I am finally ready to actually call my first project complete. At least for now...

Not really fair to call it my first project because it has been through a couple different iterations: It's wearing its second stock, has been reblued, had new bolt handle put on, etc. Plus I have worked on several other projects in the intervening decade. Anyhow, I needed to move beyond this one so that I could get to a couple others that are waiting around. Probably the only thing I might redo on this one is to put it back in the cradle one day to point up the diamonds properly.

Here are a few particulars: 30-06 in a VZ-24 action, hand reamed short chambered barrel bought from AGI around 1998 along with barrel vise, action wrench, and a DVD. Talley bolt handle welded by Mike McCabe, rust blued, Fajen or Bishop Monte Carlo stock I found at a gunshow and reshaped. Checkered at 18 LPI in my proprietary "variable semi-flattop" style. Did all the work myself except the afore mentioned bolt handle welding. Don't remember what kind of wood the tip is.

It shot great in the first stock. I've sighted in the irons and mounted the scope at the 50 yard line, but haven't been back to see how it groups at 100 yards in its final configuration. Range report to follow...

Nothing too fancy, and overall pretty inexpensive, but a good serviceable rifle I can be happy with that looks and shoots as good as I need it to. (I'd take it over any over the counter factory rifles I've seen...)

I've posted a few in-work photos before, but none with the checkering. I'm no Dave Wesbrook at taking pictures of fine rifles I've made, but here are some photos of the finished product:

Damn nice work!

Maybe the checkering is a bit flat - I can't really see, but I like the shape of the checkered areas and I like the wood and the metal work.

Yep, if I did that I'd be real proud.

Good job.

Very nice bit of handiwork! I would be proud to hunt with it.

My only concern is what's the point of irons with non detachable scope rings? Otherwise it looks like one heck of a rifle.

montea66b,

Compliments on your superb workmanship. You can be proud.

You might darken the 'Cableas' name on the side of the scope. If you like it then ok.

I put a Swarovski on a nice rifle like yours for show off and to see the name. It's not worth it. Those scopes are very expensive and no better than a Leu. let alone a Kahles.

For a first project I'd say you did extremely well.

I've seen many rifles done by "experienced" folk that didn't look as good.

Very nice. Good job all around. My only suggestion is that with front sight band, a sling swivel band looks better than a stock mounted swivel; on your next one do that.
Seven, I don't get the comment about having iron sights; can't you see the leupold bases which allow you to remove the scope in about half a minute? Certainly not non-detachable.

Thanks for all the kind words. In my mind a rifle just isn't complete (functionally and aesthetically) without backup irons.

My first choice for a mid-grade scope is Leopold, but Cabelas had that particular one on sale the day I was there. Not trying to hide anything, but I probably will de-emphasize the logo since they aren't paying me to advertise their brand.

I also agree that a banded front sling swivel would be better with the slim, short forearm and banded front sight. Midpoint of the barrel would look just right. I was thinking about it, not sure why I didn't now. Good observation...

Now it's time to go forth and hunt with it.