I'm trying to design a "dream rifle" big bore.

I have my own ideas as to caliber and twist rate.

This will be a big case (416 Rigby sized). Do I go for three or four down?

Do I get a swept or straight bolt handle?

Do I get a checkered or plain bolt knob?

Mauser-Style, M70-Style, or CZ?

Ghost ring receiver-peep, or quarter-rib-single fixed standing? (Why?)

Talley or QRW?

2-or-3 position safety?

Barrel Length?

Thanks,

First off: Three down. This rifle is going to be a real looker. three down will keep it trim
second: Mauser-Style. You no why.
third: Ghost ring and a quater rib. ghost rings are fast on the target and if done right can look sweet and serious at the same time. the quarter rib adds class leave it with out sights. It can be milled in the future if you change your mind and want to add express sights.
forth: Original Mauser flag saftey.
Fifth: No scope. no mounts nothing to distract the eye from the beautiful lines of that rifle!
sixth: Barrel band and hooded front sight.
Seveth: 24 inch pipe.
eight: the best looking piece of walnut you can find, carved classic or old style Oberndorf with the raised ovals for action suport and a slender forarm. not the best for recoil though
Nineth: Fluer-de-les checkering.
tenth: Straight bolt. four panel checked.
I won't even suggest a caliber. anything in that big beautiful Riby case is going to be just fine!

Naked quarter rib, ghost ring, flat ovals and fluer de lis checkering?

I need to lie down for a while. I'm not feeling too well.

I agree with Forest. For a nice Big Bore you want classic elegance, not fancy shit. Take a look at some photos of the beautiful Oberndorf Mausers made prior to the War.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Naked quarter rib, ghost ring, flat ovals and fluer de lis checkering?

I need to lie down for a while. I'm not feeling too well.

Oh, come on! Maybe he is hunting buffs with lipstick and make-up?

Anyway, his rifle, his choise, land of the free, home of the brave. It is all a matter of personal taste. Well, exept for the flag-safety, I really think there are healthier safeties for DGR's on the market?

If you are going custom, get the smith to make a tang safty!

Don,

What are you thinking for caliber, barrel maker, stock?

- Ganite Mtn, WaffenHein, Satterlee etc. if 3k isn't a problem...cz550 if it is.
- quater rib.
- 4 down if you don't mind the bulk.
- straight bolt handle.
- plain bolt knob.
- 3 pos safety.
- 24' barrel.


Keep us posted as your project moves along.

Regards,
Dave

Don,
Step away from the dark side and into the light!

404 Jeffery
3 down, MRC Long Action,
MRC barrel/MRC Barreled action or Lothar-Walther Magnum Sporter contour.
Tip Burns Gunsmith
John Valicek stockmaker
Then send it off to Roger Kehr for a touch of engraving!
Presto, Change-o, A thing of beauty and a joy to behold forever! A classic chambering, a classic looking modern rifle!

Just my opine!

And that all important question...

What's your budget?

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Naked quarter rib, ghost ring, flat ovals and fluer de lis checkering?

I need to lie down for a while. I'm not feeling too well.

I Agree

This is a DREAM RIFLE? Or a bolt rifle? The two are mutually exclusive so far as I am concerned. I presumed from the subject line this was a double or at least a single shot dream. Dog leg appendages belong on dogs, not dream rifles.

Just one more opinion....

I've got to chime in with Nortman and Rusty... Except the caliber (Sorry Rusty) but only to leave that to you Don. On the sights, since it is a DGR, what you are most used to, or will practice often enough with, again your option. However; Big Front Bead, Big Visable Front Bead. My 2 cents.

What is the objection to having it hold four down?
I thought that would be a desirable thing to have in a DG rifle

If you're going to use the Rigby sized action, I'd chamber it in either 450 Rigby, 470 Mbogo or 500 A-sq, I simply can't see the bulk of a large action on a 40 caliber, and that decides which action I'd used. If you are going with a big action, the Ruger is another option.

Straight bolt handle on anything 45 or over, my 500 Jeffrey with original P-17 dogleg was a potent teacher of that lesson.

Plain bolt knob, fastest to operate and won't take off flesh on recoil, though the straight bolt should keep it out of your way.

Action, what's your budget?

A properly done ghost ring integral with a rear scope mount would be my preference for a ghost, though a 1/4 rib to me is more aesthetically pleasing. I shoot conventional sights fairly well so it would be a tossup.

I really don't like scopes on a 45 or over rifle so in that case, it would be a moot point. Talley's seem to have the better rep if you do scope it.

I like 3 position M-70 style safeties.

I'm more concerned with balance than barrel length, and you can get a long tube to balance as well as a short one. My 458 Lott is 22", MY 500 Jeffrey is 25".

You forgot overall weight, 40 cal 9#'s, 45 cal 10#'s, 470 or 50 cal 11 #'s.

Thanks for all the input, guys.

I think choosing a rifle is just about as personal as choosing a woman!