Nice Stu....that would be a De'Vries creation for sure !!

Yes it is. If you visit Bob before April see if you can have a look at it and let me know what you think.

I had the action lying around for a couple of years not really knowing what to do with it. I'd been thinking short action = 7-08 made up as a lightweight mountain rifle. But that action doesn't really make up into a lightweight rifle without a lot of milling work. So then I was thinking varmint rifle in 22/250 or similar. Finally decided to get it chambered in 308 and make it a fun rifle to shoot at the range. Not sure what the finished weight is but it may be a little much for a walkabout hunting rifle. I've still got to decide what scope and mounts to put on it.

- Stu

Stu,

I saw the barelled action at Bob's the other day when I dropped in to see the progress on my 1909 mauser .404 J. I to would like a heavy barrelled .308 but will probably just get a cz 550 varmint in .308.

550 Varmint sounds good. Wish I had half the options a right hander does....I'll take that back, I'd be bankrupt!

So how is your 404J progressing? I have a Ruger #1 with Bob that I was hoping to pick-up in April as well as the Sako. Doesn't look like that will happen now. Will be waiting another year for it.

Stu,

Bob has finally done some more work on it, he had done the 1/4 rib and fitted the 3 leaf express sights, he has also had the action engraving doen and fitted the barrel band swivel, now it's hardening fit the front site and finish off the remainder of the engraving. I suppose he will then fit the rednacgkel 3 pos saftey and blackburn trigger.

I have purchased my blank from Rodger Vardy so as soon as Bob finish's up it's off to meet Ross Waghorn for the stock fit out.

I will have to get some photo's when it's done.

I know Ross' blanks come from Vardy, but the 3 times I've visited Ross he had maybe 6-8 rifle blanks for me to look at. Hasn't stopped me buying a couple though

What's Roger like to deal with directly? What kind of selection does he have on hand and is he willing to give advice etc? Did he give you any guarantee that he would replace the blank if it turns out defective (internal flaw etc)? Would love to see photos of your blanks if you have any handy.

Sorry to tell you that Roger will not replace a blank that has been worked on,fair enough I suppose,as being a natural product and coming from close to the root system of the tree there are many variables that could be described as "defects".A competent stockmaker can repair such problems usually without it being noticable.I am purchasing a blank from Roger but having Dave Stendell pick it out for me and make the stock.I've got $1200 in this one and would prefer a more experienced eye than mine to choose it.Roger will replace if your not satisfied with the blank colour,figure etc. as long as it's untouched.

Stu,

I met Rodger here in Melbourne while he was visting some relatives.....he bought 9 blanks down to choose from at my request 3 $500 blanks, 3 $800 blanks & 3 $1000 blanks.....I bought a $1000.00 blanks from him it is really straight grained through the forend and pistol grip and has some nice marbel cake at the butt end.

I do not own a digital camera...but I will see what I can do. Rodger was excellent to deal with and both he and Bob said I spent the appropriate $$ on the blank considering the rifle I am building. Bob said it is going to beautiful when it is done.

Ross will cost about $1500 to finish it off (blank) I think.

When all the metal work is done I will have to get Bob to send me a couple of pics.....I have the blank at my house at the moment.