impala59 Posted November 6, 2016 Report Share Posted November 6, 2016 The project to turn my Sabatti 1822 sporter into a mini practical rifle started with the extended, ambidextrous mag release. No custom parts seem to be available for this rifle so I will go my own way (probably uglify it if Mr Scully is in the house!) On the list is a plywood pistol grip stock (skip salvage ply) a composite ply/plastic fore-end using an Airsoft MP5 unit that a friend replaced with an aluminium one. A cautionary note to any other 1822 owners, when taking down, before removing the trigger unit put the receiver/rifle in a large clear plastic bag to catch the flying parts! There are 2 items which bear on the forward receiver pin, the bolt hold open spring and the ejector. With no strip down instructions on the net or youtube that I could find it is a bit fiddly to say the least. To re-assemble, hold the ejector and hold open spring from the opposite side of the receiver with a small pin punch and hold in position while drifting the pin back in against the punch you are holding (3 hands useful here) Pics here of mag release in position for testing, I used 10mm aluminium bar with a .05 stainless steel wear plate on the contact surface internally. Not sure how I will finish, either polish or paint, but that's a little down the line yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted November 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2016 (edited) The project so far............. I remodelled the MP5 front end and braced internally as this is a heavy barrel rifle. The end cap is the tail cap from an old Ithaca 37 pistol grip which I've had sitting around for years and can't use legally anyway. When salvaging the cap it occurred to me that I could maybe use the pistol grip as well, so I duly re-profiled it and am fairly happy with the position in relation to the trigger and mag release. Still a bit of fitting to do but have hit a brick wall with the failure of the band saw when beginning to cut the stock blank (probably sat in one position for too long, the blade snapped quite spectacularly) So, picture shows where I am at the moment. I'm awaiting some M5 studding for the final fix on the fore-end (shown with original long rod in place, I have a no break rule that I will not cut, drill or file any firearm or part of it unless I already have an identical part to replace it with) Also shown is paper template for ply stock and nice piece of walnut for butt plate. Shown fitted with Archangel Nomad magazine. Small pic before............... and after Edited November 8, 2016 by impala59 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeksofdoom Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Now that is one hell of an ugly rifle.😬 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted November 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Probably get a whole lot uglier before I'm finished! On the bright side it's still the same sporter underneath and can be returned to stock in under 5 min for a bit of casual plinking😇 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted November 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 Well I made the stock from 18mm ply glued together. I decided not to use the butterfly joint, as advised the glue would be sufficient. Also the front end was clamped by the pistol grip. At the rear, I fitted 2 6mm steel dowel pins and used the walnut butt plate to clamp the 2 halves together. With a g clamp and waste ply the joint was made solid. Making in 2 halves allowed me to use a piece of walnut scrap as a bearing surface for the stock bolt. I shaped with a rasp and power file and sanded using 40, 150, 400 and 1500 grit. As it was cheap(free) ply, inevitably there were some voids, I filled using sawdust and super glue. Stained with Rustins ebony, it has had one coat of Danish oil so far. This was very much a suck it and see job as I had not previously actually made a stock and fortunately it seems to be exactly the right LOP or me. The full pistol grip helps with the weight of this heavy barrel rifle and the balance seems just about right. I am looking forward to shooting it in its new guise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeksofdoom Posted November 19, 2016 Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 It's Fugly but a nice job all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted November 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2016 (edited) Just for the purists, in full star wars mode with flashlight, laser, 3 x 10 tri mag fitted and G3 pouches for 25 rounders well, if you can't have some fun what's the point? Christened Fugly by D of D, shall remain its name Edited November 19, 2016 by impala59 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeksofdoom Posted November 20, 2016 Report Share Posted November 20, 2016 Thanks I'm touched🤓 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 Yep, you're right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted November 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 I respect your views sir, at the other end of the scale have you seen the 416 rugby from OF? Beautiful and a superb bit of kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 24, 2016 Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 Yes, I have thanks. A beautiful work of art. I'm not knocking your projects by the way; functionality over form is some people's priority, and I'm a great believer in each to their own. You crack on Sir. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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