I know the old .275 Rigby has lots of followers here, and I am one. I Know Mule deer loves the round, and I have read of his using it on moose and other big big critters.
What knd of rifle is your 7X57.
I currantly have a ruger #1A so chamberd and it is a great rifle.
And am collecting parts to build a bolt gun chamberd chamberd in mrs oconners favorite.
So far I have a VZ-24 mauser action that is ready to go, and I have an FN commercial mauser hinged floor plate on the way.
I orderd a 22 inch tube from ER shaw. It will be about .60 at the muzzle.
I found a beautifull turned stock today for 200.00. Pumped as hell about that. My smith has a neerly identicle project going and has already fit a VZ-24 in just such a stock
It, is an orbendorf style with oval cheek piece schnaublel forend, steel grip cap and checkerd steel but plate a slightly raised section on ether side of the action.
And the wood looks like the blank wood have cost 600.00 easy.
I will end up with negc sights, a barrel band slig swivel
a resessd stud in the but.
And so far I am getting away with murder on the prices of the parts I am colecting !
Tell me about yours ?
...tj3006

It's my favorite big game rifle, shootable now, but still a work in progress... not yet satisfied with the finish on the stock. (Hint: Accidentally applying a layer of satin finish urethane varnish makes it really hard to get high gloss later!). And the action could still use some smoothing.

Found a Zastava Mauser action brand new at Numrich for $200. Started searching for a barrel, and found a new 24" Zastava 7x57 barrel on eBay for $70 (figure the odds). Sprang for semi-fancy walnut for the stock, $200 and paid $125 for an inletting job much better than I can do. Added a Timney trigger.

So it's my almost indistinguishable from stock, custom Mauser, not too expensive, and exactly what I wanted.

Topped it off with a Nikon Primos scope.

Like you, I love the 7mm Mauser, and bought a Savage 110 XLE in 7x57 a while back. Though used, it's like new. Not sure the original owner ever shot it. I've not had opportunity to take it huntin' yet, but look foward to doing so. Mine's a damned good looking rifle for a 110: upgraded blueing, nice stick of wood. Savage apparently made a limited run of XLE's sometime in 90's, so there's not too many of them around. Although it was produced before the introduction of the accu-trigger, it's still a fine rifle.

Mine is also a Ruger No.1A, at present topped with an El Paso Weaver K6 with post reticle. I haven't had it long and it has only made meat twice - but then it's only had 2 rounds fired at game so I guess that is OK for the time being. I expect it will be my preferred rifle for anything bigger than rats for the rest of my life and I sure hope one of the grand kids are worthy of inheriting it - if not it and a couple of others will go to my great nephews.

Oh, yeah, not a gunwriter, just an old fat guy who likes the old Mauser, but I thought I'd respond anyway.

Not writer either.
I love my#1 but I want to have a repeater in a more or less traditional rifle.
I don't think I would want to take a single shot after game like black bear.
I had a CZ full stock a few years ago, and it is a good rifle, I just never cared for the stock , and thought it was a little heavy. I am a little suprised to hear ofd a savage 110 in the 7X57. The custom Zastava sounds real nice....tj3006

Model 70 pre '64 action made in 1956 , Douglas no 2 brl 24" long, McMillan Griffin and Howe stock, black with a 2.5-8 leupold in buelher mounts, shoots 140 and 150 partitions to the same poi at 2700 fps

I don't have a 7x57 yet, but really want one in a bad way! I just wanted to take a moment to remind you guys that PHOTOGRAPHS really add to a post. Especially for us less fortunate.

Mine's a 93 Spanish Mauser born in 1923. It cost me $50 sans scope & mounts & camo paint & homemade sling. It's a MOA shooter even with the 2x scope.

Ask and ye shall receive...
Its my favorite cartridge and a few have gone through my hands....
My current and all time favorite.a Win M70 XTR with a "makeover"...

A #1 like Son of the Gael's...

An exquisite 1909 Argentine..( Borrowed Rifle! Arrrghhhh!)

and lastly a Rem m700 Mountain rifle, which eventually found a home with a real gunwriter(JB)

Ingwe

Mine's a Brno 21H with 4X Leupold in Lynx mounts,uses 140 NP for everything.

Ingwe: Had one of those MR's in 7x57. It was a sweety,and stupid-accurate to boot with 51-R19 and 140 Partitions.....another great one gone!

Good shootin! That's a nice 'borrowed' rifle, and what is the one with the goat, a 700 Classic? Did you have a back up shooting that bruin with a one shooter?

Ingwe does well with Micro-Scopes (straight tubes) or irons

Junior, Wally World can't beat your price!

Bob, I had 3 7x57s at the time, so I sold that one to JB...the only true case of seller's remorse I've ever had..Stoopid, Stoopid, Stoopid!! It shot like...well, you know...
Ingwe

65BR...the one with the goat is a Mountain rifle....and FWIW to the post, I've always been a heavy boolit guy...I like the 160s on up...
Ingwe

Mine is a genuine John Rigby .275 made at he Pall Mall address in London some 40 years ago. It is factory fitted with 1 ramp and 2 folding express sights and topped off with a 2-7 Khales scope in QA mounts.

I am the second owner, the original was an old university professor I met in Australia, who worked for many years as a mining engineer in 22 countries around the world, but mostly in Africa.

Being English and with the mutton chops (very long side burns)he looked like a cast member of the Zulu Movie with Michael Caine.

On this occasion, he walked into the Pall Mall John Rigby store and proceded to order a custom .30/06. They had just received a cancellation for an order on a .275 Rigby they were building and offered to build the stock to his stature at considerable discount if he changed the caliber to .275 and took the partially completed rifle at this time, still in the white.

He agreed and returned to London 6 months or so later to take possession and conclude the sale. The rifle was taken to Africa where it was carried more than it was shot so has a little honest wear on the bluing and stock finish with a bore that is close to pristine.

I have only put perhaps 2-300 rounds through it in load development and the big treat for me is a rifle that often drills the same holes no matter what the load or buller configuration.

It likes 140gn Barmes X's whether traditional X, TSX, TTSX or MRX, 140gn and 175gn Woodleigh Weldcores, and recently Hornady 154grainers and what ever else I tried in it, all to the same point and under MOA.

