Did the final touch on my 45-100 built on a Merkel 12 ga! Spent most of a weekend cutting and pasting green felt. So what if the oil/cleaner can is labeled in chinese...I had one available.http://i87.photobucket.com/alb...adspace/100_0179.jpghttp://i87.photobucket.com/alb...eadspace/Cnv0143.jpghttp://i87.photobucket.com/alb...adspace/100_0073.jpgThe last photo is the work in progress, before the real dog work of regulating, soldering, and rust bluing. The quarter rib is dovetailed, and slotted for Ruger rings, and a Burris Scout 2.75X scope gets me into the black at 100 yds. 2250 fps with a 350 gr RN is the regulated load.

Congratulations on your new Rigby.….. I mean Merkel or is it a XS Headspace custom, I am just jellus I can’t build one. Now it’s time to go shoot something.. Hear little piggy.
Bill

XS H,

You're gonna have a good time with this rifle. I wish I could make a barrel set.

That is a nice skill to have. Maybe some day I'll be able to work with a guy like

you. Have some great shooting and hunting with your new toy.

OOPS, I thought I was posting the photos, but just the links showed up. Oh, well. PS: I loaded up two black powder loads with paper patched 405 gr lead cast bullets that I will try for laughs next weekend. Probably shoot wide, but what the hell. Also tried a load with 4 .445 round balls,greased felt wad, and 20 gr 4227. Made a 6" spread at 30 yds. If the thing didn't weigh 10 lbs, I'd try coyotes with this load.

XS headspace,
The Merkel 45-100 looks great. Good luck with it.
There are several big bore shooters around these parts. Maybe we should try to get together a group for a day of fun sometime?
Always looking for folks with big bore interest.
Regards.

Hey, I'm retiring from my EE job in April. Planning on part time gunsmithing. Will have more time to burn powder, I hope(if the wife shortens the honey-do list). Keep me informed.

Very nice! Please tell us how it does on game, when you bloody it!

JPK

Very nice!

I hope she shoots better than you had hoped.

Keith