Converting M-48 to have a detachable mag?

Nero45 · February 18, 2010, 03:02 AM

Is it possible to convert a Yugo M-48 to have a detachable mag like newer bolt action rifles? I don't know why I ask this, I guess I'm just interested in knowing how it would be done. Thank you.

OldShooter · February 18, 2010, 07:15 AM

I'm not a gunsmith but I think it would be more sensible to buy a rifle with a removable mag. But if you did it, where would you get a mag? What's new about a bolt action rifle with removable mag? 60+ years ago my dad was hunting with a Savage 30-30 bolt action rifle, probably not the only one of that vintage.

Scorch · February 18, 2010, 12:15 PM

It is possible, just not very feasible. You could turn your $150 dollar M48 into detachable magazine repeater, but you would spend a lot of money and still have a cobbled-together rifle.

leadcounsel · February 18, 2010, 01:00 PM

Sure it COULD be done... but you'd spend more time and money making the conversion than just buying a modern detachable magazine bolt action rifle. Also, you'd risk ruining your MN. Finally, where would you buy NEW magazines? It would be cost prohibitive to make new magazines. Mass produced magazines for rifles tend to cost $30-$80 a piece. Custom mags would be much more...

So, while 'yes,' what's the point...?

Nero45 · February 19, 2010, 03:03 AM

Sort of a silly question, I'll admit. Still thanks for the replies. I'm not planning on going forward with it but it would be nice to have a 8mm with more than 5 rounds. Thanks.

Ignition Override · February 20, 2010, 01:49 AM

Despite the low number of rounds in Mausers, any classic 'Battle Rifle' is in much more demand-as you must know-when left in the original condition. Their value really drops. I would never look twice at a modified/sporterized type, no matter how low the price.

If you want ten rounds, you might want to consider handling a nice Lee Enfield #4 (maybe the #5) etc.
Those mags should be left in the rifles, as the feed lips can get bent from too many insertions. Cheap surplus ammo is very difficult to find in .303, but reloading works.

Have you handled them or watched them 'in action' on the better Youtube videos?

February 18, 2010, 03:02 AM	#1
Nero45 Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Posts: 265	Converting M-48 to have a detachable mag? Is it possible to convert a Yugo M-48 to have a detachable mag like newer bolt action rifles? I don't know why I ask this, I guess I'm just interested in knowing how it would be done. Thank you. __________________ Nero45 Revolvers are a disease. Once you buy one your doomed for life! Within temptation are our lives on this earth until we leave -me

February 18, 2010, 12:15 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	It is possible, just not very feasible. You could turn your $150 dollar M48 into detachable magazine repeater, but you would spend a lot of money and still have a cobbled-together rifle. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

February 18, 2010, 07:15 AM	#2
OldShooter Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 846	I'm not a gunsmith but I think it would be more sensible to buy a rifle with a removable mag. But if you did it, where would you get a mag? What's new about a bolt action rifle with removable mag? 60+ years ago my dad was hunting with a Savage 30-30 bolt action rifle, probably not the only one of that vintage.

February 18, 2010, 01:00 PM	#4
leadcounsel Junior member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 2,119	Sure it COULD be done... but you'd spend more time and money making the conversion than just buying a modern detachable magazine bolt action rifle. Also, you'd risk ruining your MN. Finally, where would you buy NEW magazines? It would be cost prohibitive to make new magazines. Mass produced magazines for rifles tend to cost $30-$80 a piece. Custom mags would be much more... So, while 'yes,' what's the point...?

February 19, 2010, 03:03 AM	#5
Nero45 Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Posts: 265	Sort of a silly question, I'll admit. Still thanks for the replies. I'm not planning on going forward with it but it would be nice to have a 8mm with more than 5 rounds. Thanks. __________________ Nero45 Revolvers are a disease. Once you buy one your doomed for life! Within temptation are our lives on this earth until we leave -me

February 20, 2010, 01:49 AM	#6
Ignition Override Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Location: About 20 nm from the Big Muddy Posts: 2,884	Despite the low number of rounds in Mausers, any classic 'Battle Rifle' is in much more demand-as you must know-when left in the original condition. Their value really drops. I would never look twice at a modified/sporterized type, no matter how low the price. If you want ten rounds, you might want to consider handling a nice Lee Enfield #4 (maybe the #5) etc. Those mags should be left in the rifles, as the feed lips can get bent from too many insertions. Cheap surplus ammo is very difficult to find in .303, but reloading works. Have you handled them or watched them 'in action' on the better Youtube videos?