Thought this might be of interest to bolt gun fans. Its a 375 2.5" Express on a Dutch Mannlicher action. I got it about 2 weeks ago. Bringing it back from the dead. The stock was toast and no bluing on the metal. A nice coat of patina (light rust and surface pitting). Thinking of using blank #117. Have lost more filing and polishing ahead.

Read and see this..


http://www.rathcoombe.net/sci-tech/ballistics/custom_ri...ssic_mannlicher.html

Jens

I already have two 6.5x53R sporters in the works)))))) On pistol grip stock and one straight grip stock. Thanks for the link.

Cool project!!

jeffe

Thanks for sharing!

Corbin

Interesting project. I was surprised by the proof marks, since they are almost exactly like the marks on the Model 1910 I won in JudegeG's raffle here. Mine is an original MS model 1910, but was apparently barreled in England, as it has similar proof marks to yours and is proof marked on the upper side of the chamber as yours is. I always found it odd that an expensive rifle would carry so many proof marks in a prominent area instead of under the stock. From your proof marks, I am guessing that the barrel work was done a long time ago. Seems an odd caliber for a typical English rebarrel.

One question I had is, do you know the actual chambering? The 375 Express is the English equivalent of the 9.5x56 (9.5x57)and that is how my rifle is marked. One would have thought that would be the logical chambering for a Dutch rifle, which would duplicate the Model 1910. However, this would technically be a 375x2-1/4. A 375 Express 2-1/2" is likely the rimmed 375 Nitro Express. That case would never have worked through the rotary MS magazine due to body shape and length, but likely would work well in the Dutch single stack. The 375 2.5" has a rim diameter of .523". According to the conversion manual, if you don't have brass, it can be made from .405 Win, but you have to turn down the rim, thin it and cut to length. Original ballistics were apparently 2000 fps vs 2150 for the 9.5x57. This puts it a little ahead of the 375 Winchester and a little below the 375 Flanged in power, and should make it a great medium game cartridge.

Hello Corbin,
That is a great post. I have a Hembrug 1917 military action that I want to do the same thing with. Do you have a good stock pattern to use for carving your blank?
Would you mind keeping us (or at least me) posted of your progress?

Art,

I have not done a chamber cast yet but will do so when Im all done with the metal work. The proof marks tell the story and it sure looks like a 375 2.5" via visual inspection. I also have two 6.5x53R sporters in the works now. The stocks will be identical in shape.

Ireload2,

Yes a pattern is available. Its off an original English sporter based on the military barreled action in 6.5x53R. Grip cap and short forend. The butt is really slim and I am either going to have to make a butt plate or use heel & toe plates and slim down.

Im planning on getting back into smithing and would be willing to take on special projects like sporterizing Dutch or Greek Mannlicher rifles. If you need anything done let me know.

Neat project and great link. Thanks guys.

quote:

Originally posted by corbin shell:
Jens

I already have two 6.5x53R sporters in the works)))))) On pistol grip stock and one straight grip stock. Thanks for the link.

Hey Corbin!

It looks like a cool project you have there

Funny enough...the 1892 and the 1895 Mannlicher are pretty hard to find overhere....but I have seen a Army & Navy rifle sporterized in the 6.5x53R many years ago. I wished I had bought the gun...because it was gone a month after I returned to the gunshop TO BUY IT .
Good luck with your gun
Merry x-mas

jens

hi Corbin,
glad to see you got your rifle to play with! [haha] faster than waiting to see what i,m going to do with mine ,anyway your gun was built originally by george gibbs of bristol ,england the "B" before the serial number tells me so it is very much the same as the 2 rifles i spoke to you about that i have ......paul