I have a McGowen bbl coming in a #2 Krieger contour. Should be between 22-23". It's harder to find a chrome moly these days, esp here in Canada. Everyone wants to do stainless.
Talley mounts. Not sure scope but probably either Leupold 1.5-5 or 2.5-8
Gathering stage huh, well you definitely know what you are doing.
I just bet you were the unit scrounger?
I've been taking a bit of time gathering this lot. Started last year and want to get this right the first time.
Not sure what a "unit scrounger" is but have had several 700s built up in the past and learned where to look and that one should not get in too much of a hurry with these things.
Just finished up doing this same thing myself, fun project!!!
I've been watching that project with interest. Really like how the stock turned out, not only the choice of wood but the overall style. I copied that pic for reference when deciding on what I wanted.
Gathering stage huh, well you definitely know what you are doing.
I just bet you were the unit scrounger?
I've been taking a bit of time gathering this lot. Started last year and want to get this right the first time.
Not sure what a "unit scrounger" is but have had several 700s built up in the past and learned where to look and that one should not get in too much of a hurry with these things.
Every unit should have one, he is the horrible scroat that can get anything anytime from anywhere, so long as you don't ask how.
A more important fellow than the cook and paymaster.
Gathering stage huh, well you definitely know what you are doing.
I just bet you were the unit scrounger?
I've been taking a bit of time gathering this lot. Started last year and want to get this right the first time.
Not sure what a "unit scrounger" is but have had several 700s built up in the past and learned where to look and that one should not get in too much of a hurry with these things.
Every unit should have one, he is the horrible scroat that can get anything anytime from anywhere, so long as you don't ask how.
A more important fellow than the cook and paymaster.
Ok .... well you might be right. I use this ability at work as well. Somewhat of a bit of hoarder too.
That is going to be a lovely little rifle, but I have to say that with that stock I would consider going without scope.
Kind of like scoping a Purdey 20 gauge.
I get what you are saying, but really do need a scoped rifle. I want to actually use this rifle for all my future hunting but do have a couple synthetics for inclement weather.
That is going to be a lovely little rifle, but I have to say that with that stock I would consider going without scope.
Kind of like scoping a Purdey 20 gauge.
I get what you are saying, but really do need a scoped rifle. I want to actually use this rifle for all my future hunting but do have a couple synthetics for inclement weather.
That is going to be a lovely little rifle, but I have to say that with that stock I would consider going without scope.
Kind of like scoping a Purdey 20 gauge.
I get what you are saying, but really do need a scoped rifle. I want to actually use this rifle for all my future hunting but do have a couple synthetics for inclement weather.
That is going to be a lovely little rifle, but I have to say that with that stock I would consider going without scope.
Kind of like scoping a Purdey 20 gauge.
I get what you are saying, but really do need a scoped rifle. I want to actually use this rifle for all my future hunting but do have a couple synthetics for inclement weather.
Nice little period 3x Leupold in detachables?
That was one of my first choices as well.
I really like the way you think.
Have to tell you that I am looking forward to seeing this.
That is going to be a lovely little rifle, but I have to say that with that stock I would consider going without scope.
Kind of like scoping a Purdey 20 gauge.
I get what you are saying, but really do need a scoped rifle. I want to actually use this rifle for all my future hunting but do have a couple synthetics for inclement weather.
Nice little period 3x Leupold in detachables?
That was one of my first choices as well.
I really like the way you think.
Not so easy to find those 3x fixed here in Canada, esp one in good condition. The scope consideration is still down the road a bit.
One could have a couple scopes in QDs for this. I like the 2.5-8. If the rifle and mounts were fitted for this scope, it would probably work for other Leupolds incl. the 3x as well.
Have used both the Warne and Weaver front extension bases with shorter scopes on 98's. I shortened the back end on them a little so they didn't hang over the port--more nearly flush with the receiver ring and it then moves the front scope ring back enough for me. The Warnes are lower bases than the Weaver, if you have higher rings or vice-versa. Too, have used a Rusan front extension ring. They do have have more and wider ring slots, though, than the other two.
