Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Latest on Ruger American 223 mag mod

Lots of progress made! Injection molding machine is finished, mold received on Saturday, and I spent all weekend experimenting with different plastics, colors, temperatures, etc. Smashed my finger along the way, really a dumb move. I managed to make 2 good parts, a few marginal ones, and a bunch of bad ones! I learned that clear polycarbonate material is a no-go, really brittle and not suited well to my setup. Part shattered in the mold and it took me almost two hours to get the pieces out. I found a couple of materials that worked well, made one of each. I will send the parts out tomorrow to shortactionsmoker for testing. If all goes well there it will be time to ramp up production! I contacted Paypal last week and received clearance that this part does NOT violate their acceptable use policy so that makes things easier.

Here are a few pictures:

Very cool

cotis -

I assume you looked into Ruger patents regarding the part before spending time and money on this project?

That's great!

Cost?

Dink

Those things are uber.



Travis

Don't have a RAR (Yet!), which one is your part and what is this going to remedy?

Thanks,

Jerry

Current RAR 223 mags have a molded in block that keeps one from loading 75's and other 'sleek' pills.

Yes, there are no intellectual property issues with this item. Same reason it is not patentable.

Impressive! Now if you just make some 75 amax bullets.

Just picked up my new Ruger American Predator yesterday! Really looking forward to the new magazine mod.

Will you need to modify existing magazines, or will you be selling them whole?

I am not selling whole magazines. I will do the installation of the new rear portion if you send me the magazine(s).

Will you sell just the parts, so that someone can do the modification themselves? Will there be any other payment available other than paypal, such as check, or Postal MO, or credit card?

Do you have a price yet?

My main plan is to sell just the part. I figured I would offer the installation service for anyone who didn't want to mess with it themselves. I hope to accept payments from almost any source, just please don't send me rolls of pennies! The Paypal and credit card processing may have a small fee added to cover some of my expense of that. Not positive as I haven't figured all that out yet.

I will produce a "how-to" instruction sheet with photos detailing the swap.

My price will be $25 for one, $45 for two, and $60 for 3. Want to buy a bunch, contact me and we'll talk! Shipping is included in the price.

I follow the golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated - so if there is a problem I will make it right. You wouldn't believe the amount of time and money I have spent on this in the last several months. My main goal here is simply to make my money back on this project! I could have bought a nice Cooper or Blaser rifle with what I have tied up in this, several if you put a dollar value on my time. Why I am doing all of this, that's a darn good question (I ask myself that sometimes, esp. after I smashed my finger working on it this weekend). I am one of those types that loves to tinker and solve problems, and this looked like a fun one to solve. Want to hear something funny? I don't even own one of these Ruger American rifles in .223 yet! Combine that with an entrepreneurial spirit and you find someone who is rarely bored. I have already ordered some bluetooth hardware for my next project, wireless control of a Pro Chrono chronograph using your cell phone!

I am still determining how long it takes me to make one. My manufacturing is a very manual operation and I still have to do some post-injection processing on the part. The three locking tabs need to be glued into the main body. Also, one of the holes for the mating tab is proving to be VERY difficult. you can actually see this in the 1st picture of this thread, it's the part in the upper left corner of the picture. There is a very thin-wall condition going on where the plastic does not want to flow. It is even a problem on the factory part from Ruger, the two I have from them both show problems in this area. I guarantee you they are using a bigger injection press than I am! I have removed the tab from my mold so it actually gets injected as a positive, then I cut the positive off and manually machine in the negative slot. Delicate work as the walls that are left are less than 1 mm thick.

Thanks for the interest and support! Chaz

Thank you for your entrepreneurial spirit! I'll take 2 when they are available

I am in!

I will take one !

2 for me !

Put me down for one as well, thanks

Nice work, cotis. Am awaiting their release.

I don't own one either but I am in for two. Let me know when to send the money.