The rifle has the tradional black (buffalo horn?)forend tip, Monte-Carlo stock design with red solid rubber recoil pad, fine line spaced checkering of the day and traditional barrel band for the front sling swivel.

I actualy bought a second Rigby in the sale, that being a double 400/350 Number 2 which was designed for the lighter 225gn bullet in lieu of the 310gn original bullet weight for the cartridge when first released. The double was build in 1912 and was still in tge original case with accessories intact.

Several years later, I was offered a sum greater that the total purchase price just for the double and I very stupidly, and very regretably, accepted the pittance.

My .275 Rigby has essentially cost me nothing but still carries the crown in my gun safe. The rifle has taken pigs, goats and deer up to red stag in size as well as wild horses up to 1,000 pounds or so and is very capable of taking any animal I would select this rifle to hunt. It is an absolute sweatheart to shoot.

Some of my load development work follows:

7mm Mauser, .275 Rigby

Bullet Load Powder O. A. L. Velocity Energy Comments
139gn Hornady SP 46gn IMR 4320 2740

140gn Comb Tech 46gn IMR 4320 2814

140gn Nosler SB 46gn AR 2209 2620 Winchester Featherweight Model 70
47gn AR 2209 2670
50gn IMR 4350 2780
51gn IMR 4350 2843 Best Load
51gn AR 2213 2685
52gn AR 2213 2762
42gn IMR 4064 2563
44gn IMR 4064 2696

140gn Barnes XBT 52.5gn WIN 760 2944 2696 Top Hunting load in Rigby - Win Cases

140gn Barnes TSX 52.5gn WIN 760 2914 2640 Shoots into above load - Win Cases

140gn Sierra SP 44gn IMR 4320 2602 .5 MOA in Rigby
46gn IMR 4320 2722 2569 .9 MOA in Rigby
47gn IMR 4320 2802
50gn AR 2209 2733
51gn WIN 760 2790 2420

140gn Barnes TTSX 52gn H 414 2864 2551 3 shots touching - 1 hole - Rem cases
52gn H 4350 2708 Mild- Powder fills case and neck

140gn Barnes MRX 52gn H 414 2857 2538 5 shots - .5 shoots to same sighting
52gn H 4350 2688 Mild - Powder fills case and neck

140gn Woodleigh 52.5gn WIN 760 2927 2664 Warm Load

150gn Nosler SB 51gn WIN 760 2777 2569

150gn Nosler Part 51gn WIN 760 2800 2612 Very good hunting load

154gn Hornady SST 50gn H 414 2808 2697 .5 Loads Warm @ 80 degrees OK.
44gn VARGET 2711 .5 Loads Warm @ 80 degrees OK.
51gn H 4350 2799 2680 .5 Loads Warm @ 80 degrees OK.

160gn Failsafe 44gn Rel 15 2702
46gn Rel 15 2739 2666
48gn IMR 4350 2536

160gn Part Gold 44gn Rel15 2668
46gn Rel15 2756 2699 Top hunting load
48gn IMR 4350 2592


7mm Mauser, .275 Rigby Page 2.

Bullet Load Powder O. A. L. Velocity Energy Comments

175gn Barnes X 45gn WIN 760 2389 2218 Same P.O.I. as 140gn load
46gn WIN 760 2463 2358 Warm load
45gn IMR 4350 3.017" 2317
47gn IMR 4831 2341

175gn Woodleigh 45gn WIN 760 2471 2373 Great Elk load

175gn Sierra BT 49gn AR 2213 2434
50gn AR 2213 2472
48gn IMR 4831 2385
50gn IMR 4831 2439 2312 Most accuracte load in Mod 70 - MOA


enjoy,

JW

Ingwe, you have brethren in stupid moves.I am truly KING!

The MR I had was hell on NH whitetails.I remember at the time JB's articles about the 7x57 being hard to get to shoot. Not that one!Those lttle MR's are really good despite the pencil barrels.

I have a 270 that stays on my buddies ranch in Wyoming;and I know where there's a clean 280 that I am trying to keep my grubby paws off of.....don't know if I can hold out.....

I am a pre64 guy...but I come "outta the closet" for a nice MR!

IMO the nicest little rifle Rem ever made....

AGW, we had a real Rigby magazine rifle, much as you described it, go through the shop last year, one of four rifles I have seen in my entire life that I would call "exquisite" and it was a utility grade rifle...
Ingwe

Ditto..but I can top that, I also had a Mountain Rifle in 7mm-08....John got that too...
Ingwe

I currently have 1. Stock M700 classic barreled action in a Pacific Research Rimrock stock with a 4x nikon scope and 2. a Sako/FN action with a 22' fwt Douglas barrel in a Brown Precision Stock, Leupold VX3 2.5x8 scope. I have had a 1a in 7x57, a M700 mountain rifle and 2 other classics.

I plan to use the Sako/FN as my main rifle this year.

Geez I love this place and the people here. Where else can we have a discussion this fine?
I have two 7x57s,one is a classic style custom bulit on a VZ24 and is marked Flaig's Supreme,it looks to be based upom the pattern of Eleanor's O'Connor's 7x57.

The other is a full stock Brno 22F.

I have yet to fire the Brno but the Vz24 shoots groups of less than an inch with Hornady 139 grain Light Mags and Norma 150 grain factory loads all at the same point of impact to boot. I have not handloaded for it yet.

Years ago I built my first custom rifle in 7x57 and shot nothing but handloads in it to good effect.

In a fit of madness and poverty while in school,I sold it to Gov. George Wallace's daughter. She traveled the world taking everything up to and including Cape Buff and Rhino with various rifles in 7x57.


Also I agree with BobinNH and Ingwe about Remington Mountain Rifles. I don't own one in 7x57 but I have my bases covered with a 7mm-08 and a 280.

The funny (odd) thing, is I have no idea what value such a rifle would have these days. I have owned it for about 15 years now and completely lost touch with where they sit in the market, particuarly as the London Rigby's are no more.

One thing is certain, a hunting rifle that fits as well and points as naturally as this, is not easily replaced. That, I am very conscious of.

