|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 263
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 263 |
Here�s the latest single shot project I�ve been puttering on in my spare time. I purchased one of the first of Bailey Bradshaw�s falling block single shot actions last summer. For those not familiar with this action, it�s similar to the Holland and Woodward patent, but reduced a bit in size, and with some unique design features of Bailey�s. He sold this one to me as a barreled action, chambered for the 7x57R cartridge. All of the pictures I have to share were taken with the only camera available at the time, a mobile phone camera and are fairly poor quality, but should give you some idea. Here is the metal as received from Bailey along with the walnut to become the stock set. Here I am heading up the bare action to the would-be buttstock. You can see how small the action is compared to my average sized paw. I also started to do some recontouring of the top surfaces of the action at this point. With the action fully inletted to the stock, I could finally grab the rasp and get on with the shaping. I like this part. It feels like I just past the last buoy marking the end of the no-wake zone and I can finally hit the fast-forward button. [img] http://i52.tinypic.com/2cfwr3p.jpg[/img] [img] http://i51.tinypic.com/az9dl4.jpg[/img] [img] http://i56.tinypic.com/2mmb9et.jpg[/img] [img] http://i53.tinypic.com/10ddzm1.jpg[/img]
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 263
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 263 |
Next I filed the quarter rib to a gentle curve and milled the features needed to accept the Talley scope rings. This pair is QD and 7/8� diameter. I put the rifle on the scale for the first time to get a hint at what the final weight will be. With the stock sanded and ready for oil, it�s time to add a measure of alkanet root for some of the reddish color that I enjoy. And here it is this weekend during the initial test-firing. It looks like it will be plenty accurate: the Hornady factory loads consisting of a 162gr. �SST� bullet grouped at 1.5� while a mild hand load of Sierra�s 130gr. SP and 41.0 gr. Of IMR 4064 grouped just under 1� for five shots with the 1.5-5x20mm scope during break-in. Without scope, but with sights on the 25� barrel, it weights 5 and � lbs. In the coming weeks I�ll polish and rust-blue the metal and teach myself to checker the stock (with the steep part of the learning curve happening on some scrap wood first). I have to say that I really like the way it�s shaped up at this point though. I think this is going to be one of the few rifles that I�m constantly reaching for when headed out for a hike. [img] http://i53.tinypic.com/11b6vte.jpg[/img] [img] http://i54.tinypic.com/n35atx.jpg[/img]
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,000
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,000 |
That is very fine work there. Beautiful rifle! That alkanet root gives a nice tint to the walnut, very natural looking.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,435
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,435 |
Ian,
You sure don't post much, but when you do.... OMG! that is one beautiful rifle... Kudos for your choice of chambering, as well! To say I'm envious, is an understatement...
GH
"As you walk thru life, don't be surprised that there are fewer people that you encounter seeking truth than those seeking confirmation of what they already believe!"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 42,435 Likes: 81
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 42,435 Likes: 81 |
Bravo! Thank you for sharing!
Make Gitmo Great Again!! Who gave the order to stop counting votes in the swing states on the night of November 3/4, 2020?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,173
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,173 |
What a terrific little rifle! Nice work.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,059
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,059 |
Outstanding! Very well done!
There is no accounting for taste.
Experience is a great thing as long as one survives it.
Generally, there ain't a lot that separates the two however, Barely making it is a whole lot more satisfying than barely not making it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 885
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 885 |
A beautiful rifle. I especially enjoyed seeing the progress stage pictures.
El Numero Uno a Serious Collector of the Ruger No.1 rifle; a Modern Classic Sporting Arm
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,327
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,327 |
Ian,
Beautiful rifle, and your skill in building it intimidates the living hell out of me.
Very impressive and thanks for the story and pics.
Steve
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,788 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,788 Likes: 1 |
The work of an artisan.
Thank you for showing.
Member of the Merry Band of turdlike People.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,786
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,786 |
What a sweet rig! Nicely done!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 545
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 545 |
Super. Checkering will be interesting. Tried it once, never tried it again. Came to the conclusion that I have ten thumbs.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,644
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,644 |
In my opinion you have the perfect single shot Ian.. That is what my vision of a downsized Ruger #1 that we have quibbled about here in the past should look like.. Thanks to Bailey we can now have one in the caliber of our choice (as long as it is on a rimmed case)..
It's a great life if you don't weaken..
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,641
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,641 |
Nrut,
Yes. IF we have the skills and machine shop and a few loose $ laying around. Even then, no way that platform will manage the true big bore calibers.
Ian,
Your work raises the bar for everyone so high that there are no challengers.
1B
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,644
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,644 |
Nrut,
Yes. IF we have the skills and machine shop and a few loose $ laying around. Even then, no way that platform will manage the true big bore calibers.
Ian,
Your work raises the bar for everyone so high that there are no challengers.
1B
1B, I was referring to the threads that were posted by people wanting Ruger to make a smaller version of their #1 for the cartridges most commonly used for small to medium game. My contention then and still is that if Ruger made a smaller version that it would out sell their one they presently make.. BTW Baileys rifles can be had in various states of completion so you don't need a machine shop to complete one.. I ordered a barreled action with 1/4 rib and sites early last year and sent him a two piece blank from Cali'Co Hardwoods, Inc. which he rough shaped and fitted to the metal work.. I will finish the stock myself and have a friend engrave it and brown it.. You can buy one already completed but now that his Falling Block double rifles are in great demand I imagine that the price and the wait times for single shots have gone up from when I ordered mine.. The rifle action size the Ian shows above can handle up to the 9.3X74R case size.. As far as handling true big bore calibers we already have the Ruger #1 for which I am thankful.. But if you prefer something more refined than a Ruger #1 Bailey also offers a larger action size that will accommodate cartridges up to the 500 NE.. I agree with you that Ians work on his rifle is top shelf and only hope that my Bradshaw ABF will turn out half as nice looking as his.. I am really looking forward to seeing more photos of his rifle esp. after he does the checkering.. Baileys website.. http://www.bradshawgunandrifle.com/Farquharson_single_shot.php
It's a great life if you don't weaken..
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,720
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,720 |
How does that action compare to a Ruger #1 in strength? Don't matter really...I'll take it! Can I forward an address?
Come on America, Athletes and actors are not heroes, only soldiers, airmen,marines and sailors get that respect�and let's add firemen and LEO's
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 150
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 150 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,235
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,235 |
Ian:
What a beautiful rifle! Thanks. Great work.
- Tom
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,104
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,104 |
Ian:
Beautiful work! I am aggravatingly envious!
Ben
Some days it takes most of the day for me to do practically nothing...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 263
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 263 |
Thanks for all the kind words, guys. It made my week.
Ed, yeah, I tend to not say a whole lot on the forums unless I feel like I have enough experience to offer an opinion or something noteworthy. I plan to participate more activly going forward though. Seeing all of the member's rifles and sharing projects is a great time for me. Working on rifles, especially single shots, is what I enjoy more than anything else. The encouragement I've gotten from the folks here and on other forums has me thinking about transitioning this from something more than just a hobby.
Dennis, I'd be interested in your perspective as a custom rifle commissioner on whether or not our area could make use of another builder. I'll send a PM.
Thanks again for the positive feedback.
|
|
|
|
554 members (06hunter59, 222Sako, 1beaver_shooter, 1OntarioJim, 222ND, 160user, 51 invisible),
13,279
guests, and
978
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,195,128
Posts18,542,349
Members74,057
|
Most Online21,066 May 26th, 2024
|
|
|
|