Holding off ordering for a couple of days rewarded me with the opportunity to take advantage of Nordic's Labour Day sale. My order (mag well kit plus 2 MDT metal mags) arrived today and I installed it this evening. Beautifully machined and finished, tight fit. If there is a negative...and, of course, there is always a negative...it is the included instructions. They are well illustrated but very vague and not much help.
I chose to install the heavier of the two included trigger springs, which still dropped the trigger weight of the rifle significantly. It remains very crisp and consistent, and strikes a good balance between light target-only use and a heavier, safer pull for hunting use. I will likely utilize the rifle for deer this year, and may try the lighter spring afterwards.
The front action screw would have required approximately 1 thread to be dressed down in order to prevent a slight interference with the closing of the bolt; this eventuality is mentioned in the instructions. Rather than take this step, I instead installed two of the six included washer/shims between the trigger guard and the stock, one at each screw. After a bit of test-firing I will likely remove these and shorten the screw, making certain that there is no bolt/feed-ramp interference before doing so (again, a caution is in the directions regarding this).
The magwell/triggerguard is a massive chunk of steel, and its weight significantly alters the balance of the rifle...in the case of my 20-inch heavy-barrel version, for the better, IMHO. The balance point is now just forward of the magazine, alleviating the rifle's original muzzle-heavy feel and allowing for relatively easy carry with one hand at this point. This gun is way too heavy for typical hunting use, but it will serve better than many other similar rifles with poor balance that affects carry ease.
The metal MDT mags click into place and release easily. The kit comes with two magazine release levers of varying lengths; I initially chose the shorter one, which sits flush with the bottom of the magwell, as I thought it would be more secure for hunting use. However, it is awkward to use with gloves on and I will likely try the longer lever as well, although it sticks down below the guard a bit more than I would like. I may try shortening the longer lever to achieve a happy medium. If you are one of the breed of shooter who feels that speed is everything, the longer one is the only realistic choice; I doubt that any amount of practice will turn the short lever into a rapid-operating option.
Another mild complaint regards the noisiness of the magazines when inserted into the gun. They are able to shift just enough when the carry hand contacts them to produce a distinct clicking sound...irritating at the workbench, but possibly disastrous in the field. Ironic that the classic old SSG has a safety that can be manipulated in almost complete silence...and is now plagued with this racket. The kit comes with four tiny set screws which make...and I quote..."it's optional possible to reduce the tolerance of the magazine". I assume that they can be used to take up some of the slack in the magazine well and hold the magazine stationary and quiet, but I want to try a few other magazine types before I commit to that. I've used lots of MDT mags in the past, but all were plastic; the metal ones are much nicer, and seem to be the equal of the AI mags I have had in the past. If they feed and function as well as I expect they will, I will certainly attempt to custom-fit the magwell with the setscrews to reduce the noise.
If it sounds like I am being harshly critical...well, this is a magazine well that costs more than many complete rifles I have owned, so my expectations are high. To be fair, I am quite satisfied with the unit despite a few minor glitches noted here. With some trigger time to properly test it, and some more tinkering to get it set up just right, it will be a fitting addition to a grand old rifle which is already a huge favourite of mine. Nordic's service was prompt and friendly. Unless shooting tests reveal some unforeseen problems, which seems unlikely, I can't see ever going back to the tragically problematic original piece and its quaintly fragile plastic rotary magazines.