Rifle stock cartidge compartment

[Mekaniks]

I ran across this in a local gun shop today in a pre-64 mod 70 30-06. I doubt it’s winchester factory. I dont believe I have ever seen one like it so thought I would share and see what you all think...
I didn’t like the latch release just because it seemed like someone could easily bump the latch and the door would open and dump all the shells out. But still an interesting concept.

Closed and latched

Open

 

[Red Leg]

Gunmakers have been doing it on German rifles and shotguns since the late 19th century (usually a bit more elegantly). Particularly common on drillings.

 

[Ray B]

I've seen shell holders such as that on rifles, but as noted, they were generally from Europe.

 

[Shootist43]

As Red Leg said very common on Drillings. Mine is well over a hundred years old. The cover plate is heavily engraved silver and the fit and finish is still perfect.

 

[BC.Pat]

Saw a Browning Safari a number of years ago ( still kicking myself for not buying) in 375 H&H that had one , but thats been the only one i've seen .
Very pretty.

 

[crs]

Such gimmicks in the top, bottom, and butt plate of the stock may have been more practical and popular before the popularity of slip on and lace on buttstock cartridge holders which are widely used today.

 

[Red Leg]

Such gimmicks in the top, bottom, and butt plate of the stock may have been more practical and popular before the popularity of slip on and lace on buttstock cartridge holders which are widely used today.

They weren't gimmicks. They worked and required real craftsmanship to create and inlet - still do. I have two drillings, a double rifle, and a bolt action that have them. They were the logical progression from patchbox (which also required craftsmanship) to the age of cased cartridges. They were and are elegant and useful. I suppose a wad of either leather or spandex on the butt of a rifle will work. But it is not the same thing, and they won't grace one of my rifles. But then one also needs to understand that I see plastic stocks as a sign of cultural and technical decline rather than progress.