Dink

Could I open one up to work on a .308?



Travis

I'm in for one and don't own one either

I have a spreadsheet going with all the people who have PM'd me or posted an interest. Thanks!

The parts I sent out for evaluation had a minor fit issue but we have identified and solved it.

I ordered more plastic raw material and a 3 ton clamp today. I hope to make more parts this weekend! I did try to buy one of these guns today, struck out at both Sportsmans Warehouse in Southaven and Bass Pro in Memphis. I know where there is a blued full size one at a local gun shop but I really want a stainless or predator version.

cotis,

Put me down for Two. I'll buy the gun later... I've learned not to miss these small shop runs as often they never happen again.

Are they making the RAR predator in stainless? I truly hope so!

Jerry

I would like 2 of these. Just had my dealer order a stainless compact for my son.

Thanks

I'll take 4 please.

I'll take 2!

No, the Predator is not available in stainless, at least not at the moment. Just picked one up on Monday, waiting on my scope and rings to arrive!

What is the allowable C.O.A.L.?

Thanks

I don't remember the factory mag COAL, but I have added 0.230 to it with my part.

Anyone who has contacted me via PM or posted here that they want one, I have your name on my list. Don't worry, I won't forget you as I need to sell some of these things! Hopefully the last of my needed supplies arrive this weekend so I can start cranking them out as fast as I can. I hope to have all commitments fulfilled before the 4th of July. Thanks guys!

If anyone is on other forums I would really appreciate it if you could spread the word regarding this part. Maybe I should set up a referral program?

COAL exceeds 2.5"...

You can reach the lands with room to spare with 75's and 80's....

I'll take 2 for $45 if I can send you a check or Postal Money order.

I don't mind if you wait for the check to clear before shipping. I'll also do a credit card if you get set up. Just let us know when to send the money.

I don't own a RAR yet either.

PM sent. Cool stuff sir.

It's taken 6 hours today, a trailer hitch ball (sacrificed for the 3/4-16 threaded shank), a 3/4" socket, an hour on the drill press and other fiddling, but the new clamp is made and installed! The socket allows for precise length adjustments to the clamp pressure. Glad I always have a habit of turning around to pick up tools I see on the road! The socket was one of these pick-ups. Time to start making parts!

This looks like a continuation of an earlier thread but I can't find it with the Search function. Can you give me the title and date of the first thread?

I don't need to shoot long, heavy bullets but my 223 RAR is having failure to feed issues with every load, including 55 grain bullets. Will this modification help with that?

What are your feeding issues?

I know where there is a compact stainless for sale if interested. I have a full size in SS and it is a good shooter, put a 4-12 redfield revolution on it and many crows have bit the dust.

cotis,

358wsm asked the same question above that I have; what is the C.O.A.L?

Could you take a measurement and let us know please?

Thanks
Jim

Hi Steelhead. Hope I don't offend with this digression.

Started with occasional misfeed with 65gr to 75gr bullets, but I thought it was a break in issue and intend to use 55gr loads anyway. On another thread I went on and on about how much I like this rifle.

I now have over 300 rounds through it and it has gotten worse. Happens usually with the first round, almost always with the last round, and, for some reason, almost never with the 2d, 3d and 4th round.

Working the bolt with some vigor helps but is not a complete fix. It happens with all loads now, even 55gr FMJ. The bolt rides up over the case, sometimes after it starts to push the round out, sometimes before it even moves the round at all.

Partly its the magazine as it can get jammed just trying to load rounds into the magazine. But it may be more than the mag. It happens even when I place a round into the ejection port, resting on the magazine lips. Seems to catch up on the throat.

I ordered a spare magazine from the online Ruger store and I hope that helps when it comes in. After 30 years of owning many different Rugers this is my first problem of any kind.

I like the rifle so much I will keep it even if I can't sort this out and just treat it as a single shot that might work like a repeater now and then. So much for using is as my dangerous game stopper.

