Here's the project ....

It's going to be a long road ahead on this one. Currently in the "gathering" stage. Barrel enroute for 7x57 chambering.







The bottom lumber .......






Will be patterned after this rifle. Chris Griesbach is doing it here in Canada.

That will be a beauty! What barrel and specs are you getting?

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

Going to be very nice! I will follow along with your build and take notes!

That rifle is freaking GORGEOUS!!!

And if you run out of ammo it is slim enough to be used as a spear.

Gathering stage huh, well you definitely know what you are doing.

I just bet you were the unit scrounger?

Just finished up doing this same thing myself, fun project!!!

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.

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.

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.

Chris is a ACGG builder. That rifle is one he previously did and what made my mind up concerning direction with this project.

He's also one heck of a nice guy who doesn't mind answering a LOT of questions.

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.

That is going to be a good one, Paul. I like that stock pattern.

Is that FN bottom metal?

^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^

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 bottom came from an '09 Argentine action. I scrounged it up here on the fire.

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.

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.

Sweet!

It would look good with a fixed 4x or 6x on it.

fwiw...

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.

That’s going to be a keeper, Supercub!!!!!!

That's the plan. Sell a few off and keep a couple "keepers".

I agree. Currently looking for a Zeiss Conquest 4x32 for this. Point me in that direction if'n you know of any.

If not, I have a couple Leupolds (2.5-8 & 1.5-5) that would work as well.

Have you tried looking on ebay for the Zeiss 4x?

Hard to get ebay sellers to ship to my US post box.

That makes no sense. US address is US address.

DF

He probably meant his Canadian address.

I'll look into it again, but usually the address on the VISA has to match the shipping address.

Gotcha.

Use a money order.

DF

I found an older Leupold M8 4x28 this week in matte finish. Kind of a rare scope in matte. I've only seen one other.

I'm going to try that one out on this rifle. At the very least, I can use it for a back up scope.

Great snag!

That sounds like a grand project. Please keep us posted as that classic rifle comes together.

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 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.

I really like the way your project is heading. Should be a lovely rifle.

Here's a question ...... Trying to decide direction with this project.

I originally wanted to buy a Rigby Highlander like the one below.



........ but got re-directed to this gunmaker here in Canada who sent me this pic of the rifle below.





Trying to decide whether to go with the red pad/no forend tip like the Rigby or the with a black pad with the forend tip in the maker's pic.


Comments invited.



.

I like the bottom rifle.

+1

Me, too.

DF

IMO, you can probably get more buzz for your buck with a top custom builder vs paying a big premium for a name,

At least that’s the way I would go.

DF

I should clarify here a bit. It was quite early when I was posting the question.

I am getting the lower rifle made by the builder here in Canada but am undecided about the final form.

It will either have the red pad/no black forend tip or come with a black pad and black forend tip.

Definitely with black tip/pad as in picture.

Black tip and a nice steel checked buttplate like those found on pre 64 M70s. The 7x57 is not a heavy kicker.

I prefer a thin pad over a hard butt plate or steel butt plate, not for recoil but personal preference.

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



.

I vote red pad no tip and stay with the Rigby pattern, elegantly simple. Don't forget the rounded grip knob......

The second rifle seems to much of a combination American classic with Rigby undertones.

^ +1!

Whatever you select, make sure the stock has the proper pitch, unlike that one pictured with the red pad!

Bottom rifle in pic, with red pad.

Red pad (not decelerator) and the ebony forend tip.

Exactamundo.

What kind of wood is that and what grade? I see the blanks, but didn't notice what kind?

Does anyone know what kind of rear site that is on the lower rifle?

Most likely this: https://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/proddetail.php?prod=4247

^^ It is. ^^

Thanks for the replies. Couple thoughts .... Don't like the Rigby round knob and do like some sort of pad or rubber butt plate over a steel butt.

Still waiting for the bbl so we are a way out on the final cut.

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!

followed the link provided by z1r and went shopping in their used rack and found this one for a visual reference.

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.)

Here's some similar rifles with the same stock pattern but with a few variations on the pad and forend.

IIRC, Chris did work with Martini, so the rifles are very similar.

https://martinigunmakers.com/rifles/


.

Why not decelerator?

Their red is ugly and only comes in 1”

10-4 .... Builder offered thinner Galazan red pads.

Small progress update ...... Had a snag getting a bbl so had to cancel and try elsewhere. That detail is holding up the entire project.

Looks good Paul.

It will be worth the wait!

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?

Cheers,
Rex

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 have a Leupold M8 3x20 with a TK Lee 4 Minute Dot, that I could see with you final rifle. PM invited, if interested.

Went with Jack O'Connor when selecting the Dot size

Jack O'Connor on Dot Reticles

Thanks .....

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.

Small update here .......

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.

Beautiful blank

tag, love this thread!


Mike

It's coming along! Thanks for the update. She should be a beauty when the dust settles.

