Bolt handle and Receiver Modification on Ruger 10/22

[tishacya]

Hello everyone,

I have a FunGun Thompson Conversion on my Ruger 10/22. I would like to change the charging handle from the side to the TOP of the receiver, so that it is more like a 1921 or 1927 Thompson. I realize this will require modification or custom CNC ing of the bolt handle and the receiver. The basic question I would like addressed is wheather drilling and machining a slot in the top of the receiver will be safe or not? Thanks for any suggestions you may be able to provide.

[ojisan]

You need to modify the original design of the charging handle, as the firing pin runs across the top of the bolt, preventing any attaching to the bolt itself.
You will probably want a slot about 3/8" wide to match the width of the original charging handle bridge over the firing pin area.
This would allow a custom bolt handle to have sufficient strength at the bridge.
You will probably be OK with this, as long as you keep the slot in the receiver as short as possible....which you want to do anyway, as the top of the receiver acts as the upper firing pin guide in the rear.
Using a steel aftermarket receiver would be ideal for this application.
Time to get an 80% steel receiver and start milling away!

[Baggaratzi]

were you able to get this accomplished?