Have used both the Warne and Weaver front extension bases with shorter scopes on 98's. I shortened the back end on them a little so they didn't hang over the port--more nearly flush with the receiver ring and it then moves the front scope ring back enough for me. The Warnes are lower bases than the Weaver, if you have higher rings or vice-versa. Too, have used a Rusan front extension ring. They do have have more and wider ring slots, though, than the other two.
I suggested using the Warnes weaver style on this but the builder balked at that idea. I like them and use them a lot but do also see his vision for this as well.
"Come, shall we go and kill us venison? And yet it irks me the poor dappled fools, Being native burghers of this desert city, Should in their own confines with forked heads Have their round haunches gored."
That is going to be a lovely little rifle, but I have to say that with that stock I would consider going without scope.
Kind of like scoping a Purdey 20 gauge.
I get what you are saying, but really do need a scoped rifle. I want to actually use this rifle for all my future hunting but do have a couple synthetics for inclement weather.
Nice little period 3x Leupold in detachables?
What I was thinking, except for using a new Leupold 3X from the custom shop in Talley detachables. Totally retro, but great optics, too. I'll be following this with mucho interest. Bob
Chris does very good work. I came very close to buying a 35 Whelen that he built to get into the ACGG when I was living in Calgary some years ago. Two years ago he was at the Dallas Safari Club show and he recalled me and the Whelen. A great guy to chat with. A retired Calgary LEO if I recall correctly.
Chris does very good work. I came very close to buying a 35 Whelen that he built to get into the ACGG when I was living in Calgary some years ago. Two years ago he was at the Dallas Safari Club show and he recalled me and the Whelen. A great guy to chat with. A retired Calgary LEO if I recall correctly.
Chris has been very gracious to answer my many questions, most of which would reveal my inexperience in such a project as this. Very friendly guy in a trade were some of the old gunsmiths get a bit crotchety.
For me I'm fan of simplicity in design and the Rigby and the Griesbach both have really beautiful lines and a timeless quality. The black forend tip i've seen that done on a lot of guns past and present to imply a level of quality, deserved or not. The thing notice more is the different angles of each guns buttstock and forend. How those lines affect the look of each rifle as an overall whole. The buttstock angle being so different for each rifle would also affected the feel in use and would be something to consider as well. The red butt pad seems to be a way to distinguish a Rigby from a distance, a makers mark as such and personally prefer the overall shape of this rifle more, the lines flow very well. it looks fantastic but I'm new to the rifle world. Since you've got a custom in the works from an excellent gunsmith in his own right. I'd ask him what he would like to see take shape for he's very experienced and float the idea around. Then get ready to fall in love. Regards Keith
"An archer sees how far he can be from a target and still hit it, a bowhunter sees how close he can get before he shoots." It is certainly easy to use that same line of thinking with firearms. -- Unknown
Since you've got a custom in the works from an excellent gunsmith in his own right. I'd ask him what he would like to see take shape for he's very experienced and float the idea around. .
Chris prefers the black pad / black tip over the red pad / no tip but does not force his preference over the client's wishes. Nice guy!
Were it me I would go red pad/ebony tip. Prince of Wales pistol grips look foreign to our eyes, but I've done a couple over the years and have come to like them. The open design of the grip is conducive to aiding in snap shooting.
One thing I've done on two rifles is to put a small bit of ebony on the bottom of the PoW grip, in place of the naked wooden knob- 1/4-3/8" thick and blended into the rounded shape of the knob. A dot of ivory in its center as a subtle embellishment, with a single initial scrimshawed thereon, would be a classy touch that I've threatened to do but never got around to. The small piece of ebony at the bottom of the grip also helps tie in the butt with the ebony tipped forearm.
Optics or irons as primary sighting equipment? That'll drive comb height and also effect decision about PoW grip shape. That style grip loses something in the translation if comb is high, IMO only. (Low comb can be used with scope as secondary/backup to iron/receiver sights, not so much the other way around.)
