Update 3/18/08, We're into version 2.2 of the NEW carrier. Hap just keeps bringing this thing closer and closer to the design concept, and it keeps getting better and better. See my updated pics on page two, with the new spring, and more pice of the revised mechanism. It's coming along. Soon, very soon
Just got word this evening from "The Smith Shop". Hap has completed the engineering on the "Adirondack Jack's Short Stop" carrier. Designed for use with .44 Russian and Cowboy .45 Special cartridges in '66 and '73 rifles.
Here's a quote from Hap " I loaded the tube with 12 rounds of .44 Russian 3 times and pumped them through as fast as I could lever it. No hiccups at all. ..." (he goes on to say this was live fire. No issues at all)
It's gonna take a little bit to get a batch of these made up, but his prototype is finalized and works like a charm. I'm astounded that he translated my sketch to metal with 100% success in the very first prototype!!!!
The technical "poop" is as follows. Instead of the traditional flat spring "brute force" method of holding back the cartridge to prevent the carrier from letting in two, the "Short Stop" is a pivoting dog clutch that pivots at the rear, so that when engaged, it provides a positive mechanical stop, blocking off the carrier passage at the rear of the cartridge, and when the bolt comes forward, it pivots to allow the bolt to pass. A flat spring then returns the stop to the passage as the bolt it withdrawn, in readiness for the next cartridge. The spring ONLY flips the dog into the passage, and therefore can be relatively weak, so as not to add a "bump" to the lever cycle. The dog itself is a pivoting lever held in a positively locked position by pressure on the cartridges applied by the magazine tube spring.
I designed it almost literally in my sleep one night last week, not sleeping well... (I know, bragging, etc, but for a non-engineer, a behavioral science major at that, it's a big deal) and Hap translated my sketch and description perfectly.
It may take a little while to get a batch made, but this is a reality. .44 Russian AND Cowboy .45 Special will be useable with complete confidence in .44 and .45 toggle links respectively.
Hap reports that even with the carrier on the bench nose up, he could not force a cartridge past the stop. He beat on it with a drift and hammer and only drove the bullet back into the case. The stop held with no failure of the mechanism, and the cartridge did not slip the stop.
I gotta tell ya, this is a design that means business. "Shoot for fun" types and gamers alike will enjoy this
"Some minor gunsmithing required" means this. All rifles will need a slot cut into the side of the bolt. The cartridge stop is physically too wide to disappear fully into the thin sidewall of the carrier and still retain the strength for absolutely positive action and long life. In order to accomodate it, a slot was needed. We hoped for a complete drop-in part, but opted for absolutely positive action that required a little beefier dog. This is not rocket science, and any reasonably competent smith will be able to follow Hap's instructions (some shooters may opt to "kitchen table" it as well). In most cases the carrier will drop right in once the bolt is slotted. The carrier itself will start life as a stock replacement part and be modified to accept the Short Stop mechanism. So aside from making the cut in the side of the bolt, this is no different than replacing the stock carrier. SOME early rifles may have narrow receivers and require a little lapping of the carrier sides, as with any aftermarket '73 carrier. Again, not rocket science.
Your "long cartridge" carrier will be able to go right back in if desired, simply by swapping the original carrier back in. The bolt cut is of no consequence in a '66/73 rifle, as the operating pressures are not sufficient to make it an issue.
side view of the mechanism
Installed in a .44 rifle, rendering it a .44 Russian rifle. Note the "dog" behind the case head.
Note the Short Stop is partially pivoted in this photo as the incoming cartridge feeds past it.
The carriers will be sold through both cowboy45special.com and thesmithshop..com. As soon as I have a little better handle on an estimated production schedule and pricing, I'll be starting a "reserve me a carrier" list. Keep an eye out on Cowboy45special.com
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Topic: Attn Larson et al: The "Short Stop" '66-73 carrier UPDATE 3/18 (Read 8274 times)