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Offline cwlongshot

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I'm building a shorty!!
« on: November 29, 2010, 08:18:43 AM »
Hello guys,
 I have had shorty shotguns for many many years, but never a shorty rifle. (In a handi ;0 )

I'm starting with a 357 magnum barrel that's been re-chambered to maximum.

I just ordered another Factory Synthetic thumb hole stick and forend.

Midway had a DNZ mount in matte high.

I struck a deal with our friend dpe.ahoy for the barrel.

For a scope, I think I'm gonna juggle a scope or two. I just bought a Redfield from another member here Andy, aka Landandgroove. But I think this will go on a different barrel allowing me to move my original and favorite Leupold 3X M8 to this newest handi Shorty.

I'm hoping it likes the AA1680 as my other Maxie does. I have a quantity of ammo and having to load differently will be a drag, but lets wait and see what happens.

I need to prune the barrel, I haven't completely decided on a length. But thinking 18" should be short enough yet long enough to retain some velocity.

I'm building it for hunting form a small blind as I have been using for a couple years now. This year I used my 454 with the syn stock and was very pleased with the light weight! Its got a 20" barrel and was nice so 2" shorter should be all that much better!

Pics as I build it and range report very soon. Comments ALWAYS welcome!!

CW
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Offline nova71

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2010, 08:39:25 AM »
I will be following this pretty close as I have been thinking about doing one myself, I have been thinking about doing mine in 16+" (as short as I can go and still be legal )  ;D ......Larry
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Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2010, 08:44:35 AM »
I plan on having my GS do this shorty, shortly as well.  My 8 and 10 boys like the gun, but don't care for the weight.
Looking forward to your progress!
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Offline Lon371

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2010, 11:24:10 AM »
 Go Go Go Go Go.  :)

Lonny
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Offline geezer56

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2010, 11:48:46 AM »
I have 2 shorties, one a 45-70 18 inch, and a 308 with 16 inches (and a bit, but not much of a bit!).  They are my 2 favorite handi's right now.  I can't tell much give up in the 45-70, but I haven't chronied any loads against the 22 incher, either.  It is a deer killing machine though.  No blood on the 308 yet, but it really likes cast bullets.  The short barrel isn't as much of a speed handicap with cast.  I hoped to get it used last week, but a family emergency kept us out of the woods.  Maybe next weekend. 
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Offline manatee1947

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2010, 12:14:34 PM »
I have to say that I have considered this also, but if I were going to do it I would go ahead to 16.5 inches, since you are going to scope it, sight radius is not an issue, and the velocity loss with that fast a powder is nil. I have to quit this nonsense for awhile due to christmas, real estate taxes, car repair, you know the drill..... ;) I am waiting for one in a 327 mag, and I will cash in at the blood bank and get one.
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Offline mrcoolid

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2010, 12:49:40 PM »
cw

I am looking forward to your progress with the new shorty as well...

Curious... did you have to do much tweaking to get it to fit your existing frame?


Mike
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Offline watkibe

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2010, 01:54:49 PM »
Quote from: manatee1947 on November 29, 2010, 12:14:34 PM
...I am waiting for one in a 327 mag, and I will cash in at the blood bank and get one.
Is this right ? Do you really mean 327 mag ? Where would you be getting such a wondrous artifact ? It couldn't be more appropriate because it would also shoot 32 H&R mag !
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Offline j.k280

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2010, 03:22:53 PM »
cw, sounds cool! i will be following this also;  my loving wife got me a new 357 for Christmas  bless her!  (all i had to get her was a new house)  looking forward to the rest of the read.  yoiu always  have good stories and advice for all.  thanks  john
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2010, 11:54:50 AM »
I received some pieces today in the mail!!!

Of coarse I had the receiver form my 38-55...



The DNZ mount came in today...




The one thing I see is its not .719 high as they advertised.... its .760 high. Yes its a "high" not a ex-high as I first suspected... But it seems nicely made and round edges that line up nicely.

I also got a Redfield scope. I don't know if its going on this project or not. I have wanted to try one since I found out Leupold bought the name and began producing them. Its also nice and clear. Looking in the woods in-front of my home seemed as good as any.





The barrel is in-route and may get here on Friday. More to come..

CW
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Offline dave29

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2010, 01:28:54 PM »
I think that you will like that Redfield just as much as the Leupolds. I have both and you can't even tell a difference in the quality of the glass, or the quality of the entire scope for that matter.
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Offline Spanky

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2010, 01:43:18 PM »
Quote from: dave29 on December 01, 2010, 01:28:54 PM
I think that you will like that Redfield just as much as the Leupolds. I have both and you can't even tell a difference in the quality of the glass, or the quality of the entire scope for that matter.

