I remember the first time I dropped a perfectly good box of expensive hunting ammo because the bottom of my rifle’s detachable box magazine decided to spontaneously eject its contents. It was a crisp autumn morning, the kind where the air bites your cheeks and the deer are supposedly staging a tactical retreat into the thicket. That’s when the question really hit me: can any Savage rifle be fitted with a hinged floorplate? It’s not about fancy looks; it’s about reliability when it matters most.
For years, I’ve wrestled with detachable magazines on bolt-action rifles. They have their place, sure, especially for varmint hunters or tactical applications. But for pure, unadulterated hunting in the field, there’s something profoundly comforting about a fixed, hinged floorplate. It’s a simpler design, less prone to accidental releases. So, let’s cut through the noise and get down to brass tacks about whether you can actually make this happen on a Savage.
The Allure of the Hinged Floorplate
Look, I’m not going to pretend that detachable magazines are inherently evil. For certain jobs, they’re brilliant. Quick reloads, easily swapping between different ammo types if you’re a real tweaker, or just the sheer convenience of popping one out to clear a jam. My buddy, bless his technically inclined heart, swears by the modularity of his detachable-box-fed rifle for coyote hunting. He can slap a different magazine in there faster than I can un-bag my lunch.
But for me, the heart of a hunting rifle beats with a hinged floorplate. There’s a tangible sense of security. You know that ammunition is staying put, nestled in the stock, not threatening to spill onto the damp forest floor at the slightest bump.
I’ve seen it happen, man. I once watched a guy at a deer stand, a total stranger, have his entire magazine dump its load a good thirty seconds before a nice buck stepped out. He was fumbling, cursed under his breath, and the deer, naturally, vanished. That’s the kind of scenario that makes you appreciate the simplicity and solidness of a hinged floorplate.
It’s not about being old-fashioned; it’s about proven dependability when you’re miles from anywhere and every second counts. The fewer moving parts that can go haywire, the better, in my book. It’s a design that’s stood the test of time for a reason.
Can Any Savage Rifle Be Fitted with a Hinged Floorplate? The Short Answer
Alright, let’s get this out of the way. Can any Savage rifle be fitted with a hinged floorplate? The honest, blunt answer is: probably not without significant, potentially cost-prohibitive gunsmithing, and in many cases, it’s simply not practical or advisable.
Savage Arms has a vast lineup, and while many of their rifles share common design elements, the systems for feeding ammunition vary considerably. Some Savage models are designed from the ground up for detachable box magazines, and attempting to convert them to a hinged floorplate system isn’t like swapping out a part.
It often involves modifying or replacing the entire barreled action, the stock, and potentially even the bolt head. It’s not a weekend project for the faint of heart, or for anyone trying to save a buck.
However, this doesn’t mean all hope is lost for Savage owners craving that floorplate feel. Certain Savage models, particularly those with a long history and a more traditional bolt-action design, are far more amenable to such modifications. Think of the older, classic bolt-action Savages.
If your rifle was originally designed to accept a hinged floorplate, then yes, the question of fitting one becomes much simpler. It’s about understanding what Savage platform you have. Is it a modern, polymer-stocked rifle built around a detachable magazine system, or is it a more traditional hunting rifle with a wooden stock and a solid bottom metal?
This distinction is key. The former is a hard no for an easy conversion; the latter might be a possibility, albeit one that requires careful consideration and likely a professional touch.
The Mechanics of Conversion: What’s Involved?
So, you’ve got a Savage rifle that wasn’t originally built with a hinged floorplate, and you’re determined to make it happen. What does that actually entail? Well, it’s a bit like trying to stuff a V8 engine into a Fiat 500. It’s not just about bolting on a new part; it’s about fundamentally altering the rifle’s action and stock to accommodate a different feeding system. Most modern Savage bolt-action rifles, especially those in their popular AXIS or B-series lines, are manufactured with integral internal magazines or are designed solely for detachable box magazines. The stock and the receiver are often machined to accept these specific magazine systems. Converting one of these to a hinged floorplate involves several major hurdles. (See Also: Are Spring Loaded Door Hinges Better )
First, you need compatible bottom metal. This isn’t just a trigger guard; it’s a unit that includes the hinged floorplate mechanism itself and the magazine box. Savage doesn’t typically offer these as simple drop-in parts for rifles not designed for them. You’d likely need to find a gunsmith who can either fabricate custom bottom metal or source rare, older Savage parts that might fit.
