I have a couple of 1909 Argentine actions that were built by DWM Berlin, based on the large-ring 98 design. I'm planning to build a pair of custom rifles on these actions and I've been debating what cartridge I should chamber each in. I'm close to finalizing my plans, which actually won't impact action length, but I've become curious about this subject, knowing what I do about the 1909's action length and at least one popular cartridge selection -- 30-06.
The 1909 action's length, as well as the length of the magazine, is almost exactly 3 inches. The 1909 was originally chambered in 7.65mm x 53 Argentine, which is almost exactly 3 inches in length (76mm, or 2.99 inches). And the reason why I'm posting this note is because the 30-06 is about 3.34 inches in length. So what I'm wondering is, how does a 30-06 cartridge fit in a 3 inch long magazine well? Did the gunsmith somehow lengthen the action, magazine, and bolt to accept the longer cartridge length? Neglecting tempering issues, it seems extremely doubtful to me.
Me, I'd say it can't be done, but in my recent browsings I've come across several custom rifles based on 1909 action that were chambered in 30-06.
Oh, and in case you're curious, I've just about made my mind up on the classic 7mm Mauser and the 6.5mm Creedmoor, both of which will fit the 1909 action. So, why build two rifles only 0.5mm apart? Good question. The 7mm Mauser because of its important place in the history of modern smokeless cartridge design and, well, just because I've always liked it, and the 6.5 Creedmoor because that one's gonna be a long-distance tack driver -- of course.
The 1909 action's length, as well as the length of the magazine, is almost exactly 3 inches. The 1909 was originally chambered in 7.65mm x 53 Argentine, which is almost exactly 3 inches in length (76mm, or 2.99 inches). And the reason why I'm posting this note is because the 30-06 is about 3.34 inches in length. So what I'm wondering is, how does a 30-06 cartridge fit in a 3 inch long magazine well? Did the gunsmith somehow lengthen the action, magazine, and bolt to accept the longer cartridge length? Neglecting tempering issues, it seems extremely doubtful to me.
Me, I'd say it can't be done, but in my recent browsings I've come across several custom rifles based on 1909 action that were chambered in 30-06.
Oh, and in case you're curious, I've just about made my mind up on the classic 7mm Mauser and the 6.5mm Creedmoor, both of which will fit the 1909 action. So, why build two rifles only 0.5mm apart? Good question. The 7mm Mauser because of its important place in the history of modern smokeless cartridge design and, well, just because I've always liked it, and the 6.5 Creedmoor because that one's gonna be a long-distance tack driver -- of course.