Last edited by gnoahhh; 10/23/19.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz "Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
Interesting. I have a bunch of these and I think the 1" is just fine and have not had any issues with the color. I think it looks classy. But by all means use whatever you like best for this lovely project. I will cast my vote for red recoil pad and ebony forend tip. And I also think your choice of the 2.5x8 Leupold is a good one. I chose that on my only "bespoke" rifle. But that lovely matte 4X you scored is really all you need. I've killed lots of critters out to 400 yards with the 4X leupold and it is plenty. But, in truth, that 2.5x8 VXIII is the better scope. And did I hear right that the custom shop is making the M8 3X again?
I vote red pad no tip and stay with the Rigby pattern, elegantly simple. Don't forget the rounded grip knob......
After flip/flopping several times, I did finally decide on a .750" red pad w/o the black tip which is more keeping with the Rigby style. The rounded knob will be replaced with a simple steel grip cap instead. The front sight will be a bit farther back on the bbl about .375" much like some of the older English rifles. Trigger guard will be stamped with the ser#.
Barrel came in this week. Will be a Ron Smith 1:8" gain twist .600" at the muzzle. 23" long.
Have you thought about switching to the Jerry Fisher round bottom bottom metal instead of the Argy you are planning on? If you want a really sleek gun that would handle like a little Purdy, it would move you in the right direction. It is surprising how much wood you can take out of the action area by switching to that bottom metal.
Those are very nice bottoms. I did the math and by the time I pay the US to CDN exchange and the 15% duty at the border plus the gas to get to Maine , I'd be into it for almost $1K CDN. Add on top of that, this rifle will have a lot of Rigby overtones and the bottom will be perfect for that.
That Rigby pattern is different in a bigger way than colors. From the one look at it in that photo it has to shoulder and fire like lightning compared the other, more deliberate weapon. Funny, custom tradtional bow buyers talk colors too.
I thought about a classic Leupold 3x for a bit but ended up sending a VX-III 2.5-8 with the rifle to the gunsmith for overall fitting to the bolt and sights. I will try this scope out for a bit but may end up putting a VX-3 1.5-5 on it when it arrives home.
I received some advice from a very helpful member here who explained to me that English walnut would be a more fitting wood for this project. Based on his advice and a bit of research, I bought the following blank this week. It's a bit understated, but a good fit for this "working gun" and has good grain through the wrist.
I received some advice from a very helpful member here who explained to me that English walnut would be a more fitting wood for this project. Based on his advice and a bit of research, I bought the following blank this week. It's a bit understated, but a good fit for this "working gun" and has good grain through the wrist.
Sometimes I prefer the plainer walnut to exhibition. That is a lovely blank with nice mineral streaking.
Figures don't lie, But Liars figure Assumption is the mother of mistakes
It's coming along! Thanks for the update. She should be a beauty when the dust settles.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
It's turning out very nice. Any idea what the final weight might be?
"An archer sees how far he can be from a target and still hit it, a bowhunter sees how close he can get before he shoots." It is certainly easy to use that same line of thinking with firearms. -- Unknown
I have a McGowen bbl coming in a #2 Krieger contour. Should be between 22-23". It's harder to find a chrome moly these days, esp here in Canada. Everyone wants to do stainless.
Talley mounts. Not sure scope but probably either Leupold 1.5-5 or 2.5-8
Consider nitride over stainless. Best of both worlds. Tough stuff.
I have a McGowen bbl coming in a #2 Krieger contour. Should be between 22-23". It's harder to find a chrome moly these days, esp here in Canada. Everyone wants to do stainless.
Talley mounts. Not sure scope but probably either Leupold 1.5-5 or 2.5-8
Consider nitride over stainless. Best of both worlds. Tough stuff.
CM bbl is already in place and will be hot blued. I already have lots of SS rifle in fiberglass. This one is going to be olde school.
The nitride looks like matte black bluing and is tough as nails as well as very corrosion-resistant. Much better than ceramics etc.
