24" heavy contour chambered 9.3x74R. Guess I'm nuts, don't
even have a frame/stocks yet
I've been shooting this caliber in a Ruger No. 1 for the last
year or so, and absolutely love it, it's just that the Ruger
takes so much effort on my part to keep from thrashing it...
I hunted the last part of this season with it, and while I
don't mind the little blueing wear from the gun boot/ATV and light use marks, we hunt in a muddy swamp, often in the rain,
and it takes quite an effort to keep a nice finished rifle
from going to pot over the course of a season (2 1/2 months)
I'd rather be backed up to the wood heater in the camphouse
telling lies and eating (or in the skinning shed) than stripping and oiling rifles.
So the plan is to reserve the No. 1 for sunny days and still
hunting, and build up a synthetic stocked encore for the daily grind of the the box blinds, climbing stands, and general mud derby. I know, I could have done this with a 35 Whelen, but
I'll admit it - I just like things a little different!
.