JW

It is best that I not tell you an approximate value..it would shock you and tempt you to sell the rifle...then you'd have to buy a little machine that sits next to your bed, and kicks you in the azz every morning for the rest of your life...
I could get over sellers remorse on my Remington, I fear it would do irreverisible damage to the pysche to sell a Rigby....
Ingwe

Ingwe-one of these days put up a pic of your 70/Fwt that you redid the forend tip to and such so all can get a really good look at it.

Dat is one nice rifle! And I'm fairly sure that the "Big A" is hoping that your stock making ability's don't get out...grin

Dober

I already have seller's remorse from the double I foolishly parted with. I still remember showing the 1 5/8" group I shot with 3 rounds from each barrel, to several SCI members who also had a passion of doubles. Very few doubles every built, can put 6 shots into a group that size from 50 yards with factory sights. Mine did, and I will never forget.

My father once told me, "money spent on quality is soon forgotten, but the quality is not", yeah, yeah, I know.

JW

Britt: You're killing me...I am without a Mauser 7x57.....

Nicest I have seen/held(years ago) was a G33/40,custom metal,with swept back bolt handle,stocked in dark Circassian (with coffee swirls in a dark caramel background) by Bill Dowtin...austere,light, trim, BALANCED...like nothing I have held since...it leaped to the shoulder like a British shotgun,the reticle RIGHT THERE!....

I was dragged, kicking and screaming from the store, by two buddies of sound mind....I did not have the paltry $3k at the time.....

Dober...just for you...heres a varmint pic with that rifle, oh...a couple of days ago...

Ingwe

Maybe I need my glasses, now where on earth did I set them but I can't see the 4-end tip...grins

And Bob, you get yourself a G33 action and want to trick it out I have a stick of wood that's about to die for partially inletted for the G33 that you could send to Chic Worthing and have one heck of a lil 7x built. Or you could do the really smart and intelligent thingy and just do an 06 Improved, dat being a .270 to the unread...

Dober

This 21H 7-57 came with the factory mounts. Those mounts put a standard scope ocular low over the high bolt handle.

The compromise today is a Leupold 3-9 Compact which also has a small enough objective to just clear the rear sight on the barrel.

This rifle also needs a M70 type safety. I am going to bring it to the smith soon and discuss what can be done with it.

Geeez..I just threw up in my mouth a little....

Ingwe

My family has two, both Ruger M77 MKIIs. Neither are as nice as the rifles pictured but they have fast become a favorite rifle for both my son and myself. We don't have a wide variety of game here in Maine but he has killed a couple of white-tails and a black bear with plain jane 140 gr. Core-lokts. I think you'd have a hard time convincing him that it isn't a great rifle.

Savage:This thread is painful...you are not helping


Dober:Great idea.....where the hell do you find a G33/40 today??? I can see it all now; my failed efforts for a G33 cause me to get desperate; next you know it's a Granite Mountain or Satterllee Mauser...then the wood....on and on it goes and I will be lucky to escape for mucho dollars,likely 5 figures.....

Better just sit and wait....

I currently have the following 7x57s:

BRAZILIAN (DWM) MAUSER 1908 CUSTOM
BRAZILIAN (DWM) MAUSER 1908 CUSTOM
FN 49 (SPORTERIZED)
INTERARMS MARK X MANNLICHER
INTERARMS MARK X MANNLICHER (PARTS GUN)
REMINGTON 700 MOUNTAIN RIFLE
REMINGTON 700 CLASSIC (PARTS GUN)
RUGER 77 RSI (NIB)

The 1st rifle that I bought with $$ that I had earned, by hauling maple sap buckets and hay bales for neighboring farmers, was a sporterized Venezuelan (FN) 24/30 carbine in 7x57 for $37.50. Although it no longer exists in its simple sporterized configuration, the action is still earning its keep as an E.R. Shaw barreled 257 Roberts.

Jeff

Several years ago I went to a 50+ reunion at TSJC and renewed some friendships. I also contracted for my first custom rifle I had ever had built (down thru the years I had always built my own). I decided on a 7x57 as it was a caliber I had never owned. My close friend and classmate Clayton Nelson built it for me and it is an outstanding rifle I must say. It's on an Argentine actioned obtained appropiately from the TSJC bookstore which is probably the most unusual college bookstore in the US. It has custom backup irons by Clayton along with a Mdl 70 style safety and Timney trigger with the blade greatly reshaped to rear of modified original bottom metal trigger guard. Barrel is a very slim 22" Douglas. Stock is a VERY dark piece of board sawed walnut, selected especially for the extra dark color. I dislike LIGHT colored wood on a gun. Mounts are Talley rings on some of Clayton's custom bases. The custom irons are quite unique. Single blade folding rear on a custom sculptured pedastal base. Front is a unique ramp base that the long front sight retracts into completely. It has a large ivory square bead. Steel grip cap and a reshaped Neidner checkered steel buttplate. Ebony forearm tip. Checkering is extremly fine wrap pattern fully mullered border. Bolt handle is straight and checkered. Scope is a Leupold Vari X II 3-9. Weighs exactly 7 lbs. I specified it was to be used with 175gr bullets only. It shoots under 1" 3 shot groups with 175gr Nosler Partitions from a cold barrel. Subsequent shots string vertically as the barrel heats. Barrel is very tapered and thin. It has been to Africa and acquitted itself well on plains game, especially several Kudu to supply council with meat for a celebration, with a couple of Impala for camp meat. It would be my preferred second rifle for any hunts in Africa even above my old favorite 06. To say I treasure it would be an understatement.

I have thought, on and off, over the past couple of years that a CLR/NULA hybrid in 7x57 would be a pretty neat package.

CLR acton = $500+/-
NULA barrel, stock, and trigger = $1000+/-

Tempting, isn't it?

Jeff

tj3005...

Your seems to be quite similar to one I found at a shop last month. BRNO VZ24 action put together by an late match-grade 'smith, classic stock, etc. Have only yet fired factory ammo as am waiting for dies and brass.

My interest was piqued over the years by articles from JB.

Bob-I've seen two in the last year or so, both went cheaper than I thought they should of. I should of bought the both of them but didn't.