Second, the stock needs to be inletted – that means precisely cutting out wood or polymer to house the new bottom metal. This requires specialized tools and a skilled hand.
A poorly inletted stock can lead to feeding issues, action stress, or even structural weakness. Finally, you might need to consider the magazine box itself.
A hinged floorplate system uses a fixed magazine box that opens via the floorplate. This box needs to be the right length and width for your specific Savage action and caliber. It’s a cascade of requirements. The cost of parts and labor for such a custom job can easily run into several hundred dollars, often exceeding the value of a factory-built rifle with the desired feature.
It’s a project for someone who truly loves a specific rifle and is willing to invest heavily in making it their own, rather than a cost-effective solution.
When It might Be Possible: Older Savage Models
Now, let’s talk about the glimmer of hope. Savage has been making rifles for a long time. If you’re looking at some of their older, perhaps less common, bolt-action hunting rifles – think models that predate the widespread adoption of the detachable box magazine as the default – you might be in luck. Some of these were indeed designed with internal magazines and hinged floorplates.
The most obvious candidates are often found within their Model 110 series, particularly the earlier iterations or specific hunting variants. If your Savage rifle already has a solid metal floorplate that doesn’t detach, but rather pivots open, then congratulations, you already have what you’re looking for! The question then becomes, can you upgrade or repair it?
For these older models, the feasibility of fitting or replacing a hinged floorplate depends on parts availability. Savage does offer replacement parts, but finding specific floorplate assemblies for vintage rifles can be a scavenger hunt. Gun shows, online forums dedicated to Savage rifles, and specialized gunsmiths who deal in older firearms are your best bet. You’re looking for a bottom metal unit that is designed to fit your specific action length (short, long, etc.)
and caliber group. It’s not a universal part. If your rifle has a detachable magazine system that looks similar to a hinged floorplate setup (i.e., it’s not a polymer box that clips in), there’s a slim chance that the receiver and stock inletting might be compatible with a factory-style hinged floorplate unit from a similar vintage or model. This is where a knowledgeable gunsmith is invaluable.
They can assess your rifle and tell you if a conversion is even remotely practical, or if you’re better off selling the rifle and buying one that came from the factory with the features you want. My buddy, who’s always tinkering, managed to retrofit a beautiful walnut stock and a factory hinged floorplate onto a rather plain-looking Savage Model 11 that was originally a detachable magazine rifle.
It took him a solid two months of searching for parts and careful inletting, but the end result was a rifle that felt and functioned exactly how he wanted it to for his deer hunts. It cost him about $250 in parts and a lot of his own sweat equity.
The Detachable Magazine Savage: A Different Beast
Let’s be crystal clear: if you have a Savage AXIS or a more modern Savage B-series rifle that came from the factory with a detachable box magazine, attempting to convert it to a hinged floorplate is generally a fool’s errand. These rifles are engineered around the detachable magazine system. The receiver, the bolt, and importantly, the stock are all designed with this in mind. The stock, in particular, has a specific inletting that is precisely shaped to accept the polymer or metal detachable magazine and its release mechanism. There is no inherent provision for a hinged floorplate assembly. (See Also: A Box Without Hinges Key )
The bottom metal on these rifles is typically just a trigger guard and a shroud for the magazine well, not a support for an internal magazine or a hinged floorplate. To install a hinged floorplate on such a rifle, you would not only need to find or fabricate a complete bottom metal unit with the floorplate mechanism, but you would also need to completely re-inlet the stock to accommodate it. This isn’t a simple wood file job; it requires specialized tools and the skill to remove material precisely without compromising the structural integrity of the stock.
Furthermore, the internal magazine box that would sit within the action would need to be compatible with your specific Savage action and caliber. The cost of such custom work, including the specialized parts and the gunsmith’s time, would almost certainly far exceed the price of a new Savage rifle that is already equipped with a hinged floorplate, if such a model exists within their current lineup for your desired caliber.
It’s akin to trying to retrofit a sunroof into a car that wasn’t designed for one – possible, but wildly expensive and often results in compromises.
