Metal You did a awesome job on both wood and metal. I really enjoyed the pictures of you trigger guard and floor plate.

Metal, Still believe in the needs for Iron sights. Neither of the rifles I have had built will ever be used with Irons,how do I know,I am 80 years of age wear tri-focals and really haven't been able to see the sights for many years. To me it's a balance and perspective thing that is necessary for the design to be complete. While I have not hunted with the 257 I had built and probably never will I have used the 7x57 in Afica very successfully ,I might add. The Scope is in Talley rings on VERY low custom bases and the irons did not interfere in the least. They are custom by the builder, Clayton Nelson, Like none I have ever seen with both folding so as to be unseen thru the scope when down. Yours is still one of the most balanced and perfect rifles I have ever seen and you are to be congratulated on having produced it.

Beautiful!!!

That is a beautiful rifle!
Your wood helps show why I like Roger Vardy's wood and have used several blanks of his.

Metal,

That is a gorgeous rifle. Your style and execution is outstanding in both the wood and metal......beautiful lines!

Although I love irons....I like your choice of no sights. Nothing to hang up on when you carry in a backpack or on a horse. Love the swivel stud on the barrel to carry the rifle lower on the shoulder.

Shane

That is absolutely stunning.

Super nice work, something to be really proud of.

For sure...he's got WAY too much talent for me :-)

Stunning rifle from start to finish!

Stunning is an understatement! I also wholeheartedly agree with MJines' earlier comments!

Metal,
congratulations on this rifle, an example of outstanding quality.

Is your work available on a commercial basis ?

Thanks in advance.

Paul.

My goodness that is nice.

Sweet, light and trim from end to end. You hit the sweet spot there. I bet it points like a dream. CB

Metal,

Spectacular craftsmanship.

Makes me want to see what that shorter, featherweight contour barrel in the background went on to become...

Metal
Your work is extremely good. I think it rivals most American Custom Gunmakers Guild work that I have examined.

What is the circumference of the grip?

What formula slow rust blue solution do you prefer ?

I noticed your wooden mallet laying on your bench. The one with the square head and rectangle shaped handle. I have found this design to be the best I've used with wood cutting chisels. Clayton Nelson introduced me to them. I was wondering if that is where you learned about them ?

Wow!

Thanks again for the comments everyone, much appreciated.
Craftsman, grip circumference is 4 9/16".
Rust blue, Gun Goddess, 4 x 3 hour passes at 70%-70 Deg. F.
Glad you picked up on the old mallet, I pilfered from my father, he is an old carpenter. I use it with the 1 1/2" framing chisel right down to a 1/4" gouge.
Just love those old school hand tools.
Cheers,
Metal.

If no iron sights IMO this way much better:

Igorrock, the barrel band is not there for looks, it is to make the rifle hang lower over your shoulder. The further out the better, within reason.
It makes a hell of a difference in the bush.

quote:

It makes a hell of a difference in the bush.

Yes, you have there south real bushes so I understand yours comment.

Many of the positive comments on this thread are from highly accomplished gun makers....true masters of the art.....this gives more credence to their praise. Feel justly complimented.....you have earned every word posted here. That rifle is truly worthy of accolades. Thanks for posting it here.

Quote [Same goes to SDH for Custom Rifles in B&W.] Quote

This rifle reminds me a lot of James Tucker's Mauser .270 on page 31 of that book.

My edition of Custom Rifles in B&W is worn out, I got ideas from just about every rifle in that book, even the single shots.
Major credit to Tom Turpin as well, also Speed, Olson etc etc. Without these books it would be hard to zero in on the style that suits you, a mixture of pre-war German, English, and American classic for me.

Beautiful work, come join us in Dallas at DSC

Jim

Beautiful rifle, unless it is just a show piece there is no practical reason for open sights on a 7x57. I think you nailed this one to as good as it can get!

For all you old guys that think your eyes are going because of age and can no longer use iron sights, go see your eye doc, they can do wonders for that problem,..I'm on the far side of 80 now working on 81 and I still shoot irons with my new specs!

quote:

Originally posted by DuaneinND:
Beautiful rifle, unless it is just a show piece there is no practical reason for open sights on a 7x57. I think you nailed this one to as good as it can get!

Think peep sights. They work very well for me. And my eyes are older than some, although younger than others.

That looks exactly like a hunting rifle should... all business and no frills... unless you count superb workmanship and great lines.

Love the cheekpiece.

Well it took some time for me to be privileged to read this thread and look at the outstanding work achieved.Beautiful and who gives a rats about iron sights..I dont.

Outstanding work and a great blank of Wallnut

Very nice - especially like the barrel banded front sling - so much more comfortable to carry, so much more comfortable to shoot, and no you cannot put a bipod on, but so what - that's what a pack, your hat or your hand is for.

Gorgeous rifle. I love the stock.

Absolutely lovely rifle. I wouldn't change thing.

TT

Somehow I missed both the original post and all the following comments until just now. I can't add anything to the universal approbation of the design and workmanship, but I can add my sincere praise for selecting a scope which doesn't overpower the rifle. Too often that is not the case. I have never seen the need for a large scope with a big objective for a rifle which is intended to be carried, and such a scope calls attention to itself and away from the fine design and workmanship of the rifle.

I have never been in a situation where I had to remove a scope and rely on iron sights, but I usually have them on my hunting rifles simply because in my opinion a rifle looks unfinished without a front sight. My little 7X57, based upon a G 33/40 action has a banded ramp front sight, but no rear sight, although the action is drilled and tapped for a Lyman 48. I have never had the scope off the rifle since I first mounted it in 1975, nor have I ever felt the need to. It has served me equally well in Africa and here on my farm. It is one of my favorite rifles.

I repeat, this is purely my opinion, and I won't attempt to foist it on anyone else. May you have as many successful years with your rifle as I have had with mine!

Really nice indeed. Not much else to say really....

Absolutely beautiful. This thread deserves to be resurrected at least once a year.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Absolutely beautiful. This thread deserves to be resurrected at least once a year.

Agreed. What a lovely rifle!

In reference to my thread, this is what a custom rifle should be!!!!!!!!!
Cal

And the wheels are in motion atm as I type re another one...for me!
I have spoken at length to metal and I cant wait!