Looks like McMillan got it nearly right on the bolt handle on this McBros action. I am finishing up the rifle, it has a Krieger SS barrel, chambered for 460 Weatherby, NECG Masterpiece front ramp, red fiber optic bead, NECG rear island type sight with one fixed and 3 folding leaves, all in a McMillan stock. Plus it has a 1.5-6x42 Schmidt & Bender in EAW detachable mounts. Weighs 9-3/4 pounds without scope or mounts. The McBros is a push feed action, with plenty of room for the big cartridges, but unlike the Mark V Weatherby, it has two large lugs instead of the 9 small lugs on the Mark V. It looks like a good strong action.

I have ran about 20 rounds through the rifle so far, the bolt handle is out of the way and does not impact the tigger finger as some rifles with too much rearward bend in the bolt are prone to do. This one comes straight down, no rearward sweep, and it stands a good distance out from the stock.

Crash Test Dummy needed, as I will be out to the range in a few days filing in the 4 sight blades with full power 500 grain loads. It has a Vais brake, but I will be shooting it without the brake to see if we have any difference in impact point. After the sight regulation, it will go to Robar for Black Roguard externals and NP3 internals.

Front sight below:


Bolt handle below:

Here is the rest of it. Sorry about the fuzzy photo, it was almost dark when I got to the camera. I will try for another when the rains go away. Note the bolt handle. The sight picture is good, the stock has about 3/4 inch of drop at the top of the pad.

It will look a lot better when it gets back from Robar and the metal is matte black!!!



[ 03-18-2003, 07:43: Message edited by: John Ricks ]

I have to say it,that is one fine looking firearm,if it shoots as good as it looks,I want one.good shooting.

you pay my tickit, and i'll be your dummy.......

What style is the McMillan stock? The rear half looks like it could be a Super Grade but the forend looks very slender, could just be shadowing in the picture. I'm always interested to know what style McMillan stock folks use on big boomers.

too bad this aint in texas... i'ld shoot the damn thing...
jeffe

John....you said "they got it nearly right".
What would you change and why?

The McMillan MCRT is the one Lazzeroni uses for both their long and short cartridges and I've never had reason to fault either it's feeding or extraction on either my Lazzeroni Patiot or Hellcat....not cheap, especially when you add Sonny Hill bottom-metal.

Stock is the McMillan Express. I installed stainless steel pillars and did some internal reinforcement to handle the recoil. Has flush swivels.

This action (McMillian MRCT) is a nice, big, strong action that certainly will work for any of the bigger cartridges.

You are right about cost, the action and bottom metal is $1700. Throw in all the other stuff, labor, S&B scope, and you are over $4K easy.

A Mauser in English Walnut it ain't, however, it is a sturdy rifle, carries well, and I would not be afraid to pack it around anywhere in the world. The owner understands hot summers in the Zim Valleys, and plans on shooting 500 gr loads around 2400 ft/sec to hold the pressures to a reasonable level.

The bolt handle? I just like a little less curve in the handle, and bit more pear shape in the knob. But, on a scoped rifle as this one is, the curve gives ample scope clearance.

Nice work John. Yeah those Express fiberglass stocks are nice but their butt stock are a little on the light side, especially with a heavy contour barrel up front. I got two of them but they are in black instead. I wonder does your 460 Weatherby reamer have the same amount of freebore as the factory dimension. Thanks.