Common Mistakes and Practical Tips
When people start thinking about modifying their rifles, especially for something like a hinged floorplate conversion on a Savage, they often make a few common blunders. The biggest one, I see it all the time, is underestimating the complexity and cost. People see a picture of a rifle with a hinged floorplate and think, ‘Oh, that looks simple, I’ll just swap this bit out.’ They don’t realize the intricate machining and inletting that goes into making these systems work flawlessly.
Another mistake is buying parts without confirming compatibility. Just because a part looks like it might fit doesn’t mean it will.
Savage actions come in different lengths (short, long, magnum) and calibers have different magazine box dimensions. Trying to force incompatible parts together is a recipe for disaster, potentially damaging both the parts and your rifle.
Here are a few tips if you’re still set on exploring this, even with the caveats: 1. Identify Your Exact Savage Model: This is most important.
Know the model number, the action length, and the caliber. This information is usually stamped on the barrel or receiver. 2. Consult a Reputable Gunsmith EARLY: Before you buy a single part, talk to a gunsmith who has experience with Savage rifles and custom stock work.
Get a realistic quote for parts and labor. They can tell you if your specific rifle is even a candidate. 3. Consider a Trade or Sale: Often, the most practical and cost-effective solution is to sell your current Savage rifle and put that money towards a different rifle that already has the features you desire.
There are many excellent hunting rifles on the market from various manufacturers that come standard with hinged floorplates. This saves you the headache, the expense, and the potential disappointment of a botched custom job.
For instance, Savage themselves might have a different model in their lineup that already meets your needs. Don’t be afraid to admit defeat on a conversion and look for a factory-built solution. My buddy, the one who did the retrofit, mentioned he spent nearly $400 all told after all the unforeseen issues and extra parts, which was more than he could have bought a comparable Remington 700 with a floorplate for at the time.
He got it done, but it wasn’t the budget project he initially hoped for. (See Also: Are Integrated Washing Machine Door Hinges Standard )
Frequently Asked Questions About Savage Hinged Floorplates
Q: Can I convert my Savage AXIS to a hinged floorplate?
A: It is highly impractical and generally not recommended to convert a Savage AXIS rifle to a hinged floorplate. The AXIS is designed from the ground up for its specific detachable box magazine system. The stock and receiver are not made to accommodate a different feeding mechanism. Any attempt at conversion would require extensive, costly custom gunsmithing and fabrication, likely exceeding the rifle’s value.
Q: Where can I find parts for an older Savage rifle with a hinged floorplate?
A: For older Savage models, parts can be scarce. Your best bet is to check specialized online forums dedicated to Savage firearms, auction sites like eBay (with caution and verifying seller reputation), or contact gunsmiths who specialize in vintage or older firearms. Savage Arms’ official parts department may have some common replacement parts, but specific floorplate assemblies for older models are often discontinued.
Q: How much does it typically cost to convert a rifle to a hinged floorplate?
A: The cost varies wildly. For a rifle that is a good candidate, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 or more for parts and labor. This depends heavily on the availability of parts, the complexity of the inletting required, and the gunsmith’s hourly rate. If the rifle requires significant fabrication or custom machining, the cost can easily climb much higher.
Q: Are there any Savage rifles currently made that come with a hinged floorplate?
A: Savage Arms has shifted focus towards detachable magazine systems for many of their newer bolt-action hunting rifles. While they have historically offered models with hinged floorplates, their current lineup primarily features detachable magazines. You might find some specific older hunting models or specialized variants that still offer this feature, but it’s less common than it used to be. Always check the specifications of the exact model you are interested in.
Final Verdict
So, can any Savage rifle be fitted with a hinged floorplate? The short, unvarnished truth is no, not really, especially if you’re talking about their more modern, detachable-magazine-centric platforms like the AXIS. The engineering and stock inletting are just too different. It’s like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, and the cost of making it fit will likely surprise you.
Your best bet for a Savage with a hinged floorplate is to find one that was designed that way from the factory, likely an older hunting model. If you’ve got your heart set on converting a rifle that wasn’t built for it, be prepared for a potentially expensive and complex journey that might be better spent on a different rifle altogether. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one: buy the rifle that already does what you want.
If you’re still intrigued by the conversion idea, do yourself a favor and go talk to a gunsmith. Get a reality check on the costs and feasibility before you spend a dime on parts. It might save you a whole lot of money and frustration in the long run.
