Converting 581 Remington to .17 HMR or .22 mag single shot

[Texas by God]

My wife gave me a Remington 581-S .22 bolt action 29 yrs ago. It's very accurate but the magazines are problematic. The 5 shot works ok but I've screwed & glued & stapled it back together many times. The ten shot mags like to unload themselves at random. I was wondering if any one has converted one to single shot .17 or .22 mag? Rebarreling and perhaps some bolt face work and a blind floor plate and JB in a feed ramp.Has any of you customized one of these mini 788s? Best, Thomas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

[Steelshooter]

Go to RimfireCentral, there is two differant people selling after market mags. One plastic and one metal. I have no experiance with them, but everyone that has them love them. Personnally I would just buy a rifle in what caliper I want, it will be cheaper.

[Texas by God]

Thanks, I'll check them out. If a flawless metal mag is available I'll go that route.

[Steelshooter]

From the reviews you won't sorry. I think the guy also sells on gunbroker.

[oldblinddog]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Remington-5-Rd-Magazine-For-Model-581-541S-1000-/182396381369?hash=item2a77abe8b9:g:a3EAAOSwEzxYUMO M

[Blanket]

Guy on 24hour campfire has metal ones for sale

[oldblinddog]

Guy on 24hour campfire has metal ones for sale

The 6 shot steel magazines for a 511 will not fit the 581. Are these new made magazines?

[Steelshooter]

John Reed at rimfirecentral.com makes flush fitting 5 round magazines that are metal.

[Blanket]

yes new made 581

[izzyjoe]

As far as converting it to magnum, Im not sure but I don't think the action is long enough, and I don't think it will handle the psi difference. Be cheaper to find a 17 or 22 mag for sale.

[Texas by God]

As far as converting it to magnum, Im not sure but I don't think the action is long enough, and I don't think it will handle the psi difference. Be cheaper to find a 17 or 22 mag for sale.
I might be wrong but the same basic action was used for 5mm mag so it's plenty strong.

[KCSO]

Tried this years ago with a conversion to 22 mag. The action was strong enough and worked but the accuracy was disappointing as compared to the long rifle rounds.

[oldblinddog]

I might be wrong but the same basic action was used for 5mm mag so it's plenty strong.

No, they are not "the same basic action". The 591 is substantially heavier walled and, therefore, larger than a 581. I have two 580's and recently examined a 592 (tube magazine) at the LGS. Spotted the difference right off. If I could get ammo, I would buy it tomorrow.

[Texas by God]

Yep. I'm wrong again thank you for the lesson. I'll pursue the metal magazine route as that's my only complaint. I just always wanted it to work like Dad's Rem 511! Best, Thomas

[oldblinddog]

I know what you mean. I have a 511 and it is a great rifle, one of my favorites. Also, several variations on the 510. My dad gave me his 510 when I was 12. That rifle was later stolen and I owned a 581 for awhile. I prefer the 580 over the 581, however. Partial to single shots.

BTW, I was really surprised at how big that 592 was/is. I thought they were the same, just as you did, until I handled it.

I may buy it anyway...

[Texas by God]

I recall a few years back there was Centurion labeled 5mm ammo availiable. I believe it was made by Aguila.

[oldblinddog]

Yes, but no longer made. Check gunbroker.com for ammo. I saw some for sale $425/500rds.

[EDG]

These guns are plenty strong enough for any small caliber rimfire.
There is no difference in the size of the 592. I have owned a 581 .22 LR about 40 years and know the 2 actions are pretty much identical except for the silly primary extractor on the .20 cal.
The .20 cal magnum rifles just had a funky extractor that supported the case in the skinny barrel.
Some folks have even converted the .20 cal versions to centerfire. They would make an excellent .22 WMR but need a better chamber than the Winchester designed SAAMI chamber.