02 March 2008, 02:16
ROSCOECustom 6.5x55 Mauser Mannlicher
Hey folks,I thought I would share some photos of a new addition to my rifle collection. This one is going to be a keeper! I have always found mannlicher stocked rifles a thing of beauty. As all of you lefties know...there are not many around for us to choose from. So after seeing some of the work Gary Stiles did for another forum member, I contacted him and got this project started in June of last year.
First off, Gary is a great guy. Not a big talker but getting to know him, he takes a lot of pride in his work. He has a lot of experience working on all types of rifles but really likes to work on Mausers.
I told Gary that I wanted a slim, trim hunting rifle that would be easy to carry. I asked for a classic style stock made to my dimensions. We talked about a few additional options and once I felt we were on the same page I let him take over.
The rifle began life as a CD Mauser in 30-06. Gary ordered a Douglas barrel of light contour (I believe a #1or#2) cut to 20†in length and fit it to the action. He must have done a lot of work to the action because it is now very smooth and has no slop when I work the bolt. If anyone has used a factory CD Mauser you can appreciate what this means…they tend to be very ruff and a tad sloppy!
The Bolt handle is new and checkered on two sides. Gary also replaced the push button magazine release with a trigger guard style latch. I have no idea how he made it look so well…there is no evidence of welding or cutting anywhere. I would have guessed that it was new bottom metal but Gary tells me he simply converted the original.
The safety was made by Stuart Satterlee and installed by Gary. Gary also made the scope bases at my request. I like Talley rings however I don’t like Talley bases. They seem a bit blocky for my taste.
The barrel band rear sight base has an integral recoil lug and a single leaf sight. The front sight is a simple ramp and hood. Both came from NECG.
The Stock blank came from Luxus Walnut…once again, a great place to do business with. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a nice blank. It was sent to Gary for inspection prior to me paying a dime. Gary said the blank was hard and of the highest quality…checkering was a breeze!
The Mannlicher forend metal, grip cap, and the cartridge trap also came from NECG.
All said and done, the rifle exceeds my expectations. I would guess it weights around 8 lbs fully loaded and ready to hunt…balances like a dream, and points like an Irish setter! When I started the project I was told it would take about 12 to 13 months to complete…it was delivered in 9! Of all my custom rifle projects…this is the first one that was delivered ahead of schedule. Gary called numerous times to ask questions and provide updates on the rifle. He was always interested in understanding my options and offering feedback for design changes that he felt would benefit the project. Anyone looking for a quality gunsmith to build a future rifle should talk to Gary. I don’t think you will be disappointed with his work. I currently have him working on a twin to this gun…chambered in 9.3x62.
Here is a link to Gary’s web page.
Gary Stiles
