Thanks for the input! There are two points being debated on the bolt handle. First, will the handle bloody a knuckle? If D'Arcy's design assumptions are correct the answer is no. If the answer is yes the bolt handle will be changed before the barreled action is inletted and blued in the final stock. Secondly, aesthetics are subjective, but for those who like the classic Mauser look I believe your eye is being drawn to the symmetry based on the centered trigger. As stated in a previous post the trigger will be approx. 3/8" further back so a swept bolt handle will look correct.

Bryan, this thread is interesting for a lot of reasons. One being that it demonstrates the axiom that rifles which are designed by committee seldom are any good, and seldom please anyone. Winchester proved that with its post-64 Model 70 for many years.

Custom rifles are no different. The best ones are designed by a single creative genius or team up geniuses, and they're designed and largely built under one roof. D'Arcy's that sort of genius. With him, you provide your basic parameters, let him get to work on it, then stay out of his way until the project's complete!

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quote:

Originally posted by Bryan W:
Thanks for the kind words!

Allen is correct with the bolt handle and safety, they will be replaced. Tom Burgess will be doing the safety also.

Have you seen the Burgess front sight system?? I don't have a JPEG of the sight, but it also is a thing of beauty. I am thrilled to have two of the best gunsmiths in the world working on this rifle!

I sure hope my 14 month old son grows up to love the outdoors and guns as much as I do, because I intend this rifle to be in the family for generations.

Tom Burgess is the grandad of metal work and I would bet there is no better in the business. He used to grind old 98 Mauser actions for me and did them in record time and the work was perfect!

quote:

Originally posted by Bryan W:
Secondly, aesthetics are subjective, but for those who like the classic Mauser look I believe your eye is being drawn to the symmetry based on the centered trigger. As stated in a previous post the trigger will be approx. 3/8" further back so a swept bolt handle will look correct.

As you say, the bolt handle is a matter of taste. But even with trigger towards the rear, I still prefer a straight one.

Below are a few examples from Karl Heinz Ritterbursch. 2 with straight bolts and triggers towards the rear, and the top one with a bolt handle swept backwards a bit:

Bryan,

Wow, your Dad had mentioned something about your thinking on a large bore when he had stoped at the house during flintlock, but I mean Wow!

I am thrilled for you just reading about the design process and I cant think of better hands or minds to complete the task. I am guessing you and Don will have fun working on loads for this rifle. Thanks for sharing this with us and tell your Dad, Brett said hello.

Many Thanks
HBH

quote:

Originally posted by Bryan W:
Johan,

D'Arcy and I discussed the front bridge, and we referenced some early Mauser actioned rifles and the removal of the front bridge is not uncommon.

The final decision was then based on two points. First, I don't intend on scoping the rifle therefor the front bridge is not necessary. Secondly, the design or lines of the rifle will be more pleasing without the front bridge IMHO.

Bryan

Bryan,
I'm sure Lisa can do something pretty with the square bridges

Diopter/peep sight can be installed on the cocking piece a'la Rigby etc.

Cheers
/ JOHAN