Couldn't find a M44 stock, and had a mostly complete M44 barreled action I salvaged. So... got to work on this project this weekend. In case others are looking at doing a similar project, here's what I did.
Steps involved:
1. Cut the 91/30 forend to M44 length. I cut it just behind the front sling hole.
2. Rasp and file work, so the front metal cap can fit.
3. The front spring tab has to be relocated; drilling its hole straight and carving out its recess required a bit of precision. Tricky thing here is that the recess is not the same depth everywhere, it's shallower at the front and getting deeper as you go back. The hole for the sling was done with simple drill bits, then rasp and file work again.
4. The rear sight base requires a bit of room in the stock, a wee bit of chisel work was needed. Then I carved the recess for the retracted bayonet and a wee finger recess just behind the rear handguard retaining ring:
5. The front of the forend requires a bit of sanding to make it narrower, slimmer so the front handguard retaining ring will slide on and reach its spot.
6. A bit of staining where I carved, chiseled, sanded; and refinished with shellac.
All in all, maybe half a day of work.
Steps involved:
1. Cut the 91/30 forend to M44 length. I cut it just behind the front sling hole.
2. Rasp and file work, so the front metal cap can fit.
3. The front spring tab has to be relocated; drilling its hole straight and carving out its recess required a bit of precision. Tricky thing here is that the recess is not the same depth everywhere, it's shallower at the front and getting deeper as you go back. The hole for the sling was done with simple drill bits, then rasp and file work again.
4. The rear sight base requires a bit of room in the stock, a wee bit of chisel work was needed. Then I carved the recess for the retracted bayonet and a wee finger recess just behind the rear handguard retaining ring:
5. The front of the forend requires a bit of sanding to make it narrower, slimmer so the front handguard retaining ring will slide on and reach its spot.
6. A bit of staining where I carved, chiseled, sanded; and refinished with shellac.
All in all, maybe half a day of work.
