450 Ackley,
As I was cruising the forum I came across this thread with your lovely M17s. I currently own an M17 in 308 Norma and have no use for it as its wears a barrel that is about 30" and weights 14 lb. I am looking to get it changed to 458 Lott. Primary concerns are barrel and chamber (lapping of the lugs to be done at the same time) then I would like to look at reprofiling the action, getting it to feed correctly and opening the magezine to take the Lott. The next step will be trigger and cock on open (with a speed lock kit) bolt handle and bedding job. I will modify the stock as I go to suit my needs as it is already a pretty stock and don't mind the profile.

now the reason for the reply: in your post you have listed who did your stock fitting but I would love to know who did the reprofiling of the action, getting it to feed correctly and opening the magezine to take your very large cartridges.

Also what make is the speed lock kit and cock on open kit? I do plan on using a Timney trigger.

There is so much info on the 98 but not its bigger, slightly less pretty cousin the M17. Is there a book that details gun smithing the M17. I am sure there is one out there but I cannot for the life of me find one.

Thanks for the help
Kind Regards
Wildfire084.