I really doubt a gunsmith would recommend this. It would entail cutting a hole in an area which probably would affect the strength of the receiver mechanism/bolt assembly. The only rifles I'm familiar with that have stripper clips are particularly robust above the magazine. I also can't help think about the problems with Jungle Enfields. These were made smaller and lighter by the manufacturer making modest cuts into various "unimportant" metal on a standard Enflied. It resulted in a weapond which was lighter, but of very suspect accuracy. I know people who bought these very cheap recently from Dunhams and found that they could not be reliably sighted in, even when bolted down, the mechanics of the weapon were just too dynamic. The best theory was that there was simply too much flex.<br><br>I would also second the motion about just buying a surplus rifle. A good Mauser 48/48A can be purchased for about $100. Surplus ammunition is very cheap and the rifle has fine accuracy. 8mm is basically useless for small game, but the cost is cheaper than a good quality BB gun.