In my spare moments (hah!) I am pecking away at the 458 Carbine. Below photo shows progress to date, ran it throught the bluing tanks last week.
20 inch barrel, NECG Masterpiece front ramp & hood, and now has an aperture rear sight. Also have a NECG Masterpiece adjustable barrel mount sight for this rifle. It's on a Mark X Mauser, and weighs 6 pounds as shown. Add about 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 pounds for a stock, and we have a 8-1/2 to 8-3/4 pound rifle. Stock work yet to be done. A similar rifle may be made lighter in weight by use of a lighter barrel contour. Note, the barrel recoil lug is more forward than normal, as it is drilled & tapped for a hold down screw the same size as the action screws. A screw,through a steel bushing in the stock, will enter from the bottom of the forend and thread into the recoil lug, to aid in holding the barrel in the stock.



[ 04-01-2003, 07:08: Message edited by: John Ricks ]

John,
That looks sweet,mean,and terribly tempting
45nut

Only thing wrong with it John, is the bolt is on the wrong side
Can't wait for follow up pics when you have it stock and ready to go

That's amazing. I have one almost like it I am working on slowly. My plan was to see if I could build a really good budget gun.

I used an A&B F34 barrel; same front sight, Williams ghost ring rear; VZ24 with a recontoured trigger guard; barrel band sling swivel.

For a stock, I picked up one of the surplus Parker and Hale safari stocks which are floating around. I think Numrich has them still. I got one complete with the casting for the magnum length trigger guard, so I can convert to a Lott in the future if I wish by building a floorplate and latch. It was completely finished and checkered and not a bad stock for $69. The barrel contour was so close that it only took about 90 seconds to clean it up for bedding. I still need to add a second recoil lug with a screw to the barrel. Haven't blued yet. I cut the barrel at 21". Ballistics are good if a little lower than shown in the manuals for a 24". I am planning on using 400 and 450 grs due to the barrel length. Best load to date is with Barnes 450 solids, but I haven't tried the 400's. Your weight estimate is right on and the gun is easy to carry. Recoil with near max loads is really pretty inconsequential. I think you will like it. I do mine, and can't wait to get it finished. Total investment in the rifle is going to be in the $375 range. I'll post a picture when I finish.

That looks like alot of ass in a small package....NEAT