Next time I see one I'll let you know and if you find one I'll mail you the wood to check out. It's a screamer piece for sure!

Side note here, while I'm not normally a fan of "plywood" (laminate) handles I've been around 3 in the last year or so that Serengetti (spl?) did that more than impressed me!

Dober

Am also impressed with Serengeti laminates....look good...
Ingwe

Since I don't have a 33/40 I found this pic.



For myself I would rather have a 22F or 21H actioned rifle. One complete might be less than a grand still (I hope).

And you didn't snag it?

Dude............

This is a 22F with the old style round bridges. The later ones had double square bridges for a slide on, detachable factory mount.

Sean...couldn't afford it...but I slobbered on it enough to ruin it for other people...!
Besides, it was in a .350....had it been a 7x57 I would have sold my soul to the devil....
Ingwe

Have a Ruger No. 1 RSI. It has knockout wood on both sides of the buttstock. Put a 6X Leupold on it, but have yet to shoot it. I have loaded up some 139 and 154gr. Interlocks for it so am hoping it likes one of them. My best friend is into 7X57's more than I and am surprised he hasn't talked me out of this one yet.

JFSAG, what do luscious things like that go for?

I would love to have those 3 actions!

I'm not sure you could get a 22F or 21H for under a grand anymore? I would buy everyone I could for under a grand!

Thanks for the pics,

ddj

Savage-nice actions there, are those yours?

Thx
Dober

The 7X57 is my all time favorite hunting cartridge. It's built to feed as well as kill.

I have 2 1/2

1. BRNO 21H carbine 7X57. It has a ZG-47 safety and Oberndorf style handle, otherwise stock. Well used and very accurate.


2. BRNO 21H 7X57 stocked by Paul Dressel. It's purdy.


3. Almost finished but not quite. 1910 Mexican M98 smallring. Metal was done by Mark Stratton and the stock is being built by Chic Worthing.


Terry

Wowsa Terry is all I can say!

I love my G33 but it ain no show perro with it's handle of African Walnut...grin

Start to finish Terry what do you feel needs to be done to an Mauser these days to get it where you want it?

Thx for sharing, that Chic does some work does he not!

Dober

My one and only 7x57 is a Ruger 77R purchased new in 1984 for $275. The gunshop owner had 3 on the shelf collecting dust so I picked the one with the best wood. Shoots 1/2" groups with 139 grain Hornady spire points and IMR 4350. Shoots 3/4" groups with 140 grain ballistic tips and RL-19. Even though I'm a lefty, this is my favorite rifle.

Ron

Can't handle anymore....I'm outta here!



Very entertaining thread and thanks to all for the fabulous pics!

Mark, these are just my likes and apply to a scoped build, here goes.

1. New bolt handle. Halfmoon Rifle shop Orbendorf style is my favorite.
2. 3-position safety
3. Surface grind the action for looks, square up and lap for function. Nothing major though, I don't obsess over accuracy. With a good barrel it'll be accurate enough.
4. Heat treat
5. Barrel up, tune and time.

There are some other things but they're more cosmetic.
1. New bottom metal
2. Custom bases
3. A pretty stick of wood
4. Rust blue

Terry, thx for the list, for the first 5 items and the new bottom metal what do you figure on average it would cost a person these days? (tough Q I know)

I'd add a new trigger to the list as well

Thx
Dober

Here's my ole gal. Nuthin fancy, but lithe and handy. She now wears a 1-4x32.

Heres one I thought you fellas might enjoy.

http://www.hillcountryrifles.com/news/news_detail.aspx?Id=34

You're right, a new trigger should have been on there.
Labor for 1-5 would probably run about $750 (Heat treating included.) Parts are:
1. Bolt handle $7-$30
2. 3-position safety $150-$250
3. Barrel $100-$2000
4. Trigger $50-$200

The barreled action in the bottom picture cost me roughly $2200 parts and labor about 4 years ago. The labor was about $1200 That includes Custom bases and a Shilen 1/2 round 1/2 octagon barrel turned by Mark Stratton.

It was done in phases when the money became avalible. First I collected the parts. When the money bacame avalible they were sent to Mark for building. In the mean time Sharon Dressel let me put the wood in layaway. It took about a year of making payments to get it out of hock. About the time it was paid off Mark finished the metal and it was all sent off to Chic. While there I scrimped and saved enough to pay off Chic when finished.

Rifles like that are expensive but the cost has been spread out over 4 years so it didn't hurt as bad as picking one out of the fine gun room at Cabelas.

Terry

I have just three now because I traded old #3 for the new #3, which would have been #4 (does that make sense?). Anyway, I traded my Ruger #1A for a very clean and accurate Rem 700 MR. Now I'm not particularly fond of Remington rifles, but this one operates perfectly and shoots like a house afire.

Number two is a Ruger M77 MkII. It is one of the best rifles overall that I have ever owned. Every round I put in it feeds like greasy sausage, and the trigger is to die for (my tune-up).

Number one is a pre-warning Ruger M77. The stock was "lightened" by a previous owner, and the action glass bedded. It is just one of those few dead reliable rifles that a guy seldom runs into.

In retrospect (uh-huh) I should have kept the #1. But that is a current-production rifle and can be replaced any time. The MRs are no longer being made and are few and far between. Plus I got a good deal.

7x57s ROCK!

-

Mark X action
Timney trigger
Douglas featherweight barrel, 22 in.
barrel mounted swivel
classic stock with Neidner buttplate and gripcap
Leup 2.5 x 8 in Leup mounts
all work by Champlin Arms

this rifle was made for my Dad thirty years ago and now belongs to my son, but I get to use it, since it lives in my gun safe:

When this thread first started, I was hoping you'd post photos of that rifle Steve.

Thanks a lot guys for posting so many photos. As if the descriptions weren't enough, the photos are just killing me! The logical, practical side of me says I've got the ballistic middle ground so well covered already that I couldn't possibly need another rifle. But apparently romantic, traditional, and sentimental side packs a lot stronger punch!!

I guess I'd better start gathering a pile of parts and a Mauser action. Of course if a beautiful little #1A crossed my path I could start shooting immediately--------which would help give me patience during the Mauser build.

