I just finished up a project that was something of an experiment, but it turned out really good. Thought I would share in case someone else wants to build one. I converted military 1917 bottom metal to a hinged floorplate with a floorplate catch inside the trigger guard.
I utilized the original hole for the floorplate catch spring to put a spring and detent ball in which engages detents on the bottom of the latch. I welded a tab onto the floorplate for the latch to engage, and a hinge on to the front of the floorplate. Here is a picture of the latch. Making this was the most time consuming aspect.
I did cut the trigger slot in the guard further forward so the latch tab is located further forward in the guard.
And here is a video showing its operation;
And here is a video showing its operation;