I have his prototypes and his first set of mag mods. As I stated before, the COAL is in excess of 2.5". I'll get you a specific measurement when I get home later.

Easy fix. Your mag lips are too tight. Open the forward portion of the mag up a little with a Dremel or file.

When this happens...



Too tight...



Just right....

For reference... Here is a 75 A-Max loaded .010" INTO the lands. You won't be shooting bullets much longer than this...



IIRC....the round was loaded at 2.41". It looks as if there is too much space, but that's not the case. There is a slight bevel inside the mag box that can't been seen in the picture. I know there is a minimum of 2.5" of usable mag space. I'll get a max measurement later today...

I just measured the mag using both the factory part and my modification. Factory measures at 2.300", mine measures 2.520". As SAS said, there is a bevel in the front of the mag that shortens the usable length slightly. Additionally, the angle changes slightly on my part so I would be comfortable saying the usable length of my part is 2.500" inches.

My part will not correct magazine feeding issues, that is caused by the front half of the mag.

Rugerdiggs, I would be interested in the compact stainless.

Thank you much SAS, I will give that a try.

That didn't take long. Went a bit farther than you showed, mine ended up measuring .042, but it worked like a charm. Slow, fast or in between it is cycling 5 out of 5 every time. Thank you again. Back to the range for more fun later this week.

That's why I asked. SAS told me, I opened the mag, voila it feeds like a fat boy at a buffet.

Glad you asked. Glad SAS answered. This made my day.

tag

For the record I called Ruger about the problem, they mailed me 2 magazines gratis. New mags are wider.

Did the same thing with my dads 243 and ruger sent me one new one. I'll open the lips up a bit tonight on the bad one and then I'll have two when somebody buys it. Mine was doing exactly what SAS picture depicted.

Attempted to make some parts tonight. Ended up with 2 good ones and 10 bad ones! Lots of short fills in the mold, still figuring things out. I think the humidity is messing things up some. At this rate it's going to take a while to make the quantity I want....

You have gotten this far, you'll figure it out. Keep up the good work!

BTW - I have my RAR now, a Predator model. Put a Redfield Battlezone 3x9x42 on it. Haven't shot it yet...too hot to go to the range!

What material did you end up using?

Any update here? Hello?

I apologize for the delayed update. I worked on this up until the July 4th weekend then I took a break. I had guests in town and needed to relax. I am currently away on business.

status: I have made about a dozen good shots with another dozen I would classify as "blems" (functional but not perfect). Of this batch I have 4 completely finished. 2 I shipped to a member here who sent me money without me asking. The other 2 I planned on shipping to shortactionsmoker since he has helped me on this from the beginning.
I am currently away on business but I dropped the mold off at my local machine shop to solve some issues that were killing my productivity. I should be good to go when I get back.

Tedthorn-I have had the best luck using PC-ABS material, but I haven't given up on the pa66 glass fill stuff. The small inserts in the mold that kept popping out were killing my process because it takes me a long time to remove them from the part and re-insert them into the mold. I believe this time affects the plastic because it sits there "cooking" instead of being injected. Now that I have this solved I can focus on the temperature and pressure process hopefully.

I have purposely not opened up order-taking as I don't want to be in a position of receiving money and not have inventory to ship out immediately. Rest assured if you have posted or contacted me with an interest in this I have you on my list and will contact you! Thanks, Chaz

I'd like to be in line for 2 when you get ready to sell some. I admire your hard work and will get a RAR at some point.

I'm in for 4 when available.

David

I wish you the best of luck but I had a feeling process time would affect mold and resin temperature and cause you headache

Simple PP or PS might be your best bet. This we run by the trainloads and is very forgiving

In for 2 also

Chaz,
Awesome work so far. I'm in for 4 when ready.


Thanks, Tom

Definitely interested in a couple of these

Pm sent on payment instructions I would like one when available.

