02 August 2011, 02:48
M1TankerDean Zollinger custom rimfire
I have posted photos of some of Dean Zollinger's work in the past but this latest project he is doing is simply amazing. I have mentioned in the past that Dean does all of the metal work for John Bolliger. This barreled action is for one of Bolliger's clients.
The donor rifle was a MAS 45 22lr rimfire trainer. Dean transformed the action from a military trainer into a beautiful double square bridge minature Mauser express rifle with extended tangs. A new barrel was installed with quarter rib and banded front sight.
Dean also installed the engraved bolt handle, altered the safety to a side swing. He also milled the custom bottom metal from scratch.
The transformation from a military trainer action into an absolutely beautiful rifle has been an experience to watch. I wish I had of taken photos of the progress so you could see the magic Dean performed.
The stock is being made by John Bolliger and has been shaped and fitted. According to Dean the wood is amazing.
Due to my schedule I could not take the photos after the final clean up of the metal work. But I think even without the finish work completed on the barreled action you will see that Dean has performed some real magic here.
Enjoy the pics!!!!
That is just too cool. It's posts like these that cost me money. Stop it!

Terry
06 August 2011, 02:26
srtraxWow, now that is cool. keep us posted...I've always wanted a 22lr like this!
13 August 2011, 08:02
dwheelsTerry, +1 Between this work in progress and the Brno in another post, well I don't know what I'm going to do but I know I'll have to do something.
M1 Tanker, What a great project. Please keep posting in progress pictures. From the looks of it now it's going to be spectacular.
14 August 2011, 04:57
butchlambertYes sir! Keep the photos coming.
Butch
14 August 2011, 06:02
M1TankerI need to make a stop by Deans shop and get some updated photos. It was heading out for engraving a few days after I took the pics. It may be back now. I am especially looking forward to seeing the wood and the finished project. Dean says the wood is amazing.
14 August 2011, 18:29
D HumbargerAbsolutly awesome work but how much will that little 22 weigh when it is completed
15 August 2011, 00:30
M1TankerI handled it while it was mounted in the pattern stock. It is surprisingly light and trim and handles beautifully. I imagine it will gain a few ounces once it is in the finished stock and a bit more weight when the scope is installed. My estimate is that finished and scoped it will weigh right around 7 1/2 pounds. Once Mr Zollinger gets it all back and put together I will get a weight as well as some new pics.