This discussion redirects from here. I think it's appropriate to start a thread specifically addressing the discussion of converting Walther P38 magazines to function properly in the P5. Those new to this discussion should read through the posts from the link above and continue here.
I have given this some thought throughout the day today and realize I don't even need to order the keyseat cutter. I may not even have to order anything because I have a multitude of endmills in stock and may have one of the appropriate diameter already. I've realized the need for squared edges in the slot is unnecessary because it'll fit provided I extend the width of the slot a bit. Also, there is no need for me to build any sort of fancy toolset either. This is actually going to be quite easy for me to accomplish... I'll explain.
All I need to do is secure the disassembled magazine tube horizontally in the Kurt vice on the Bridgeport deck, pick up my "zero" on the lower aspect of the dip on the top rear of the P38 magazine and track my "Y" axis to the appropriate distance. As can be seen in this picture, it'll be approximately 124mm after taking tool width into consideration. Observe:
Ultimately, the top of the magazine lips should present thusly if the job is done right:
And when a cartridge is loaded, the top of the round should present approximately 12mm above the plane of the top of the frame proper:
Any higher and the risk of magazine fouling/crashing the slide is apparent, and too low could result in the breech block striking the casing too high, causing an inherent nose-down moment when the cartridge is stripped from the magazine - leading toward it plowing nose-first into the feed ramp.
If all goes well, I'll be test-firing one of my P38 magazines in my P5 Sunday afternoon.
-Pilotsteve
I have given this some thought throughout the day today and realize I don't even need to order the keyseat cutter. I may not even have to order anything because I have a multitude of endmills in stock and may have one of the appropriate diameter already. I've realized the need for squared edges in the slot is unnecessary because it'll fit provided I extend the width of the slot a bit. Also, there is no need for me to build any sort of fancy toolset either. This is actually going to be quite easy for me to accomplish... I'll explain.
All I need to do is secure the disassembled magazine tube horizontally in the Kurt vice on the Bridgeport deck, pick up my "zero" on the lower aspect of the dip on the top rear of the P38 magazine and track my "Y" axis to the appropriate distance. As can be seen in this picture, it'll be approximately 124mm after taking tool width into consideration. Observe:
Ultimately, the top of the magazine lips should present thusly if the job is done right:
And when a cartridge is loaded, the top of the round should present approximately 12mm above the plane of the top of the frame proper:
Any higher and the risk of magazine fouling/crashing the slide is apparent, and too low could result in the breech block striking the casing too high, causing an inherent nose-down moment when the cartridge is stripped from the magazine - leading toward it plowing nose-first into the feed ramp.
If all goes well, I'll be test-firing one of my P38 magazines in my P5 Sunday afternoon.
-Pilotsteve