I had a nitrade finish on a 375magnum a few yrs ago and liked it a lot. I'd be surprised if this builder does that finish. He's pretty old school. Did some of his apprentice with Martini.
And here I am slobbering all over my keyboard! Very nice.
Shew me thy ways, O LORD: teach me thy paths. "there are few better cartridges on Earth than the 7 x 57mm Mauser" "the .30 Springfield is light, accurate, penetrating, and has surprising stopping power"
"An archer sees how far he can be from a target and still hit it, a bowhunter sees how close he can get before he shoots." It is certainly easy to use that same line of thinking with firearms. -- Unknown
Old friend, I’m fine. So far have dodged the ‘rona and almost dodged the Luny Virus. How about you?
FM
"An archer sees how far he can be from a target and still hit it, a bowhunter sees how close he can get before he shoots." It is certainly easy to use that same line of thinking with firearms. -- Unknown
That worked out really well. All of the design elements work really well together. The tapered short forend and the angle on the tip are very traditional Rigby/British/Euro style and pair well with the oval cheekpiece. The red pad is not so traditional, but I think it works just fine.
Everytime I finish a gun I see something that I would like to try different for the next time. I wonder how this gun would have looked if you shortened/shallowed the mag box to lose one round capacity, shortened the trigger (somehow) and were able to make stock depth about .20" less than it is. When I mentally project a line from the forend back into the grip that is shallower through the action I get intrigued.
Thanks all. I am very pleased with it as well. It should go to post in the next couple days and I'll have most of next week off after a 3 week run at work.
Talked to Chris this week. He has been getting 1.5"ish groups with 160gr Speer BT. Better with cheapo 139gr PRVI. I have some Nosler 120gr BTs and 160gr NPs here as well as some 154gr Hornadys, 140gr Sierras and 400pcs hard to find now 175gr Hornady RNs. I'm sure I can get something to work.
BTW SuperCub that PRVI brass is terrific for reloading so hold onto it. I'm having a 7x57 made up on a left hand Zastava and had it throated for 175s. Plan to make a load for the 160 NP. With its 25 inch barrel, 06 length magazine and throat it should be able to hit 2700 giving me.range as well as up close thump. I like the 7x57 as much as the 30 06 for general hunting. That is one nice rifle you got there! I hope it provides many years of faithful service. More pics if you got 'em!
BTW SuperCub that PRVI brass is terrific for reloading so hold onto it.
Thanks .... That's good to know as I just bought 200pcs of that brass as well as have some other 1F fed and WW brand here that I can beat up for load testing.
Originally Posted by bluefish
I'm having a 7x57 made up on a left hand Zastava and had it throated for 175s. Plan to make a load for the 160 NP.
That will be a nice rifle in LH. Unless you already have them on hand, I'd see if I could find some of those 175s. The RNs are not made anymore and scarce. A shorter throat may be a better route in case you have to go with a shorter bullet. I got a match chamber reamer for mine for that same reason.
Originally Posted by bluefish
More pics if you got 'em!
I will get more pics when I get it in hand. Those were from the builder.
Small update to this thread ....... Chris has done another faux Rigby Stalker in 275 Rigby with a few changes towards the original including more traditional sights and rounded knob. I like the sights better than mine, but not enough to spend money on it.
Turned out to be a very nice rifle. I'm pretty sure this one is for sale.
Glad you opened this old thread as I somehow missed that gorgeous rifle in the post above yours! That is a nice one.
Shew me thy ways, O LORD: teach me thy paths. "there are few better cartridges on Earth than the 7 x 57mm Mauser" "the .30 Springfield is light, accurate, penetrating, and has surprising stopping power"
Stunning rifle!!! And belated congrats on the bull!
Founder Ancient Order of the 1895 Winchester
"Come, shall we go and kill us venison? And yet it irks me the poor dappled fools, Being native burghers of this desert city, Should in their own confines with forked heads Have their round haunches gored."
I made up my mind before starting this project that it was NOT going to be a safe queen. I have beater guns for beater days, but this one has been rained on a couple times already and dragged through alders.
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