Thanks

Put me down for two

Just curious, any update on these? Looking forward to carrying the long ones in the mag on the snow machine this winter....

I am just about ready to receive orders. Should be ready in the next few weeks at most! Chaz

Excellent.

Thanks Chaz. Looking forward to it.

Put me down for three please.

I will take two,and I don't even have a rifle for it ,yet.

I'm in for three for sure.

No pressure, put me down for three, too. Thanks.

Cotis,

Any update? Anxiously waiting to send you money.....



David

Here is my update on the mag mod manufacture. I have desperately wanted to make some the past few weeks, but life happens. Work got really busy, I had a weekend committed out on something, and last weekend was the opening of bow season for deer in TN (sorry, I have to have a little fun!). I ordered 10lbs of pellets last week so I have plenty of raw material on hand. I had good intentions of starting last night, but the replacement part for my garage door opener came in so I fixed it instead. I was really tired of opening that damn thing manually!

This is the exact reason I didn't collect money ahead of time, I didn't want to be in a position of not delivering. I underestimated the demand on this project which is a good thing I guess. Ruger has really helped me out with the introduction of the new Predator and Ranch lines (I didn't see that coming). If I would have known this I really would have done a kickstarter style campaign to raise enough money for a full production mold so parts could be made by a full-blown injection house (probably would need around $5k).

I have sent a few parts out already from by 1st prototype batch, I was hoping those customers would publish their experience with it but that hasn't happened yet. I really just need a solid few days of productive injection molding (not a bunch of half-shots in the mold) and I can crank these out. I have some vacation days to burn and I plan on starting tonight! Almost wish I had some help now....

I appreciate the support so far.
Chaz

Looking forward to getting mine!

I got one from Cotis and it is great. It snapped right in and works like a charm. Cotis pointed out to me that the tabs on the factory part are not very strong and are easy to break if your not careful. He is right. The part that he makes is stronger than the factory one. I've been loading the 75 AMax out to 2.390" with plenty of clearance. Feeds as well if not better than with the original mag. I just wish my rifle would stop spraying the Amax's to 4" groups at 100. Thanks Cotis, appreciate your work on this.

....

Cotis,

Much appreciated!

Thanks, David

Hmmm

When it happens I'll take 4.


Thanks.

Update: today couldn't have gone much better. This afternoon I successfully made over a dozen mag bodies and tabs. A new 30 gallon air compressor borrowed from a friend along with some Hornady one shot case lube made all the difference in the world. I still need to machine the slot in these, glue in the tabs, and do some minor fitting but I couldn't be happier with today's work.

I have some work things that will prevent me from doing much on this, especially next week, but I hope to get today's parts finished before then. I will start contacting people on the waiting list when that happens.

Chaz,

I really appreciate all of the hard work. I know your primary motivation was the millions of dollars to be made in making one-off magazine parts for a disount rifle - still I think a small part of the motivation was to help your fellow shooters.

Regards,
David

If you're still doing this, I'll gladly take 4 please!

Tako,
Still doing this. I'll put you on the list.

Put me on the list for 5 of them....Thanks!!

I will take two. My new 300 BLK has the same problem as described on the 223's

@Cotis

I will take two. Please put me on the list. Thank you for your ingenuity.

just a plug for Chaz...

I got 2 of them on the initial offering...

I am thrilled with my two... I highly recommend them to anyone owning a Ruger American in 223... Mine is a Ruger American Predator...

They are nice. He spent a bunch of money and tons of time with R&D. I wish him the best. His mag extension takes the rifle to the next level.

I'll take two as well. I'm ready to start in with the heavies and see what this rig can do.

Cotis,

Please put me on the list for 2!

Thank you sir!!!!

Any update??

Thanks tAKo

Latest update:
First off, I was sick all last weekend so I didn't do anything other than sleep, rest and watch TV. I am back up and going now.

