I keep hearing about potential magazine length issues on certain Ruger American calibers. Can someone summarize this for me? Is it just the .223? Is the action physically long enough, just the mag limited with a block? If so, I see am opportunity to design a workaround. Thanks

I've owned two 243's and one 223. I had no issue with any bullet I tried in the 243's. The 105 A-Max reached the lands well within mag box confines. I used to have a picture, but lost it?

The 223 issue was a different story. The 75 A-Max wouldn't work. The rifle was throated appropriately, but the mag box was too short. All other bullets I tried worked fine, but I don't have any 68's or 69's on hand to check.

I tried a modification, but there's not an easy solution.

223 mag...



The back of the mag box snaps off easy enough. Push in the tabs and it pops off. The rear of the box is set up for a rotary fill. No spacer in the box. Just a thin plastic wall.



The hollowed out portion at the rear of the box is really thin. Too thin to increase usable space to 2.5"ish. If this area was solid plastic, it would be a quick fix.

How much more length does it ideally need? Can the existing follower/spring be used or does it need to be longer also? A new plastic rear may not be that hard.

There is no issue unless you want to use heavy (70gr and up) or long bullets (monometal or longish VLD designs) in the 223; in that case, there are other suitable rifles on the market. I'm loading to 2.260" in my RAR 223 and it works fine.

The existing follower and spring would work, but the follower fits in the round hole in the center of the box. It does protrude, so this measurement couldn't change using the same parts. Cartridges could easily flow around the center protrusion though. The spring is in the front of the mag box.

It could be done with a new rear portion of the box....

You'd need .060" more.

SAS,
Thanks for the info, that's what I wanted to know. I don't mind doing the CAD work and getting a mold made to run new parts, but I'd like to know what the market is before I go through the trouble. If enough people would commit to buying them I will do it.

I doubt you'd have any trouble selling a bunch!

I have a CNC Machining Center just sitting still....What about just making some samples from a plastic block to test?

SSB,
What is needed to make this happen? Just a CAD file, if so what format? I am not familiar with creating the machining file, or whatever its called.

I have access to a 3D printer so I could run some SLA parts easily. Funny thing is, I don't own one of these guns so I would need a magazine for getting measurements and a tester for the prototypes.

I will have a rifle here as soon as the stainless compacts are out. Just get me a drawing...I'll take care of the programming.

Scott

Cotis, guess I thought you already had a rifle for measurements...sounds like we are all jumping the gun...lol.

Cotis: Just buy a spare Ruger American magazine. You will sell a boatload of the rear plates. But I would not delay because you have a window of opportunity until Ruger gets off their azz and modifies the factory mags. Quickparts would be another source.

If you are able to make the part...I'd be in for a few!

Magazine is on its way. I hope to have something done in the next week or two.

This project is progressing nicely. Should have something ready in the next week.

Something came Fedex while I was gone yesterday...pics up as soon as Photobucket will allow.

Well? Inquiring minds want to know?

Kaiser Norton

Man this is cool

Cotis is working on some neat stuff. I'll let him elaborate later.

It kinda looks like a diaphragm.

Alright, I'm sold. I want some now, and I don't even have an American yet

But it works in the opposite premise Billy. This one lets things in, instead of keeping things out.

Ha!

This is pretty cool. Will make for a really useful rifle.

Does it work?

It needs a few dimensions tweaked to work perfectly. 1st prototype. I really need some feedback on what would be the longest cartridge so I know how far to set back the rear wall.

Master Cam (I'm assuming that's what you are using) is pretty cool. Shouldn't be too hard to work something up. Get a patent on the SOB and then when Ruger gets their chit together, they will have to pay you

+ 1...could turn out to be a real money maker

So......how good are these Americans shooting?
Guessing pretty good to be worth the trouble?
Shooting great out of the box...no tricks?

Here is my 223 American at 200 YARDS. Not too shabby for a $331 rifle.

First group after mounting a different scope...



I took to a few clicks down...



I moved it a few clicks to the right, pulled the target stand and painted the 200 yard gong. I waited for the wind to die a little to confirm zero....