Sean, sorry it took so long to answer...had to go out creek fishing with Ingwedog...
That Rigby .350 fetched 10K...a .275 would be more...
Ingwe

Steve...Dats a beautiful rifle...hope its getting some use...
Ingwe

I know this is a subjective thing but IMO the lines of that stock are about as good as it gets. They could have used a lesser grade of walnut and it would still look good.

Lots of nice 7x57s out there. Good on you.

Most of my 7x57 lust has gone the Ruger #1 route. I have a 1B, a 1AB, and an RSI. No 1A yet, but there will be someday when the right mix of pretty wood and decent price happens.

Two -- of my three -- non .22 bolt guns also are in the caliber. One is a custom Model 70 XTR with a Mickey stock and a Kreiger barrel twisted to shoot lighter, 120 and 140 gr, bullets. The other is a Whitworth MArk X made for Sam hisself Cummings -- it has double set triggers, barrel swivel, 3 blade Express sights, and a sweet looking, ebony-capped, stock with the shadow line feature and no white spacers.

1B

Mine is an Styer Mannlicer Model M professional that I bought in 1976, set triggers and its not much to look at but it was one of the best 425 dollars I ever spent, I am in the process of putting some money away for a 7 x 57 barrel for my R-93 Blaser. 140 gr Nosler Partition and 50 gr of IMR 4350 has been my load in the Styer since

Steve...that rifle is beautiful. Thanks for the pic.

Mine is a Ruger 77 Tang Safety model I found at Gander Mountain in Green Bay just before Christmas about 18 years ago. My wife was good enough to buy it for my present. I put a 2.5X8 VariX 111 on it, (my favorite hunting scope) and I have killed two nice bull Elk with it and a bunch of deer over the years. No animal shot ever escaped this rifle. It was not very accurate at first, but I have worked on it doing the normal stuff and it is now a good 1 inch shooter. Funny even when it ws a 2-3 inch shooter everything shot died.

The last two 22F in 7x57 that I saw were both priced at $2500, and that was a couple years ago. Don't know what they actually went for.

-

Wow... 7 pages in far less than 24 hours, with no one calling anyone else names? That's one hell of a cartridge, folks!

My great grandfather ordered a .275 Rigby from Griffin & Howe back in the day, and it's now in my Dad's gun cabinet. It's amazing how many animals it's dropped, and it's amazing how big: it actually accounted for a bull elephant. 'Twas a circus elephant, but that still counts, does it not? A rifle's fit, and one's confidence in it, can trump truckloads of ballistic gack.

I snagged a 700 Mountain Rifle off the 'fire here, & it's a sweetie. I had a Viper 2-7x32 on it, but I've since replaced it with a Conquest 4x, as a classic 4x seemed more appropriate.

FC

Agreed! Not even the backpack guys get along this well!!

Terry,
That bottom rifle is not a 1910 small ring, its the rare 1935 Mexican small ring, looks like a Springfield action..I know folks that would kill for one of those great actions, me being one of them.

My present Brnos are the 22F Manlicher in 7x57 and a 21H carbine in 7x57 and I recently sold my 21H rifle in 7x64..

Love those old Brnos and I have had a continueing love affair with the 7x57 caliber as long as I've been married to the same women and thats something like 55 or so years...Calibers and women, if you find a good'un then stick with em! Well unless you can find a better deal!

Hi Ray, it is a 1910. It has the very cool 1935 cocking piece added that makes it look like a 1935. It has the shallow thumb cut and solid left side (not shown) which are dead give away's of a 1910.

Terry

yes, it is not a safe queen. the grip is nice and open, but not too open. as somebody said, it's a real nice pattern for a light rifle. here's a shot of the buttplate that shows it's got some battle scars on it:

Excellent!
Ingwe

Have posted this before but it is my Custom 1908 DWM





Von Gruff.

The Bolt-peep is retro cool....
Ingwe

I think my favorite rifle right now is a BRNO 22F.

I wish I could figure out how to post pictures.

ddj

My 7x57 isn't a custom job, but it has become a bit of a collector's item. It's a Ruger M77 tang safety, "Made in the 200th year of American Liberty" model. It has an extremely long throat, but the magazine will allow the bullets to be seated out to the lands. A guy can really amp up the velocity in such a rig. The accuracy is only "minute of a deer" but it's a sweet-shooting carrying gun thats taken lots of deer and hogs.

I currently have 3. The first is a #1A, nothing special been done to it, just kills everything in its scope. It's been my go to deer rifle for about 14 yrs now. Originally I bought it for the wife but didn't have the heart to shorten it. The second is a Remington MR. It's simply the most accurate sporter bolt gun I have ever owned. It wears a 4x lueppy for hunting purposes. The third is a JP Sauer Mauser thats a twin to my 9X57. Half round half hex barrel, barrel key, set trigger, folding express sights, Nice classic...deserves to hunt but spends most of the time in the safe...I'll work on some pics...

Scott

tj3006-

I don't actually have one yet... the Mexican Small Ring '98 you sold me a little over a year or so ago is at the 'smith's shop until late next winter.

It had a very nicely figured walnut Fajen Monte Carlo with rosewood end cap on fore end and flared at the grip, white line spacers all the way around. The original military barrel had been turned WAY down so it handled rather nicely, it had a Mk II safety on it, and the original handle was bent for scope mounting. Problem was, it had the makings of a fine stalking/mountain rifle.

Mike McCabe ( http://www.mccabeguns.com/mccabegallery.html ) has it now and is reshaping the stock in the "American Classic" style with ebony end cap and steel grip cap and inletting Dakota sling swivel bases. The action is being heat treated, a Talley bolt handle and Dakota 3-position safety installed, the left side rails reworked, a #3 Shilen w/ 1-in-9" twist installed with an extra tight chamber and medium throat, and the whole thing rust blued.

It'll be topped off w/ a Leupold VXII 2-7x33mm in Talley LWs, the stock finished by yours truly using Mike's "secret process" and then sent down to Miss. to be hand checkered by Tim Smith-Lyon at
( http://www.classiccheckering.com/classiccheckering_027.htm ) Classic Checkering.

Oh the fantasies... I'm SO geeked and you guys are REALLY eggin' me on here!!!

