I went out to test fire this yesterday. I've owned the rifle for two years and have been working on it on and off again as time permitted. It functioned well, but I need to make some small adjustments. I also note it kicks like the proverbial mule. A 245 grain bullet at 2200fps does not sound like much, and you wouldn't think that bad, but add the 6 pound weight of the rifle and it takes on a different meaning.

Ok,
I'm stretching it a bit but here is my 9.3x57.



I like your pics better though, lol.

I just glass bedded it this weekend. It really needed it. Will take it to the range this weekend to see how it worked.

What's the genesis of this rifle, Nitroman?

Is it a guild gun?

Many would find the short forend, long barrel anachronistic, but I think it's swell.

A really beautiful rifle.

flaco

N.B. I'm also interested in what work you've been doing on it?

quote:

Originally posted by Nitroman:
I also note it kicks like the proverbial mule. A 245 grain bullet at 2200fps does not sound like much, and you wouldn't think that bad, but add the 6 pound weight of the rifle and it takes on a different meaning.

My Husqvarna 8X57 kicks hard enough to make your eyes cross...

This is a guild rifle, the 16th rifle made by the shop in August of 1924.

When I received it, the double-set triggers did not work, the wrist was seriously cracked and there was no finish at all on the wood. Lastly, there was some form of dust thick in the small cracks and hidden areas of the metalwork. Not to mention there was some serious surface rust everywhere.

I spent a period of three months cleaning the wood and metalwork. In and out of the solvent tank, acetone soaks and weeks of drying. Finally clean, I disassemembled the triggers and cleaned them, getting them to function again. They just needed cleaning.

Finishing the wood was a chore. I just mixed Varathane Spar Urethane 70% with mineral spirits 30% and put it on. I cannot remember how many applications I made, but it was over 8-9. Put it on then sand with 1500 grit sandpaper. I did not take any wood; I would swipe just once with the paper on a hard rubber block. I am happy with the finish.

The wrist was crack on the right-hand side on the underside. I used latex tubing to wrap around the wood to bring the endges together. I then drilled across the crack, warmed the wood so the epoxy would flow well, removed the tubing, then injected the epoxy into the crack allowing it to flow out of the crack where it would. Lastly, I inserted stainless steel bolts (very small bolts #4 40 threads per inch), into the holes I made. I also drilled from the rear guard screw at the top of the wrist down though to the bottom near the grip cap. I filled it with epoxy and inserted a stainless steel bolt.

The last thing I have done (this past couple of days), was to install a Mauser spacer between the rear receiver guard screw hole and the triggerguard. I also removed some wood behind the receiver lug and bedded the receiver. This was unfortunate for the collectors value, but if I ever wanted to shoot it again, I felt it was necessary.
After firing it the one time last weekend, I noticed a crack, not in the wood, but a stress flex in the finish near the end of the crack where it runs into the channel carved for the triggerguard. I install another screw across this crack near the end and with the receiver bedding, I think that should stop any further flexing.

Now, with that light weight and thin-combed stock that's hardly surprising. Some stupid people even whittle away the cheek piece, now that a ......

I will take photos of the areas I am talking about and post them later this evening.

Paolo,
Remember when this was made, people were not of the same physical stature as today. And they were much tougher, they didn't complain about the recoil, they accepted it. This is made for off-hand shooting, and carrying great distances before shooting. I am 5' 7" tall and I find the rifle fits me perfectly, and comes up like a dream. This example is truly representative of the "classic school" of rifle design. Svelte, lightweight, elegant and a joy to use. Any comparison to the clubs of today is no comparison at all. Give me a Mauser Model B and color me a happy camper.

I agree it is a crying shame to find a bubbaized rifle, but when it belongs to you...

Nitro

That's a beauty.. I really like the stock shape. Good luck with it.

I'm gonna try this one tomorrow.

That is sooooo sweet!

Let us know how it does. What ammo/bullets are you using, and if you would, what is a good load? I am going to purchase 9x57mm correctly headstamped cases, just have to locate them first. And I will load to the original 2200 fps.