+1 to that.
I love the new Redfields.
After deer season is over I'll be getting another 3-9x40 for my 357 handi.



Spanky
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #12 on: December 02, 2010, 01:06:54 PM »
The Redfield does look good....

WELL, I must say I LOVE USPS Priority mail!!!  The barrel and the stocks where on my door step when I got home today!!!! Now EVERYTHING is here!!!

The stocks:



I mounted the stocks and tried the barrel. It didn't fit... but in looking at it I realised the new 357 barrels are much heavier than my orig Maxi barrel. So time to shift gears. So I go get the old maxi and remove the forend. I try the new barrel on the old maxi frame... snaps shut perfectly. The orig maxi barrel was shimmed to fit its receiver. The old maxi barrel snaps shut on the BC frame too! I'm going to work a bit here though as I can see a sliver of light between the breech of the barrel and the standing breech of the receiver. Not much and probably OK to leave. But I cant let such things go... ::)

Now for the scope... As I said, I have a new Redfield, but really want a small light fixed power scope. well the orig maxi barrel has my oldest and dearest Leupold. A M8 3X that I sent back for a German reticule. SO, I just left it there.



 Remember, this project is a direct result of my hunting form a small "chair" blind. So light, trim and short are the criteria. Using this old maxi barrel makes more sense as its much slimmer. Much like a ultra light barrel. I'm gonna hold off chopping till I see the new barrel shoot as the orig maxi barrel is a great shooter. On the new barrel, I cleaned the holes and mounted the DNZ base/ring thing and mounted the Redfield scope.



I have PLENTY of hammer clearance too. Don't forget this is a 158 frame so its got the lo profile hammer.



I'm heading to the range Sunday so range report soon!!

CW
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Offline mrcoolid

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #13 on: December 02, 2010, 01:25:35 PM »
cw

Thank you for sharing the process. How does the thumbhole stock feel?

Looking forward to the range report!


Mike

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Offline Slufoot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #14 on: December 02, 2010, 01:28:47 PM »
Looking good CW!
I really like the looks of the new synthetic stock you got and have a few questions about it.
Is this stock ambidextrous?
I see the swivel attachment is molded in, does it look strong, what are your thoughts on the swivel attachment?
Please give me your thoughts on the stock, fit, feel, recoil pad, anything you like or dislike?
Where did you order this stock from?
Thanks!

Looking forward to your progress on the shorty project!

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #15 on: December 02, 2010, 01:40:21 PM »
I really like the way you have the swivel base magnifying glass mounted on the front scope ring too.
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Offline Lon371

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2010, 03:20:48 PM »
 Hey CW can you post a picture of the 2 rifles with stocks? I love the bumble bee ones.

 Sunday? That is 4 days from now! Are you trying to be a movie writer with multi parts?  :D

Lonny
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #17 on: December 02, 2010, 04:25:55 PM »
Ill answer your questions in BOLD inside your quoted post:

Quote from: Slufoot on December 02, 2010, 01:28:47 PM
Looking good CW!
Thank you sir!

I really like the looks of the new synthetic stock you got and have a few questions about it.
Is this stock ambidextrous?
Absolutely, YES. That's a big part of why I chose them. Sitting in my chair blind, the possibility of a off shoulder shot is quite probable.

I see the swivel attachment is molded in, does it look strong, what are your thoughts on the swivel attachment?
It seems fine to me. its kinda the way its been going. Its becoming more and more popular. The one problem is that this set doesn't include a front stud! it drills the hole for you, but omits the stud.

Please give me your thoughts on the stock, fit, feel, recoil pad, anything you like or dislike?
Fit is actually better then the wood stocks. Feel is nice. Its not wood, but its light and functional. the pad and simply the synthetic stock material makes for a softer recoiling handi. The 454 also has this stock and its recoil "snap" has been removed.

Where did you order this stock from?
Midway carries them but is out of stock. I got this one off EBay.

Thanks!

Looking forward to your progress on the shorty project!
Thanks again..

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Lonny,
 I have been in the woods allot this and last week. (That's why in on so much! :) ) But gotta work tomorrow and Saturday isn't looking any better... Sunday I am free, Momma is working so I can go play!!!

