H&R S# AXxxxxxx question on conversion

[byates]

I picked up this action with the ideal to build, somehow, a 7.62X25 rifle.  After comparing to the SB1 and SB2 actions in the FAQ, is seems to be a blend, the frame is smooth, with a small firing pin, but it does not have the lip like the SB2.  It has been painted, and the pins look like they were removed and put back a bit proud of where they should be.  Proud on the left side and flush on the right. 

I picked the action, only, up at a gun show, so no knowledge of it's history.

Opinions on how safe it would be to use for my intended purpose?

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! If you look a little more in the FAQs, you'll see the build date info, AX was made in 1983 by the defunct original H&R, those frames were made of ductile iron, more commonly called cast iron, not a real strong material and not heat treated, they were only available as low pressure chamberings, whether it would work for the Tokarev I don't know, it appears to have pressures of about 40kcup which is higher than either the 357mag or 44mag which were both offered on that frame. I wouldn't risk it myself, if it doesn't handle the pressure, it could result in a catastrophic failure with injury or even death as a result, and trusting old milsurp ammo to be within pressure may be a real liability in itself. SB2 rifle frames aren't hard to come by and certain would work fine.

Tim

[byates]

Should have explained better, the cartridge is the 30 Mauser, not the 30 Tokarev.   Pressure is 29,000 lbs not 40K.  Still higher than a shotgun, but out of the magnum class, more like 30-30, but with a smaller case head so less thrust against the frame.

[quickdtoo]

That should work ok if the frame is in good shape, I think I'd strip it and make sure there's no hidden damage, fractures or corrosion and such. The frame pins are splined on the left side, can be real hard to finish knocking them in the last bit. Got a plan for a donor barrel?

Tim

[njanear]

Should have explained better, the cartridge is the 30 Mauser, not the 30 Tokarev.   Pressure is 29,000 lbs not 40K.  Still higher than a shotgun, but out of the magnum class, more like 30-30, but with a smaller case head so less thrust against the frame.

Out of curiosity, are you going to be strictly handloading for it?  I assume you will be if you are trying to stick to the original .30 Mauser loadings, because that surplus ammo is pretty hard to find nowadays (while the Tok/CZ ammo is everywhere). 

[byates]

I have a 12 gauge barrel to use as a base, looking for a 30 cal barrel to stub into it.  Russian had a sub-machine gun in 30 Tok, same chamber as the 30 Mauser, so might use that, if one comes up.

New 327 Federal Magnum looks interesting, use a 7.62x54 or x39 or 303 as a donor barrel.  Easier to Chamber, basically a longer 32 S&W, much longer.

Have a Mauser C96 so this would give me a companion piece, hey, it sounds good to me