Here is my latest 7X57. I think I got the stock blank for a real steal......grin



I have a lefty M70 built by Mark Penrod that is going to our own Redneck for rebarrel to 7X57. Then, I am hoping to send it to Roger Biesen for a new stock. I absolutely love the 7X57!

efw; Pics of that rifle on completion will be mandatory!!
Ingwe

Don't worry, you will be one of the first to know! Us 7X57 loonies have to stick together...

Well it's not a custom and I don't have a picture so put your imagination hat on. It's a basic Ruger 77, 1972 model. Found it at a Charlotte gunshow late on a Sunday. Had an extra Ruger SS Ranch Rifle to barter with and ended up with about $350 in it. Had wanted one for quite a while and was stoked about finding one that was in like new condition. Son was also impressed. Matter of fact seemed every time the safe was opened he wanted to hold it, you know, point and "Bang" the thing at game pictures in the den. Somehow it got mounted with a 3-9 Fullfield and ended up under the Christmas tree about 5 yrs ago. He inherited it early. So the only game I've shot with it has been bullseyes. But he's done a little better. His best buck with it so far has been a nice South Carolina 10 pt. With 50 gr H4350 and a 140 gr AB it works the way the designers planned. There are multiple rifles he can choose from to hunt with but I guess it's his favorite. 100+ yrs of history has a little to do with it. Tell me again why we have so many other calibers?

EFW, I can't wait to see yours.
I am so glad I started this post ! is 9 pages in a day and a half some sort of record ?
I plan to get out to my smiths and pick up my stock and a timney trigger tommorow.
I didn't mention my action has a blued safty that looks like a buhler but is on the other side like an FN.
I hope to put all the componants that I have on hand and to take a picture, just cause I started this post and its the least I should do.
...tj3006

man, I love that skeleton buttplate.

I have three that I shoot. I have a CZ FS I bought here at the fire. As mentioned before, it is heavy but accurate. Next is a Ruger RSI that has had the trigger pull lightened by a local smith. It has a rehabbed Weaver 4x on it for the glass. The third is a classic '60s sporter. A VZ24 action, #2 douglas barrel, timney trigger, swept back checkered bolt, Herter's stock, and a 3x weaver scope. I had to replace the dry-rotted brick hard pad when I bought it, but now it is a nice rifle again.

Here are a couple pictures of my BRNO's.....I hope.

ddj


<a href="http://s575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/trouthunterdj/?action=view&current=ZooandBRNO084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/trouthunterdj/ZooandBRNO084.jpg" border="0" alt="BRNO"></a>

Sorry.

Can't figure out out to copy and paste the links.

Sorry

Czech 98/22 action
GPC barrel cut to 21"
Bold trigger
Tupperware stock (I have the reshaped mil stock for backup)
gloss blue
2x7 Burris compact scope

Total investment: $400

Not having to worry about scratching it: PRICELESS!!

Shoots great, but is a VW bug compared to the Corvettes pictured here!

I have 2 now, with the second acquired within the last week. First up is my really ugly (think flat black paint and duct tape, redneck kind of thing) tang safety Ruger M77, acquired in 1980 or 81. It has served me well over the years

Second is a Mauser an acquaintance gave me, he knows I shoot and his new wife wanted it gone...the old story. I believe it's the 1916 model, but I'm not sure. The crest on the receiver bridge is 95% missing, unfortunately. Short barrel, turned down bolt handle, bolt and receiver numbers don't match, so I need to check the headspace. Bore is, um, well I think there's some rifling SOMEWHERE under all that crud. Very nice 2 stage trigger though, with a very clean release. Still has the original cleaning rod. I thought it was a good deal for a 6-pack of Redhook...

If you have pics in photobucket;
Left click on the pic, a number of boxes will appear below...
Left click on the bottom one...
Right click ;copy
Zoom back to your post..
Right click: paste
Ingwe

I currently have 2 rifles chambered in 7x57. A Ruger #1A with awsome wood and a Win 70 Feather weight XTR. I have owned two others in 7x57. a Rem 700 MR and a Voere with interchangeable barrels I had 16 over 16 and 7x57 over 7x57 barrels sets for it. I bought it through the Rod & Gun club at Nellingen Barracks GE. It had beautiful blue and polish, but wood was german oil finish and double butt ugly. I do not regret selling it for 3x what I paid.

Trying again. Thanks for being patient.

ddj

Dude...the rifle on top, w/o scope...seems to have something wrong with it...
Better send it along to me for a closer inspection....
Ingwe

Military (unknown model) 98 Mauser originally shortened to 21" barrel length and stocked with a Fajen Mannlicher stock by my FIL. Given to me years ago. Stock warped so badly, I had to cut it short. Since rebarrelled with a Douglas #1 contour barrel and Timney trigger added. Still the balance of the Fajen stock and FIL's checkering. Hammerred a nice 10pt 2yrs ago in my brother's hands. Never get rid of it.

Very nice trouthunterdj!

Terry

Thanks Terry and Ingwe!

ddj

Yep, nice rifles.

G33/40 and a 1936 Mex. Not the 1935...:)

This thread just goes to show that lovers of the 7x57 are gentlemen who have nothing left to prove. It has been a delight to see some of yours.

Von Gruff.

Von Gruff, in the unforgettable lingo of Wayne and Garth,

SCHA-WING!

The skeletonized butt/grip caps are absolutely stunning, and the peeper on the shroud is AWESOME.

I know that stock design must favor either open sights or a scope, but the more I see these rifles with the beautiful sights the more I think I would do well to go w/ QD mounts and a peep of some kind.

I'd go w/ the NECG banded front sight and their weaver base-mounted peeper, but I'm not terribly fond of Weaver rings from an aesthetic point of view.

Do y'all have suggestions on that?

BEAUTIFUL!

I love full length wood.

STOCKS... sicko.

Butterknife bolt handles melt me...

Ok, so its time for bed here in the EST...

Seriously, you guys convinced me that I needed a dedicated open sight rifle with a stock cut just right, so I went out and got a "sporterized" 1903-A3 that hasn't been drilled and tapped and has a Williams reciever sight and very nice wood.

