Some may recognize this system on a 30-06 I posted a while back..This is the little brother to that commission. The Mexican action was re heat treated by Blanchard's. I always like to modify the tangs on these actions to look more like the standard 98. The front ramp checkering was done on the Bridgeport using a Nine/9 tool..each cut advanced .040.

Barrel is a Lothar Walther chambered to 6.5 x 55.mm. engraving by Roger Kehr. Wiebe Butt plate and bottom metal., custom bases also accommodate Talley peep.

Extremely nice !

Doesn't get any better than that.

Awesome job, Duane I’m always amazed at the amount of stunning rifles you build.
I looked up the nine9 tool, looks like your checkering file is now obsolete!

Exquisite!!!!

Classy rifle in a classic caliber. Seems to be a resurgence in the 6.5x55 being this is the second one I have seen posted here in the last month or two.

quote:

I looked up the nine9 tool, looks like your checkering file is now obsolete!

quote:

I looked up the nine9 tool, looks like your checkering file is now obsolete!

What's a nine9 tool?

Beautiful Duane.

To call it stunning would be understatement.....wow.

quote:

Originally posted by setters5:

quote:

I looked up the nine9 tool, looks like your checkering file is now obsolete!

quote:

I looked up the nine9 tool, looks like your checkering file is now obsolete!

What's a nine9 tool?

Beautiful Duane.

The nine9 is an inserted chamfer tool. They are pretty handy.

When I made buttplates, I used the tool to checker (with proper program, of course.) The greatest asset was replaceable carbide inserts...break the sharp tip, you can proceed without change of "texture" With HSS engraving tool....gotta start with new "Z" ...all over again!

They ARE spendy!

Nice as usual Duane. Metal adornments a well.
So, tell me. How long did it take to grow the wood around the metal? Be well. Have fun.
CB

Beautiful. It is one of my life’s ambitions to commission a rifle with you one day!

I do metal checkering like that with a tap that has had all but one section of threads removed. Its faster allowing the cutting of multiple lines in one pass. Try it you'll like it.

Roger's engraving looks great, as usual. Is there any on the floorplate?

quote:

Originally posted by Gunswizard:
I do metal checkering like that with a tap that has had all but one section of threads removed. Its faster allowing the cutting of multiple lines in one pass. Try it you'll like it.

Sounds like worth trying

Absolutely spectacular!
Thanks for taking the time to show it to us.

quote:

Originally posted by Gunswizard:
I do metal checkering like that with a tap that has had all but one section of threads removed. Its faster allowing the cutting of multiple lines in one pass. Try it you'll like it.

This sounds like a wizard idea but I guess it only works on shortish pieces?

God one to try out..Maybe someone will figure a way to checker bolt handles with it ?? HAR!

Beautiful work, as always!

Just two (maybe dumb) questions:

1. It looks like a very specific relief cut in the wood under the buttplate trap door, what piece part is this intended to hold?

3. What is the purpose of the scope-base-looking bit attached to the front ring?

quote:

Originally posted by montea6b:
Beautiful work, as always!

Just two (maybe dumb) questions:

1. It looks like a very specific relief cut in the wood under the buttplate trap door, what piece part is this intended to hold?

3. What is the purpose of the scope-base-looking bit attached to the front ring?

If I were to guess, the answers to both questions are interwoven.
The rifle has scope bases fitted.
The peep rear sight mounts on the rear sight base (which is a dovetail like the front) and stores in the butt when not in use.

Just a guess mind you.

I think you nailed it... Thanks Peter!

Yep...I did not show a photo of the scope (and a back up scope) that utilizes Talley rings to fit the custom bases. The peep is also Talley, that of course, fits the rear base

Instead of carrying the peep around in your pocket, fits in the mortise under the trap biteplate

In regard to making the butt plate.
What is your MFG process?

The short answer is that it was a slow process. I copied the outline and curvature of a M/S...little deeper curve and slightly wider toe.

Started out with a block of 3/4" x 3" stock held in a special fixture , one for each side.

Trap door model's were even more trouble!

When I sold the machining center, tooling went along, but as is known..the entire operation died on the vine.

I've seen photos of a Max Mc Farland cast plate that looks pretty satisfactory.