I purposely made the decision never to take money in advance for orders because life has a way of happening. Well, it has. My wife has accepted a new job starting at the first of the year, only it's in a different state 10 hours away. So my nice plan of taking the last 3 weeks of the year off to do some hunting, resting, making parts, etc. is blown out the window. Now I am spending that time helping her move, etc. We have a good marriage but this will be a new experience doing the long distance thing for a while.

The good news is I will have plenty of time come 2015 to make parts! Until then my time is limited so I humbly ask for your patience. I am open to selling the entire setup if anyone is interested.

Thanks,
Chaz

Well glad you're doing better now, always a nasty sickness this time of the year. Like you said "Life has a way of happening" so I understand that things come up, and no one can get mad at that! Hope the move goes smoothly, and your wife enjoys her new job. Also hope that you enjoy the holidays, and all works out nicely.

I'm in no hurry to receive these, just got bored at work, figured I'd see how the production was coming along. Really appreciated the update!



Thanks, tAKo

Glad you're doing well

This is a little off the topic but I.ve searched and can't find anything.I have a American in .243 that has feeding issues the second shell doesn't move up in the magazine.I called Ruger they are sending me a new magazine said I could keep the old one. I want to try to fix it any tips for taking it apart and putting it back together any flying pieces to watch out for?

Wait for Cotis to reply. In a pm he told me there is a trick to taking them apart w/o breaking the tabs but I don't know what it is. I had already broken the tabs on my old base, but because I had Cotis's replacement base I didn't care.

David

Willycc, sounds like you have a defective magazine somehow. The part I make only works on .223 magazines.

I have found a pretty consistent way of taking them apart, but it is not foolproof. Depending on how careful and patient you are directly determines your success. The temperature of the plastic also makes a difference. Colder makes it more brittle and prone to breakage. Warm the mag using a hair dryer or hot water before disassembly.

There are three tabs holding the two portions together (the tabs lock into the holes on the sides of the mag). There is one tab on the left and two on the right. DO NOT MESS WITH THE TABS ON THE RIGHT! pretty much guaranteed to break at least one of them if you do. I push in the tab on the left with a small screwdriver while pulling on the rear of the mag. Don't push in on tab too hard as you will stress and break it. You are going for the absolute minimum force required to release it from the locking hole. You are trying to release just the left side by pulling back on the rear portion of the mag (basically twisting it slightly counter-clockwise when looking at the mag from the top, front of mag at 12 o'clock).

Once the left tab is free continued rotation counter-clockwise will allow the right tabs to unlock from their holes and release the rear portion. Reassembly is easier, just get the follower point in the hole on the rear portion and snap the rear directly forward onto the front.

It helps to have three hands for this procedure so I usually secure the mag in a vice with just enough tension to hold it securely. I also use a fired shell casing to hold the mag follower down so it doesn't unwind and pop out when you separate the mag. The pictures below show all of this.

Mag in vice with shell casing holding follower down:


Pressing in left tab:


Rotating rear portion off:

Thank you. I'am not going to try anything till I have the other mag.The spring seems a little weak in this one. Don't know if I can fix it but I'll give it a try. Thanks Again
Bill

Just got a 16"-barreled Ruger American Ranch today. Jammed a long-loaded A-Max into the lands and it came out with COL of 2.525". Wonder if the Ranch has more freebore since it's chambered in "5.56"?? Should be perfect with the mag extension.

Member darrenk75b was kind enough to give up his extensions since he doesn't have a RAR yet. They should be in the mail now and I have a VX2 3-9x40 with CDS in the mail headed here also.

Can't wait to wring it out with the suppressor.

I'm at 2.445 in my 22" all weather RAR w/ 75 Amax's at a light Kiss. Have heard longer and shorter - it all work's w/ Chaz's mag extension.

David

I bought another mag today,and had a box of 75 gr bullets up to the checkout,then remembered I cant use them yet.

They'll be available soon....