My gunsmith is working on a new build for me: 6.5x55 Swedish, which is being built off a Winchester Pre 64 action. The wood is Franquette. I have never heard of it before but from what I gather, it is a type of walnut known for being real dense and strong that has a good grain pattern. I have heard that some people refer to Franquette as a "special" piece of wood. Barrel is from Douglas. Plan to shoot 130-140 gr bullets with this thing. Also was able to get my hands on an original Winchester Pre 64 butt plate to match it. Check out the metal work on the rear tang. My 'smith was finally able to get it to the range to make sure it shot. Barrel will have 6.5x55 SE engraved on it and my sons initials will be on the grip cap. Now, just need to get the barrel and grip cap to the engraver, blue it, then have it polished again before it is ready for pickup.
Posts: 690 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 10 March 2017
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Originally posted by theback40: Wow. Did it checker well?
From what I was told this didn't give him any issues at all. A friend of mine is having him do Claro and it is giving him all kinds of problems with the checkering. From what he tells me, the more dense the wood, the easier it is to work with.
Posts: 690 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 10 March 2017
I was asked if the scope height was okay from the looks of the photos. My stock maker told me there was no reason to get with a lower set of rings. His custom machined those talley bases to a shorter height than factory specs, in order to compensate for the higher rings.
Posts: 690 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 10 March 2017
Well, she finally made it home. After almost a year and a half of waiting in the wings, it's done. I have not had the chance to shoot it yet, as raising kids and playing daddy duty has taken a back seat. These pictures do not do it justice. I have heard that some prefer to build off a premium action, instead of a Winchester Pre 64. For me, this is about as pretty rifle as I have ever seen. He told me the finish he used is some sort of teak oil that they use for boats. I can't remember the name of it. With the custom Talley bases and original Pre 64 metal butt plate, it compliments it very well, in my opinion. To top it off, I had my son's initials engraved on the grip cap. In time, I hope my son grows to love it as he gets older.
Posts: 690 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 10 March 2017
I keep coming back to look at this rifle, Truly beautiful in my eyes. I love the open grip. It should make for fast snap shooting. Most rifles have to close/tight grip angle for snap shooting, this looks perfect!
Your choice of action is a fine choice You did not make a mistake....You have a real "keeper"...Hope your son appreciates this truly great example of gunmaking art
Posts: 3782 | Location: Phone: (253) 535-0066 / (253) 230-5599, Address: PO Box 822 Spanaway WA 98387 | www.customgunandrifle.com | Registered: 16 April 2013
