bush -DR650 dual purpose bike).
Several issues popped up right away...
First was the big loop, it never helped function and took more space in storage.
Next was the sights, my eyes had a time with them.
So my first modifications were to fit a 1892 standard lever and Skinner FO/ghost ring sights.
These changes allowed everything (including ammo) to fit into a capped 14” ABS tube which worked great on the bike (looked like a tool kit tube and took little space or weight), plus I could see the sights quickly.
I used blue loctite at this time on the screws as everything was loose.
For mostly humour I ordered a holster, it worked fine not that I’ve really used it, and it works fine with the new sights and lever.
However, even over time I could never get used to the lack of butt stock.
It worked, I could hit what I was aiming at but it felt odd, and slow...
I liked a full stock but wanted to keep the functionality of the shorter stock, mostly for storage purposes.
So I looked at several other solutions and came up with my take on a butt stock extension.
I knew it needed to be easy, quick, secure, not have play and look the part so to speak so this is what I came up with.
I took a Boyd’s full stock for a 1892, measured it to the length of the Mares Leg, held my breath and dropped the chop saw on it...
Other materials were a bit of 3/16” MS plate, a few screws, a couple of stainless 1/4” bolts and a 1” rare earth magnet with metal cup from Lee Valley.
The project was an evolution as I made it and if I had a do over I’d definitely change a few processes (like when the drill bit damn near destroyed the whole thing- the repair hid okay, but...).
Weld this, cut that, shape, fit, repeat...
Overall it played out, not perfect but good enough for this go around.
Fits tight, works great, doesn’t come off unless you want it to, doesn’t rattle, doesn’t twist and faster handling.
I sat on the parts for several years, if it wasn’t for all the boredom lately I never would have gotten to it so I’m happy to have the thought transformed into a tangible product.
Of coarse after the stock extension was on it took all of a minute to figure out it needed a sling...
Not easy as the takedown feature needs the magazine tube to rotate and be removable.
So mounting it off of that is out.
Plus I still wanted the ability to use the holster if I wanted to without modifying it or having to unbolt stuff from the gun.
Not much meat anywhere to accomplish this...
What I came up with is QD cups from the Tactical world and they worked great.
Personally I find the two rear cups work best, if I had a do over I would leave the fore stock alone.
The fore stock only had enough depth at the rear of it, and it works okay, I had to use a threaded flanged cup (epoxied in) as it had a shorter over all height and just barely fit.
A little different looking without a sling but not hideous in my opinion.
With the sling front and rear (sorry for the thumb, lol),
With the sling in the rear mounts (my preference),
Back as a Mares Leg, for all intents it’s exactly as it was when I got it, albeit with a smaller loop.
And it still holsters,
I think the last thing will be to find a slip on cartridge holder for the belt.
Cheers
Some time ago I bought a Chiappa Mares Leg Takedown in 44RM.
A very nice looking rifle, I loved the casehardened look.
My intent at the time was to use it when I took motorcycle camping trips (in the bush -DR650 dual purpose bike).
Several issues popped up right away...
First was the big loop, it never helped function and took more space in storage.
Next was the sights, my eyes had a time with them.
So my first modifications were to fit a 1892 standard lever and Skinner FO/ghost ring sights.
These changes allowed everything (including ammo) to fit into a capped 14” ABS tube which worked great on the bike (looked like a tool kit tube and took little space or weight), plus I could see the sights quickly.
I used blue loctite at this time on the screws as everything was loose.
For mostly humour I ordered a holster, it worked fine not that I’ve really used it, and it works fine with the new sights and lever.
However, even over time I could never get used to the lack of butt stock.
It worked, I could hit what I was aiming at but it felt odd, and slow...
I liked a full stock but wanted to keep the functionality of the shorter stock, mostly for storage purposes.
So I looked at several other solutions and came up with my take on a butt stock extension.
I knew it needed to be easy, quick, secure, not have play and look the part so to speak so this is what I came up with.
I took a Boyd’s full stock for a 1892, measured it to the length of the Mares Leg, held my breath and dropped the chop saw on it...
Other materials were a bit of 3/16” MS plate, a few screws, a couple of stainless 1/4” bolts and a 1” rare earth magnet with metal cup from Lee Valley.
The project was an evolution as I made it and if I had a do over I’d definitely change a few processes (like when the drill bit damn near destroyed the whole thing- the repair hid okay, but...).
Weld this, cut that, shape, fit, repeat...
Overall it played out, not perfect but good enough for this go around.
Fits tight, works great, doesn’t come off unless you want it to, doesn’t rattle, doesn’t twist and faster handling.
I sat on the parts for several years, if it wasn’t for all the boredom lately I never would have gotten to it so I’m happy to have the thought transformed into a tangible product.
Of coarse after the stock extension was on it took all of a minute to figure out it needed a sling...
Not easy as the takedown feature needs the magazine tube to rotate and be removable.
So mounting it off of that is out.
Plus I still wanted the ability to use the holster if I wanted to without modifying it or having to unbolt stuff from the gun.
Not much meat anywhere to accomplish this...
What I came up with is QD cups from the Tactical world and they worked great.
Personally I find the two rear cups work best, if I had a do over I would leave the fore stock alone.
The fore stock only had enough depth at the rear of it, and it works okay, I had to use a threaded flanged cup (epoxied in) as it had a shorter over all height and just barely fit.
A little different looking without a sling but not hideous in my opinion.
With the sling front and rear (sorry for the thumb, lol),
With the sling in the rear mounts (my preference),
Back as a Mares Leg, for all intents it’s exactly as it was when I got it, albeit with a smaller loop.
And it still holsters,
I think the last thing will be to find a slip on cartridge holder for the belt.
Cheers
