"Custom" Machined Trigger Assembly?

[Funes]

For the past few weeks I've been trying to hunt down a nice '03 milled trigger guard assembly for my '03-A3. Today I was thinking how cool it would be if someone offered new production, machined '03 trigger assemblies, possibly with a higher capacity and a larger trigger guard (one thing I've always liked about Lee-Enfield rifles). I discovered that Sunny Hill Enterprises does (according to their website) make machined trigger assemblies for the 1903, but that's all I was able to find. And they have the same dimensions as the original, so capacity is the same.

So does anyone know of another machine shop or custom parts shop that makes something like this? Especially, as I said, something that offers a higher internal capacity? I don't need some sort of fancy DBM system, but a 10 round internal magazine would trump a 5 rounder, no? I don't see why there would be a problem doing this. Seems like a no-brainer, something that would double the capacity of the '03, but could be removed so that the rifle could be returned to its original configuration. Is this something I'd have to have custom made?

I'd appreciate any suggestions or information.

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[rugersworld]

sounds like a custom job. the germans made a large cap mag for the 98 during ww1 for the trench warfare. I always wanted one when I was younger.

[Promo]

Check for the Air Service magazine, this fits the standard milled triggerguard.

[Funes]

Check for the Air Service magazine, this fits the standard milled triggerguard.

Yeah, those are a bit hard to find, when I come across them they're going for quite a bit of money, and they look absolutely atrocious. Not even sure if I could fire prone with one--I like bolt guns over lever guns for a reason :P

I did find this:

Magazine, .30-06, 10 Round


Although I think it's some sort of reproduction and I'm not sure of the quality. Still, it only addresses part of the issue--I'd really like to find some bottom metal for the '03 that widens the trigger guard a bit.

[Randy A]

What you are asking for can only be done with a box extension, like the one in the link or the air service mag. Any other method of increased capacity would create compatibility problems with the action and would require special stocks. Frankly if a hunter needs that kind of capacity,,, I'd say he needs to learn how to shoot!

[emmagee1917]

I do have a 20 rd air service mag for sale for a grand . It gives you 25 rounds total. You could also take a A3 floorplate and a BAR mag and cut and solder the two together t make an extend mag set up like some A$ snipers did.
Chris

[Funes]

What you are asking for can only be done with a box extension, like the one in the link or the air service mag. Any other method of increased capacity would create compatibility problems with the action and would require special stocks. Frankly if a hunter needs that kind of capacity,,, I'd say he needs to learn how to shoot!

I hunt with a .45-70 Sharps, so I'd agree.

I use my '03 for target shooting, and when you're target shooting for fun, less reloading equals more fun. The thing about the Air Service mag, as I said, is that it's awkwardly large, adds too many rounds (in my opinion), and yet still comes with a huge price tag.

I don't see why I'd have a problem having something custom-made that adds 5 rounds and maybe opens up the trigger guard a bit. Compatibility problems? I'd need a custom follower spring made for sure, but if the whole deal was made by a competent machinist, I don't see why I'd run into any mechanical problems.

I do have a 20 rd air service mag for sale for a grand . It gives you 25 rounds total. You could also take a A3 floorplate and a BAR mag and cut and solder the two together t make an extend mag set up like some A$ snipers did.
Chris

I might elect the latter route, although I've always preferred machined parts over stamped, and a stamped "chop job" would be the ugliest by far :P Although I'm sure it would do the job.

I did contact Sunny Hill; the trigger assembly they machine for the '03 costs $530, and it's neither blued nor parkerized. The guy I spoke to indicated that this was to avoid scratching during the fitting process, which makes sense. Still, all it really offers is a hinged floorplate...no increased capacity, no roomier trigger guard.

Did notice that CDI produces bottom metal for several actions, including the Mauser 98. I'll call them up after work and see if they'd be willing to make something for an '03. Although detachable mags aren't a requirement.