Two clicks to the right and I then fired this 5 shot 200 yard group on the same gong. I'm impressed with the rifle....and the other American 243's I've owned too.
One inch groups (and below) at 200 make me happy.

I'm anxiously awaiting the SS compacts.

Wow...looks great.
Isn't their claim to fame some v shaped bedding blocks?
Apparently they work!

cotis - any update on the mag mod? Looking at getting a SS 223 and your mod is very interesting.

Anyone considered filling in the "flutes" in the back of the factory mag with devcon or marine tex, and then increasing the depth of the slot for the shells to allow a longer coal. Seems like a steady hand and a dremel could yield similar results as the new back end.

I am still working on the mod, but have been delayed a week due to heavy demands at my real, paying job! The design is basically complete, ShortActionSmoker was testing the first prototypes. I need to make a few tweaks and run another one or two prototpyes for testing. The funny thing is that I don't own one of these guns in .223! Makes it hard for me to test. I am working on solving the production of them now. Full blown injection molds cost thousands so I am looking for a more economical solution. I have ideas on this...

My 1st thought was the same as above, fill in the rear and machine a deeper slot. I do believe this will work but it is not a viable production solution.

Cotis nailed it!!

Fedex dropped the new rear portion of the mag today. I couldn't wait, I had to try it immediately. Put it on a mag and started sticking cartridges in.

The 75 A-Max pictured below measures 2.429". These are into the lands .010". 5 in, 5 out. Not a hitch....

This takes the RAR to another level!

Awesome...put me down for 2

Super cool! Just wish they made a lefty...if so my son'd have one.

Looks good to me, I'll take a few myself when they are in production..

Here is an update on the manufacture of these. They will be injection molded just like the factory. I am building a small-scale injection molding machine to do this. I COULD USE SOME HELP ON A FEW PARTS! I need a metal block or cylinder about 6 to 9" with a large diameter hole down the center. This will become the melting chamber that the ram will push through to inject the melted plastic. Please PM me if you can help as this is the part I need the most help sourcing!

A buddy called me yesterday and told me about an old PVC business that was shutting down and selling stuff off. I ran up there and picked up some things for a song. Specifically this:


I will modify and add to this machine, but it is a great foundation for what I want to build.

I also need a PID temperature controller with thermocouple if someone has one laying around. They look like this:


I can pick one of these up for ~ $30, but if you have one laying around I'd love to swap you some finished mag parts for it!

I am working hard to get the mold made, this is the most difficult part of this endeavor. Several of you have PM'ed me with questions and requests to purchase. I appreciate the support and feedback, please keep them coming.

Well I don't have any of that stuff, but I'm only 90mins from you. If you need a hand with anything in the shop I'm happy to come over and help

too cool!

Any update on the magazines?

Update: I have worked the last two weekends welding up the structure for the injection molding machine. The frame is complete, I am wiring and plumbing it with air this week. I am still waiting for the heater element and injection nozzle to be delivered, hopefully this week. I also need to order the plastic pellets but that is not a long lead-time item.

I still need a valve to control the main air ram if someone has one!

The CAD file for the part is complete. I have given the go-ahead to the mold builder to make it, but that is not going as fast as I would like. I expect this to be three weeks unfortunately so everything will be dependent on when I receive the mold.

Nice work! When Ruger sees how many you sell, you will definitely get your money back on the mold cost.

Very cool! I want a couple! Get yourself protected with a patent NOW!!

I would be thrilled to see you make a fortune.

I don't even have an American yet (waiting on an All Weather), but put me down for 2 when they are ready!

Update on this project: I have the molding machine mostly complete, just waiting on a few more things to finish. The mold is in process, I hope to have it by the end of the month (it may be the first week in June). I should have parts ready by mid June!

I have a list going of all the people who have contacted me or posted an interest in getting some of these. I will contact everyone on this list first when the parts are ready. If you want to be on the list send me a note!

Cotis,

Did you ever get the air valve? I may be able to help. Let me know via PM and we can communicate specs needed.