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Rays 404
16 July 2009, 03:53
Gun toterRays 404
If it is a Vektor action then why is the bolt handle not the same as the Vektors?
more over, why the F*ck would anyone change the bolt handle (Vektors are all one piece!) from the Vektors to the one on the 404 in question?
not a Vektor.
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16 July 2009, 05:48
RobgunbuilderGun toter- Yes you are right the bolt handle in fact is more tear drop shaped than Cas II's Vektor action or mine. Both of which are more ball shaped. However, cutting and welding on new bolt handles that are more esthetically pleasing is gunsmithing 101 level stuff. The one on Palmers gun actually looks nicer than a std Vektor. So this could have been easily done. But nevertheless you raise a good point along with another question which is why was the cocking piece and three position safety changed from the perfectly good Vektor ones in the first place? The M70 safety isnt that a big improvement in my view. This is adding up to a whole lot of expensive gunsmithing being done to a very desirable action in the first place with little apparant benefit. Why? I think careful dimensional measurements versus a authentic vektor action will be the only way to resolve this. However if Palmer doesnt care, then whats the point. Its still a good looking rifle no matter what and if it shoots straight who cares really.-Rob
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012
Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise!
16 July 2009, 06:18
MJinesquote:
Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
However if Palmer doesnt care, then whats the point. Its still a good looking rifle no matter what and if it shoots straight who cares really.-Rob
About time someone made this point.
Mike
16 July 2009, 06:30
PalmerRob the front ring is 1.8 inches front to back.
Both Ray and Mr. Satterlee have identified the bolt handle as a Talley.
The various observations about this action have been very instuctive to me and I am grateful to be able to learn something from those who are so knowledgeable.
At present I believe it started out as a Vektor, was imported by Butch, theoretically sold to Dowtin who sold or traded it to Ray. Somewhere along the line modifications, for whatever reason happened.
Hopefully all will keep in mind that this rifle is more like a street rod than a collector car.
My earnest wish for this rifles future is that it will rust from the sweat of many trackers hands and the occasional dip in an Alaskan stream when I slip.
I hope the stock becomes dented from the horn of a charging buffalo and is later cracked when a hundred pounder turns over the Landrover.
I hope that before the Obamanation takes it away I can give it to my favorite tracker who then poaches many elephant on green safari areas.
That is the pedigree, good Lord willing, I would wish for my RAY GUN.
ALLEN W. JOHNSON - DRSS
Into my heart on air that kills
From yon far country blows:
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?
That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.
A. E. Housman
16 July 2009, 07:13
JudgeGAlan:
You being a man who, to your benefit, has successfully negotiated with Wille, Mel and Merle, I suspect that you know what you want and what's worth getting off a few bucks.
'Nuff said.
Enjoy your rifle!
JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous.
16 July 2009, 07:21
RobgunbuilderPalmer- My ft action ring measures exactly 1.801. What a wonderful wish you have for your rifle. Enjoy it and maybe someday its true history will be revealed. I like your style and you have handled yourself with distinction throught this thread. I wish you the best!-Rob
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012
Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise!
16 July 2009, 12:10
gumboot458Palmer ,;

.. You The Man

.If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined ....
Rusty
We Band of Brothers!
DRSS, NRA & SCI Life Member
"I am rejoiced at my fate. Do not be uneasy about me, for I am with my friends."
----- David Crockett in his last letter (to his children), January 9th, 1836
"I will never forsake Texas and her cause. I am her son." ----- Jose Antonio Navarro, from Mexican Prison in 1841
"for I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson
Declaration of Arbroath April 6, 1320-“. . .It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.”
Palmer: You have a beautiful gun in a classic caliber. Use it and enjoy it in good health for many years!
I wish it was mine!!!

16 July 2009, 18:07
Rick R
This thread has been a better read than the book I paid good money for at BAM last week. Heck you even managed a cameo appearance by Ray.

If the rifle shoots straight, feeds 110% and you think you got a decent deal from the old horse trader then life is good. It is a nice looking rifle.

17 July 2009, 02:19
Gun toterGuys I agree its a fine looking gun, very nice in fact.
I was just jumping on the bandwagon haven me some good ole fun.
Rob,
Its not just the bolt knob but the whole handle. Notice the shoulder of the bolt.
BIG difference.
And yes I agree with you that a bolt knob or handle is basic gunsmithing, I just see no reason what so ever why anyone in their right mind would cut off the Vektor bolt and replace it.
Palmer, may it always shoot true and may it get honestly worn and beautiful for it.
Like a fine Lass that knows her way 'round the bordelo.
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