Pics will be up tomorrow.

Keep 'em coming! I'm loving this!

Maybe over the weekend we should have one dedicated to the Bob!?!?!?

As far as drop at heel for open sights and scope set up if the open sights are to be used then that is what the stock should be designed for as for the need for a possible quick shot requires an the stock to propperly fit. The slightly less than ideal higher cheek weld required then for the scope sight on longer shots is more easily adapted to. I had a set of bases specially made for my scope which I carry in a back pack in case of a long shot, however the aperture gives me a sight radius of 32 inches with the 25 in barrel so shots to 200+ are comfortable.
With such a traditional caliber I feel the shadow of the old hunters walk with me when I take it out. They bolt mounted aperture enhances that feeling. I had my first 7x57 in the early 70's and have had a couple since then but this one is a keeper and will see me out.

Von Gruff.

Well said.Very well said...
It lends that one tiny facet to the sport the WSM guys don't get...
Ingwe

Historical perspective is sometimes lacking on here,big time...

I agree!

I don't want this taken the wrong way but it seems to me some people are more shooters and some are more hunters and most are somewhere in between.

I enjoy hunting and seeing how close I can stalk, other like using their shooting skill from 500 yards.

Just my thoughts.

ddj

I think its those "in between" guys the 7x57 suits the most, its very versatile, and for those of us who like to cling to some bit of nostalgia...it fills the bill.
As I have posted before...
No-stalgia is Good-stalgia !
Ingwe

As one old friend that is long gone once told me: Shooters don't hunt and hunters don't shoot. Probably doesn't apply to most of the people here, but I would say it's pretty close for the average citizen.

My bad, I knew it was not an Ultra Light Ruger though the stock resembles it, and the Classic 700s never had the black tip, had not known about the 57 MR, had a 270 long ago in college. My first rifle was a 7Mag, used 160 BTSP Sierras, loaded around 2860, shot great. Likely your pushing 2700+ knocking close to my loads, likely just as useful to 300+ yds I'd reckon.

Surprised you did not use 120 Btips on the goat, but you likely stalk closer with a light rifle? I think Sam Fadala used to like to stalk goats ie. Old lever 30/30s with irons and #1 7x57 in 1A IIRC. Shot a few with a L461 Sako in 6mm/222 as well with 80gr Speers. Wonder if he is still around.

A Charles Daly circa 1932,

One of the first 7x57's made by Griffin & Howe circa 1923.

Nope, the goat got it with 162 gr Hornady...at 325 yds....
thats the load the MR 700 liked, so thats what it got...

Ingwe

Thats Chas. Daly makes me all twitchy...

Ingwe

Mpetrov: What is a "Charles Daly"? was it a custom rifle shop originally? Had not heard of it....

Those are sweet rifles BTW.

Charles Daly was a brand name used by an importing firm in which Daly was one of the partners, starting in the late 1800s. The firm has been through multiple ownerships but has continued to use the name.

Thanks, Steve. I'd heard of the shotguns back through the 70's but had no idea they imported rifles going back that far,or of that quality.Interesting.

I bought a Ruger M77 7X57 in 1974 when i was 14 with my summer job money - added a weaver 2X7 which went bad fast - replaced it with a 3X9 Burris in 1979 that scope is still on it.

It has killed many deer - and a few coyotes, nothing bigger.

I love it and so I bought a second M77 in 7 Mauser last year, the orignial model NIB for $425.00 - so far it is a safe queen, but i handloaded over a thousand rounds for the twon rifles this winter.

I use Federal ammo for hunting, but used rem in the early days - I have shot lots of S&B and Prizi Partisan ammo too. Well over two thousand rounds through a hunting rifle.

Maybe the old dog will get an elk this year. We will see.

I'll give you $450 for it.

-

If you want a great looking and shooting 7x57, check this one out for sale on GB.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134161056

I have one in 30-06 or I would be after this one. Also have 7x57 M98 in the shop for custom bases or I WOULD buy this rifle.

I hope someone here here gets it.

Richard

I have a Ruger No. 1. I also have an Interarms Mark X Mauser, 20" barrel, bedded in a McMillan Stock...shoots bug-holes...

Hi,

The 7x57, along de .375 H&H, are my favorites!

I have two 7x57:

1- DWM Original Sporting Mauser. 1893 action. Not a military one. My first Big Game Rifle. From my Greatgrandfather.
2- 1935 Mauser with military mint barrel and modified military stock.
Both wear 4x32 Zeiss/Hendsoldt Diatal.

I have posted this rifles here, some months ago.

Best regards,

PH

Charles Daly's name first appeared on firearms around 1875 after he and partner August Shoverling began importing hardware, sporting goods and eventually firearms in New York City. Joined by Joseph Gales several years later, the company became knows as Shoverling, Daly & Gales, a name the company would retain for quite some time.
Shoverling, Daly & Gales thrived through the late 19th and early 20th century while the Charles Daly name earned a reputation for excellence by importing or selling firearms from such companies as Schiller, Linder , later Heym and Sauer of Germany, J&W Tolley of England, Newman of Belgium and Lefever Arms of New York. Charles Daly passed away unexpectedly in 1899 but the company continued on under the partnership that by then included his son, Charles Howard Daly.

Schoverling, Daly & Gales had earned a very good reputation selling the �Prussian-Daly� shotguns one of the finest made boxlock shotguns of the day, the best were made by Lindner. They had some custom rifles made in Germany and although there was no �Prussia� in 1932 they marked them as such. In twenty-five years of looking I�ve seen less than half-dozen. They were made in .250-3000, 7mm & .30-06 and sold for $150. I have not been able to learn who made the rifles.

By Harvey W. Rodgers when he worked for Hart Arms Company Cleveland, Ohio.

This is fun! I hope you forgive me for showing my "rimmed" version. It seems kinda off- topic, but i'm very fond of it. It's a Merkel and the 7x57R is under a 16 ga. barrel. I also have a Krieghoff drilling, but no pic.



I'll include a picture of my Brno 22F too...


This one is off at Ralf Martini's to get a new Dakota 3-position safety and a single trigger. Missed a pack of 5 wolves ( 5 shots!) last moose season, just couldn't hit them running with the DST's.