CW
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #18 on: December 02, 2010, 04:46:39 PM »
That's lookin real good, CW.  I think I'm gonna have to order a couple of those stock sets.  I sure hope you are happy with the performance of the new barrel, didn't get to try to much out with it.  It did take a Turkey while still a mag with a neck shot.  DP
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Offline Slufoot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #19 on: December 02, 2010, 04:51:29 PM »
CW, Thank you very much for all the info!
I just checked and Midway is now showing them in stock.
I can see one of these stock sets in my not to distant future! ;D
I just robbed the stock set off my 30-06 to use on a muzzleloader that I'm building for my dad for a Christmas present, so I'm in need of new furnituure for the '06.

Thanks again!

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot
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Offline Shu

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #20 on: December 04, 2010, 05:22:44 AM »
CW,
I got to thinking about this maxi shorty on a topper frame, sleek, easily handled in a blind or walking in heavy cover and I decided you are reall pissing me off. Actually kidding about that pissing me off remark.
Looks like an awesome project. I love those shorties. I am beginning to like those plastic looking thumbhole stocks also.
THANKS for posting up with your ideas and work.

Looks like my wife will be yelling at me again for getting another handi!!!

from the dog house yet again
Shu
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #21 on: December 05, 2010, 10:32:41 AM »
Quote from: Shu on December 04, 2010, 05:22:44 AM
CW,
I got to thinking about this maxi shorty on a topper frame, sleek, easily handled in a blind or walking in heavy cover and I decided you are really pissing me off. Actually kidding about that pissing me off remark.
Looks like an awesome project. I love those shorties. I am beginning to like those plastic looking thumb-hole stocks also.
THANKS for posting up with your ideas and work.

Looks like my wife will be yelling at me again for getting another handi!!!

from the dog house yet again
Shu

LOL Shu, I have been known to have this effect on a number of my friends...

Glad to see I have inspired you!!

CW
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #22 on: December 05, 2010, 10:34:39 AM »
Quote from: Lon371 on December 02, 2010, 03:20:48 PM
Hey CW can you post a picture of the 2 rifles with stocks? I love the bumble bee ones.

 Sunday? That is 4 days from now! Are you trying to be a movie writer with multi parts?  :D

Lonny





CW
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Offline Lon371

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #23 on: December 05, 2010, 11:24:56 AM »
 Those look great. I guess I am going to chop mine. The Bumble Bee stocks are on my list also(wish list that is) ;)

Thanks for the picts.

Lonny

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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #24 on: December 05, 2010, 12:40:08 PM »
Did you shorten that barrel already???  Man, that was quick. ;D  DP
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #25 on: December 05, 2010, 12:58:05 PM »
Quote from: dpe.ahoy on December 05, 2010, 12:40:08 PM
Did you shorten that barrel already???  Man, that was quick. ;D  DP

 ;D ;D ;D ;D

I had a post all written and ready to post and IE froze...... GRRR OK here we go this one shorter...

The new barrel appears to be a good shooter, altho only with one of my loads! My AA1680 load with 180 XTP shot into almost one inch at 50 yards. The worst was a great shooter in my orig maxi, RL7 and a 200 FTX bullet. This went into about 2" at 50. I'll find some good loads, I'm not worried. EVERYTHING shot round groups.



EVERYTHING else was about the same, 1-1.5" at 50.




SO when I got home, I put a new blade in the hack saw and went to town!!!

Spent about 10 minutes with the hack saw, 30 minutes squaring it off with a flat file. Then ten minutes crowning it and a bit of cold blue. DONE!! it weighs just over six pounds!!

CW

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Offline Shu

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #26 on: December 06, 2010, 02:12:47 AM »
Excellent!!!! I am thinking I will go with the BC stocks though.
Love how it all worked out.
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Offline dave29

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #27 on: December 06, 2010, 05:12:25 AM »
CW, what did you use to crown it?
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #28 on: December 06, 2010, 06:13:22 AM »
Quote from: dave29 on December 06, 2010, 05:12:25 AM
CW, what did you use to crown it?
A drill, a properly sized brass ball and some valve grinding compound.

It's all outlined in the FAQ's ;)

CW
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: I'm building a shorty!!
« Reply #29 on: December 06, 2010, 07:50:10 AM »
A 'domed head rivet' (of the right size for the caliber)will have a straight shank you can chuck up and do the same; apply some compound, spin it at a pretty good clip while rocking side to side a bit with mostly straight to the bore pressure (weight of the drill pressure is about right.
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We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
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12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974
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