Anyone any good with a lathe?

[Demonic69]

So it seems Edgar bros can't get an unrestricted magazine tube for a mk1 Hatsan escort.
The next options are to get one made up, have the crimp removed or find one that would fit the threads.
Options 2 and 3 may be a nightmare!
So... :-)
Would any of you enterprising individuals be able to turn me a plain old tube of aluminum into a nice shiny magazine tube?
I can provide the specs or just send the current tube. The tube seems cheap enough of eBay.
Any help appreciated

I don't read my own signature!

[phaedra1106]

If it makes it any easier/cheaper I have a spare FAC slot for a second multi-shot shotgun and would be interested in converting my Sec.2 Escort as well.

It may be easier to knock the crimp out and fit an extension tube, the crimp on the Mk1's isn't as deep as it is on the later models.

The Choate extension I have on my Rem. 870 fits the Escort and just needs a 3-4mm washer for the small gap.

[Demonic69]

Nice one, hopefully someone clever has a spare hour :-)
I was considering the crimp but most places want £60-70 to knock it out and it could still knacker the tube.
I was hoping to pay about the same for a new tube, then I always have a spare restricted one.
Also a new tube could be pre-cut for the extension or the same machinist could do an extension with the lathe already setup for threading :-)

I don't read my own signature!

[phaedra1106]

Or just get a single full size tube and you're ready to go

Just dismantled my mag tube, the only thing the crimp stops is the shell follower, shells drop down the tube straight past it, inner dia. is (approx:) 23.2mm. The existing spring is 83cm so is probably long enough to work with an extended tube or extension tube added.

The existing mag tube is 32.5cm in length and (without the spring) will hold five 70mm shells, on mine there's enough room to double that length and be just over the barrel length so allowing for the spring you should be able to get 7+1 or 8+1.

On my Rem. 870 Wingmaster Deluxe with the +5 extension using Hull Comp-X I can get 10+1, using Eley or Gamebore it's 9+1

[Demonic69]

Or just get a single full size tube and you're ready to go

How would you hold the forend on? ! ;-)

Just dismantled my mag tube, the only thing the crimp stops is the shell follower, shells drop down the tube straight past it. The existing spring is 83cm so is probably long enough to work with an extended tube or extension tube added.

The existing mag tube is 32.5cm in length and (without the spring) will hold five 70mm shells, on mine there's enough room to double that length and be just over the barrel length so allowing for the spring you should be able to get 7+1.

Shame a smaller follower wouldn't activate the bolt hold open or that would be the simplest option!
What diameter do you have for the tube? I was hoping it was 1" with a 1.2mm wall but I think I measured it to 25.8mm, not 25.4.

I don't read my own signature!

[phaedra1106]

A barrel/mag tube clamp placed in front of the forend would keep it in place, but a screw on extension tube would be easier, the Choate +5 was only about £30 from Brownells and came with the spring and a new follower so getting the crimp knocked or reamed out would seem to be the easiest option.

There are Youtube vids of it being done on Remingtons using a suitably sized socket or tapered bar, I tried a few of the ones out of my socket set but they were either just too small or too big.

I get an O/D of 25.7 and I/D of 25.33mm

[Demonic69]

23.33 id? 25 would make the walls a bit thin :-)

I don't read my own signature!

[phaedra1106]

Oops!, 23.33mm

[Demonic69]

The mag extension is just over $80 shipped now from Brownells, so about £50 plus vat and import duty, not far off midway's UK price of £65

I don't read my own signature!

[phaedra1106]

I got mine brought over by a friend who was in the US visiting her son at Fort Drum. Doesn't look like we're going over again any time soon due to my health problems so MidwayUK may be an option if we can get the crimp removed, £74 including shipping, typical MidwayUK rip off