CZ527 3-shot conversion

[User00056]

Having fruitlessly searched for either the Riflemags kit, or the M1 American bottom metal, I was fortunate enough to find a spare standard 5-shot bottom metal, and the seller (@Storcky thank you very much indeed!) very kindly included the machine screws and magazine release catch. I decided to bite the bullet this evening, and Dremel the webs off the existing metal, as well as reduce the release catch length to allow the replacement 3-shot magazine to sit flush. Not difficult, but care had to be taken to ensure the cuts were true. Then a polish, and a going over with cold blue, and it was back on the rifle. Can't tell you how much I prefer the sleeker look of the flush magazine. I'm really pleased!

 

[JockStalk]

Fantastic job Stu - what a difference

 

[User00056]

Fantastic job Stu - what a difference

Isn't it just? Such a sweet handling rifle deserves it! And with three in the magazine, and one in the chamber is the lack of one round really any loss? I'm as happy as a dog with two dicks tonight

 

[25 Sharps]

Miss having a 527 in the cabinet, cracking little guns.

Looks good with the flush magazine

 

[User00056]

Looks good with the flush magazine

Thanks mate. I think that mini-Mauser action is absolutely superb. The rifle's a Stutzen too, and I always think they look best when as sleek as possible. I've been chasing this look for it for a long time!

 

[HonestJohn]

Here is my conversion. Still very rough, needs polishing and re bluing. Took it down to 2 rounds. Sits perfectly flush now.

 

[welshwarrior]

I want to do that to my 222 and hornet now.

Did you shorten your own magazines?

 

[User00056]

Here is my conversion. Still very rough, needs polishing and re bluing. Took it down to 2 rounds. Sits perfectly flush now.

Nice!! I haven't made any mods to the magazine, so mine's not quite as flush as yours. Lovely job

 

[25 Sharps]

Thanks mate. I think that mini-Mauser action is absolutely superb. The rifle's a Stutzen too, and I always think they look best when as sleek as possible. I've been chasing this look for it for a long time!

I would say it’s a must on a stutzen.

 

[HonestJohn]

I want to do that to my 222 and hornet now.

Did you shorten your own magazines?

 

[HonestJohn]

I want to do that to my 222 and hornet now.

Did you shorten your own magazines?

I’m sure we did it slightly differently. But I cut the web off the trigger guard and filed flat, then rounded the guard bona bit. Still, a bit more to be done. Mag in the hard part. I cut it then left 2-3mm in the midsection for leaning outwards, heated and beaten over a vise edge. I kept the original angles of the mag. The steel retention plate inside the mag to hold the floorplate now sits higher up, so needs filing down to fit, not hard to do. The mag release lever arm I had to file the bump off the lower back and shorten it a touch, then ‘notch’ the floorplate of the mag to allow it to push far enough in to release. The ‘stop’ block on the outside of the mag at the front needs very slight filing down if going flush, and the floorplate of the mag will need filing down slightly too to allow it to sit flush, yet go far enough up and ‘click’. Removing the web does expose a slight empty void behind the mag. Your option is a spot of drop
Weld in that recess in the bottom metal, or to extend the mag floorplate rearwards with welding, and dress it after

Now comes the fun of adjusting the spring to get it feeding of course

I’m sure it will be good when finished!

 

[Storcky]

Nice to see it all worked out well for you Stu, certainly looks the part.

 

[Liveonce]

I would think it would be possible to 3d print the bottom metal modified, engineering grade plastics are printable.

would be a fun project.

Then if only 3 shot mags were commercially available..

 

[HonestJohn]

I would think it would be possible to 3d print the bottom metal modified, engineering grade plastics are printable.

would be a fun project.

Then if only 3 shot mags were commercially available..

Adding plastic would defeat the purpose of making it look nice IMHO. There used to be conversion kits for .223, but never the .222

 

[Kalahari]

Riflemags still list the 3 round mag as being in stock. I have the 527 M1 rifle with the 3 round bottom metal and both sizes of mag fine.

David.

 

[kenbro]

I want to do that to my 222 and hornet now.

Did you shorten your own magazines?

James Calhoon (Mr. Leahy) was selling those shortened magazines and would ship to UK but not sure where he’s at business wise just now. Must be worth a call.
Ken.

 

[welshwarrior]

I’m sure we did it slightly differently. But I cut the web off the trigger guard and filed flat, then rounded the guard bona bit. Still, a bit more to be done. Mag in the hard part. I cut it then left 2-3mm in the midsection for leaning outwards, heated and beaten over a vise edge. I kept the original angles of the mag. The steel retention plate inside the mag to hold the floorplate now sits higher up, so needs filing down to fit, not hard to do. The mag release lever arm I had to file the bump off the lower back and shorten it a touch, then ‘notch’ the floorplate of the mag to allow it to push far enough in to release. The ‘stop’ block on the outside of the mag at the front needs very slight filing down if going flush, and the floorplate of the mag will need filing down slightly too to allow it to sit flush, yet go far enough up and ‘click’. Removing the web does expose a slight empty void behind the mag. Your option is a spot of drop
Weld in that recess in the bottom metal, or to extend the mag floorplate rearwards with welding, and dress it after

Now comes the fun of adjusting the spring to get it feeding of course

I’m sure it will be good when finished!

Thanks when I get some time and not needing the rifle I’ll have a play,

 

[HonestJohn]

Final outcome, fits 3 rounds.

If anyone wants to try it without risking their originals, I have a spare bottom metal and mag release catch, as well as a mag conversion I ballsed up a bit,
But can be salvaged by a drop of weld.

Pm me if interested (.222 length)

 

[welshwarrior]

Final outcome, fits 3 rounds.

If anyone wants to try it without risking their originals, I have a spare bottom metal and mag release catch, as well as a mag conversion I ballsed up a bit,
But can be salvaged by a drop of weld.

Pm me if interested (.222 length)

I’d be interested in buying it please.

 

[HistoricBore]

... or you could look for a 1950s Walther KKJ with beautifully streamlined five shot magazine. Terrific trigger and accuracy as well!

HB