Remington model 16 converted to .22 LR

[Walt Shipman]

Recently, on an auction website, I have seen two Model 16 semi-auto rifles which have been converted from .22 Remington Auto to .22 LR. Does any one know a gunsmith who would do such a conversion and whether such a conversion produces a semi-auto rifle which operates reliably?

[gydemate]

I have a copy of a factory letter from 1970 that states "I would hate to attempt to attempt it (conv to 22 LR) in our own laboratory". The 22 Rem auto bullet is larger and heavier, so the barrel diameter would need to be reduced. The feed mechanism would need to be redesigned due to the differences in cartridge length. Presures are different so the masses for proper bolt operation would need to be adjusted. I have hard of these conversions being done for years, but I have yet to see one that worked. The higher chamber pressure would result in an unsafe condition. I would not knowingly be in the same area as one of these conversions being fired. THEY ARE NOT SAFE TO SHOOT!!!!!

John Gyde