Recent update ........ Coming along nicely. I'm going to ask for a more rounded forend tip.

It's turning out very nice. Any idea what the final weight might be?

Very, very nice ! I like the "Brit/Euro" forend tip, it's a nice change of pace.

Looking great man thanks for keeping us updated

I too, like it just the way it is, wouldn't change a thing. Very classy.

Thats gonna be beautiful

That's a great looking rifle. very classy looking.

This has been a great build to follow.

Tag

Got the following note today from the builder. Very pleased with the weight as well. Didn't state the load.

Minor update. Tweeked the forend and settled on this.

Ready for checkering and metal finish.

Always a great read following your progress.

I would knock the square tips off that forend like right now.

Paul is it going to be done for deer this year?

LOL ......... The Rigby forend is squared off where the stock meets the bbl. as well. In keeping with the original, I think I will leave it as is.

The rounded look you like is more "American" than this.

I found this rifle a while back on GI. I like this stock a lot.

I do like a more rounded version, but last picture does look a whole lot better than I expected.

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.

Checkering is done. Getting close to finished.

WOW!

The nitride looks like matte black bluing and is tough as nails as well as very corrosion-resistant. Much better than ceramics etc.

Regardless, that's a real beauty you have going there.

Paul,
What stock finish is that?

Not sure. Chris talked about a poly finish of some sort. I agreed with that for waterproof sake. I'll ask.

Update .... He put a tung oil finish on that.

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.

That is has turned out beautifully, cant wait to see it all put together

Got a couple "it's finished" pics today. I'll get some better pics when I get me hands on it.

Whoa! That is nice.

And here I am slobbering all over my keyboard! Very nice.

What a beautiful hunting rifle, bet you can’t wait to get it to the range.

Very nice!

NICE!

Where’s Rev Mike?

Maybe he saw the finished rifle and just passed out.

Your smith may have used a tung oil/urethane prep that Brownells sells. I’ve read that some top stock makers like it. I know I do.

DF

I’m here. Leave me alone!!😆

Very nice!

Was concerned about you seeing that rifle.

You OK?

DF

Old friend, I’m fine. So far have dodged the ‘rona and almost dodged the Luny Virus. How about you?

FM

Lovely rifle SuperCub.

Lying low, staying away from the plague.

Stay safe. Us ole farts gotta be careful. That stuff can be really tough on us.

DF

Looks good, now you just need to wait the month it will take to arrive.

Wow SC sir that right there is an absolutely lovely rifle!

Chris has to shoot it a bit for an accuracy check. I'm a patient customer in these matters.

Nice looking rifle. I'm sure you will get may faithful years of service from her.

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.

But that is for next time. This one is great.

I agree with the red pad comment. That was my fault. It came from NECG and I didn't realize that the black spacer was so thick on the thinner pad.

I don't mind it, but would rather the spacer a lot thinner or not at all.

It looks fine in my eyes.

Jesus Cub, if you put some bristles on that you could use it as a broom...it is slim.

I do that too but I can’t find any improvements. This rifle is perfect.


Okie John

Sleek.

Bet it points like a fine English bird gun...

DF

That is a sleek rifle.Looks like it will perform great in form and function.

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.

I'm late to the party... That is one appealing Rifle! I bet that it will be a joy to carry.

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!

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.



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.


I will get more pics when I get it in hand. Those were from the builder.

I'm sitting on 300 175 Hornady RNs.

Nice .... Good to have.

I'd still consider a shorter throat.

It's already been cut. If you PM me your phone.ill text the pics.or email.

Nice!!!

Very nice SC!

I really like the stock. Great looking rifle.

SC,
On page 4 of the thread what did you use for scope mounts?

Talleys. The gunmaker should have the scope and mounts in hand to check function and bolt clearance.

With those straight, Mauser bolt handles, often the scope has to be mounted a bit higher to clear the ocular.

DF

I like that bolt handle. I gotta stop looking at other rifles.

Nah...

Then you'd have to turn in your Loony card...



DF

Small update ........ That rifle really does not like WW760 so moved to Varget with 120s.

Looks like Varget made it happy.

Beautiful Rifle. 7x57 and a Mauser or FN 98 are just magic. I’ve never owned a 7x57, but folks sure seem to love them.

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.

I realize this thread is now going on 2 years old. Have you blooded your rifle yet? Just curious what is the weight with scope and full load?

Glad you opened this old thread as I somehow missed that gorgeous rifle in the post above yours! That is a nice one.

Shot a small bull with it a couple yrs ago on a hunt on Newfoundland Island. 160gr NPs worked perfectly at about 250yds.

Weighs about 8.5lbs loaded.

It's good to see such a beautiful rifle actually out in the woods. Mausers were never meant to live in captivity.


Okie John

Beautiful rifle.

Stunning rifle!!! And belated congrats on the bull!

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.

Big bulls are nice, but the smaller ones like that one are 2nd to none for eating.

I'll second the congrats. I really love that rifle.