Wood Magazine Bottoms

Don · 12-06-2001, 12:46 AM

I'm messing around with several WWI era mags and assorted wood bottoms. I'm trying to swap out a couple of bottoms, but I'm finding that apparently the dimensions are off just a fraction. I can't get the pins to line up with the holes on both sides of the mag. Anybody have any suggestions?

Also, I've acquired a couple of GT bottoms that haven't been drilled -- I guess that's more evidence that these babies need a custom fit. So do I insert em in the mag and use the holes to guide my drill bit?

Thanks, guys (and gals).

lugerholsterrepair · 12-06-2001, 01:18 AM

Don, I have struggled with just this problem. You are right,it is very difficult to change out wood bottom's because of this hole alignment thing. I warn you that it is simple to bugger up the mag body and the wood plug so go slowly. I am sorry that I cannot give you any suggestions. I consider myself a pretty competent craftsman but I did not find an easy solution to this. Everything I tried seemed to involve removing somthing I could not put back so in the most recent case I put the origional parts back together and gave up. I will keep an eye out here for anyone with a useful suggestion. Jerry

Hugh · 12-06-2001, 01:36 AM

Put the new GT bottoms in and drill each hole half way thru, then turn over and drill thru from other side to meet the first ones. If you try to drill all the way through from one side I GUARANTEE that you will miss the hole in the mag on the opposite side!

This is done best with a drill press running on the slowest speed. I use an electric screwdriver fitted with a drill bit myself. for a good tight fit to keep the pin from falling out, it helps to drill the hole in the wood slightly smaller than the pin; but not too small or you will split the wood.

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In swapping original bottoms, find one that comes closest to lining up, you may have to shave off a little wood here and there. Then take a pin punch of the correct size and line the holes up. Insert the mag pin as you remove the pin punch to keep the pin lined up with the holes.

12-06-2001, 12:46 AM	#1
Don User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 146 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wood Magazine Bottoms I'm messing around with several WWI era mags and assorted wood bottoms. I'm trying to swap out a couple of bottoms, but I'm finding that apparently the dimensions are off just a fraction. I can't get the pins to line up with the holes on both sides of the mag. Anybody have any suggestions? Also, I've acquired a couple of GT bottoms that haven't been drilled -- I guess that's more evidence that these babies need a custom fit. So do I insert em in the mag and use the holes to guide my drill bit? Thanks, guys (and gals).

12-06-2001, 01:18 AM	#2
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,775 Thanks: 4,995 Thanked 3,133 Times in 1,439 Posts	Re: Wood Magazine Bottoms Don, I have struggled with just this problem. You are right,it is very difficult to change out wood bottom's because of this hole alignment thing. I warn you that it is simple to bugger up the mag body and the wood plug so go slowly. I am sorry that I cannot give you any suggestions. I consider myself a pretty competent craftsman but I did not find an easy solution to this. Everything I tried seemed to involve removing somthing I could not put back so in the most recent case I put the origional parts back together and gave up. I will keep an eye out here for anyone with a useful suggestion. Jerry

12-06-2001, 01:36 AM	#3
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	Re: Wood Magazine Bottoms Put the new GT bottoms in and drill each hole half way thru, then turn over and drill thru from other side to meet the first ones. If you try to drill all the way through from one side I GUARANTEE that you will miss the hole in the mag on the opposite side! This is done best with a drill press running on the slowest speed. I use an electric screwdriver fitted with a drill bit myself. for a good tight fit to keep the pin from falling out, it helps to drill the hole in the wood slightly smaller than the pin; but not too small or you will split the wood. "> In swapping original bottoms, find one that comes closest to lining up, you may have to shave off a little wood here and there. Then take a pin punch of the correct size and line the holes up. Insert the mag pin as you remove the pin punch to keep the pin lined up with the holes.