I have 4. A custom mauser 24" in a synthetic stock with a 14x Redfield. A custom ultra light by Gatlin guns. A Ruger 77mk1 in its original wood that has been full length action bedded and has a canjar trigger topped with a sightron scope. A Ruger 77mk1 that is getting a boyds jrs stock. The one I am working on right now is getting a burris with the ballistic plex reticle. The first custom mauser has killed more deer than I can count. reflex264

Down to one:

1937 vintage Oberndorf Model 98, completely redressed and stocked by Roger Biesen in pretty French walnut, classic fleur di lis checkering, weighs 7 1/2# w/ Talleys and Leupold 4x.

Man...you guys have some NICE rifles! Keep the pics coming...I'm really enjoying this! I might hafta cover my Win. M70 Fwt. back up...it looks like a bastard red-headed stepchild compared to some of this...
Ingwe

M Petrov/Steve: Thanks to you both. That is interesting information.Old rifles and shotguns are interesting to me;especially high end sporting rifles.

Mine is a Remington 700 Mountain rifle, with a 3x9 Leupold VX II. Haven't taken any game but it is very accurate and fun on the range.

Derryl

I'd love to see pictures of that Biesen stocked mauser, bro.

Steve - electronically challenged...will see about figuring out how tonight.

Me too!!

Some sweet rigs.

The bottom Husqvarna is a 7x57 (started life as a 30/06)

EFW, go ahead and use the weaver bases, a good idea i might add, pair them up with Burris Z rings. The z rings look way better than standard weavers and are detachable with a straight screwdriver. they are available in low, medium and high and in various finishs. Les

Steelie; you did that rifle a service by converting to a "proper" caliber....
Ingwe

acting as Blair's technical assistant, I present this incredible

7 x 57 eye candy:

Ingwe ( Speechless....)

and here's the 7mm with its big brother, a .375. I think I need a tissue....these bring tears to my eyes:

Those are friggen gorgeous!
drool

Steve...I think I've told you this before...maybe more than once...
YOU SUCK!

Ingwe Not sick...green with deep, dark, envy....

I wonder what I could get selling my children to the Arabs?

....... those are too sweet......now THOSE are customs.

Man, Steve, those are beautiful!!!

And that Biesen stock on Blairs is beautiful!!! Just what I had in mind for my Model 70!!

Gun porn.

That.. both of them... is/are absolutely fantastic!

I love the checkering on both the stock and the bolt handle... and the inside-the-guard-release on the bottom metal.

Hubba hubba.

Thanks guys, and thanks to Steve for posting these. I'm fond of them, though in danger of my daughter swiping the 7mm Mauser!

My 7X57 is a Remington Rolling Block made in 1905. I purchased it for $7.99 from Golden State Arms in 1956 - no FFL transfer, it was just sent Railway Express to my home. It was my first centerfire rifle and I still occasionally shoot it. Lots of fun, lots of memories.

Les,

That is an excellent suggestion. I have a pair of those rings on my Win 94 30 WCF and they are indeed the nicest looking Weaver rings I've seen.

I wish that somebody would make a peep sight like the NECG one for Talley bases... or vertical QDs like Warnes but in aluminum to save weight. Either would suit me well enough.

The front trigger in a DST 22F is also a single trigger. Just pull it back and there is some take up and then the rifle fires with just that front trigger.

I would not change mine by putting in a single trigger. It won't look as good either.

I do like the Dakota three position safety.

Yes, true, kinda... the front trigger on mine breaks unset at just over 9 lbs, after a gritty bumpy ride. I've been told by several people it is not worth trying to smooth out or lighten, and it cannot be made crisp. And shooting a DST at -30 degrees creates a whole 'nother set of problems with gloves on. So I'll take a minor change in looks for a big improvement in function. I do use double set triggers on an Anschutz .22 Hornet varmint rifle, and they are excellent for that application.

temted to buy one I saw today,
I saw an origional 1910 mex with the bayonet for 250.00.
The wood was a little rough,but otherwise quite nice.
I might go back tommorow.
But I have a project going now. There also to origional VZ-24 7X57.s Good show.
...tj3006

This is perhaps my favorite Campfire thread ever. More 7x57s just keep coming out of the woodwork.

See what your smith says about tuning up that front trigger.

Here is a 21H that came to me with a single trigger.

There are just some MAGNIFICENT rifles posted on this thread..WOW
I had a custom 7x57 built years ago that was very close to the one Steve_NO posted....

Maybe enough to make it a trio with a .300 H&H????
Ingwe

maybe if I throw in the wife?

Hope shes not looking over your shoulder, or you'll have to do SOMETHING with her....
Ingwe

Sounds like a good trade, especially for a 300 Holland and Holland!

works for me....

Oh, dear..........................................

I have a 7X57R over 12 gauge Brno, but it's at the doc's at the moment with a set trigger problem,
Nice gun, accurate as well.
Cat

Mine is an FN sporterized and stocked by Al Biesen. My grandfather had the rifle commissioned. When he passed away he left the rifle to me. My mother remembers more than one trip to Spokane as a little girl to visit the Biesen shop.

that rocks, Ralphie.

Beauty, and the family connection is even better. Don't ever sell it.

That's a beautiful rifle Ralphie. Your grandfather would probably be very happy to see that it goes hunting-----------and is still in the family. A rifle like that packs big medicine.

Ralphie,
Great pic with a wonderful family heirloom. I'm sure you will treat it right and pass it on.
I've got 2 Fwts. myself (7x57)and enjoy them both. Will take one to So. Dak. if our group gets lucky with the draw.

Ralphie,
Wow, that is a rifle to be truly proud of!

It just simply does not get much better than that ....beauty!

Thanks for the compliments. My grandfather and I were pretty close. This rifle is my most prized earthy possession. I hope to pass it on to my son someday. He might have to wait until I croak to get it though. It's killed several antelope and some cow elk with me now. 160 NPs.

When you get a chance I would like to see some more pictures of your rifle. The one with more light like the first one is what I mean.

What a rifle. A Biesen no less!

Yep Ralphie, you've got us all salivating...any more pics?
Ingwe

I was just about to ask the same thing, ingwe!