Don't know if this really going to work. I've tried to put photo's on photo bucket before but most said "File Corrupted". My Mac has had a few software updates since then so we'll see..

Here is the California Engish stock blank that I bought a year ago from Stephen Heillmann for my 416 Rigby Selby quasi-repro. Dense and heavy. A couple of gunmaker friends tell me it's too fancy, and they are probably right. Selby's rifle does have some figure in the stock though, and I figure it won't hurt nothing. The barreled action is almost complete, with just a couple of snags holding it up. These are Heillmann's photo's. I should have taken some pics at home in the sunlight before I sent it off to my gunmaker. I think it's pretty. A little Alkenit root in the finish and I'm gonna like it.

One last try...

Ok, now that I know how to do this, I'm gonna start posting all kinds of pics and really annoy the heck out of you guys!

That's a really nice blank and no-way too fancy. I think it will complement the rifle. I went through this process for the blank to restock my 100yo H&H 375H&H. Hard decision but the new blank has more figure and will be far stronger. Your blank will be subtly beautiful.

Looking forward to seeing the project unfold with pictures and the thousands of painted words.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas, Chris

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
Ok, now that I know how to do this, I'm gonna start posting all kinds of pics and really annoy the heck out of you guys!

I'm not scared - do it!

Nice piece of wood.

Can you refresh our memories on your action choice?

1909 DWM

Go for it! I think it will work well, but I am not the expert.

That's a nice blank...would you mind PMing what Mr. Heillmann charges for a blank like that, or tell me to mind my own business! Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
1909 DWM

Thanks

We won't get mad at you for posting a ton of pics of this project.

Blank looks pretty nice to me!! Looking forward to seeing photos as the project progresses. Sounds like a great build.

Actually to me that is just about a perfect blank for a large caliber rifle. Great grain flow and another figure to let you admire it.

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
Ok, now that I know how to do this, I'm gonna start posting all kinds of pics and really annoy the heck out of you guys!

I think that is one dandy stock blank. It should look even better after you put some curves and fine finish on it. Congrats on the pics.

Annoy me...pics, pics, pics!

quote:

Actually to me that is just about a perfect blank for a large caliber rifle. Great grain flow and another figure to let you admire it.

x2

Nothing wrong with that blank. Just about ideal for a 416 I would think.
When I had my Jeffery Farquharson restocked, I picked a pretty plain blank in keeping with what would have been used originally.
In hindsight, I think I should have gone with more figure. If for no other reason than the rifle needed something about it to "pop" a little. Your 416 will be a very utilitarian rifle to the untrained eye so a little upgrade in the grain of the wood will give it a little eye appeal from a distance before closer inspection reveals what a specialty it is.

That is a nice looking blank.

My VZ-24 404J will have a stock similar to this one. Chris at www.walnutgrovegunstocks.com has gotten in a lot of A to AAA walnut lately.

I decided to leave it at 24" for now, I can always have it shortened if I wish.

Are you using a Wiebe 4mx? 4 down, standard depth, and very cool floor plate!

the trigger guard had metal added, bent in a quarter circle, and the box both lengthened and deepened.

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
Ok, now that I know how to do this, I'm gonna start posting all kinds of pics and really annoy the heck out of you guys!

You hit the magic combination of words... "Selby"..."Rigby"..."Pics".

Get to work with the pics!

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
I've seen photos of that 416 Rigby..I would not have the guts to open it up similarily. Actually, Federal loads the ammo short enough to fit a standard 98,. but to my knowledge, that's about the only company that does so.

While there's a "dip" in the fore end grain, it should make a fine stock for a DGR. You always get a good value from Steve

We are pretty much taking the "safe" approach as much as possible. The #4mxj (5 down drop box 404 Jeff) bottom metal that I bought from you a couple years ago has been modified so that the box is moved as far to the rear as possible. I'm presently on the hunt for a 1.5mm extra clearance bolt stop.

Federal and Hornady both keep the overall length of their 416 Rigby loads just under 3.6". Due to the advent of the 416 Rem, I think the canelures of most 416 cal bullets has been moved forward quite a bit. Max CIP is 3.75", and I have an old Kynock factory round that measures, 3.75". The new Kynock softs and solids that I have go 3.680", and between Nosler and Barnes reloading manuals, the longest OAL is 6.55 for the Nosler solid. The new hornady manuel calls for 3.7" with their bullets, but loaded to the canelures, none go over 3.6". The longest load that I would like to use, the 400 grain Partition, goes 3.63" according to the manuel. The box will currently only work with Hornady and Federal loads, but I would like to be able to use the 3.63" Partition load before it's all said and done. We'll see. If I get myself a canelure tool, I can load just about any jacketed bullet I want, while keeping my lower locking lug safe. I also intend to mostly shoot handloads in the "starting load" column that range between 2300 and 2375 fps. I will file my sights in with Federal factory loads and try to duplicate them with my handloads, keeping low pressures in mind.
Matt

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
Not sure how you'll get 1.5mm with existing geometry. 1mm is possible..Always make a new bolt stop....???

3300 FPS..typo?

Fixed the typo. A new or properly modified bolt stop is the goal. Not sure what you mean with "Always make a new bolt stop…?" Thanks for your comments.
Matt

A very well know Professional hunter I know has a Wesley Richards .416 Rigby on a standard 98 action..He has been shooting it for years..for what its worth..it has to be blivet (5 lbs. of poop in a 2 lb. bag) but I wish I owned that gun, collector value has to be over the top.