If I wanted to have a takedown rifle made in a traditional style, what are the options and what is the best system to use?

When I visited Rigby in London several years ago, they had a rifle there that included a takedown release mechanism like a takedown shotgun. Just slide the release and twist the barrel and forend assembly off. It was mentioned that the takedown mechanism was made in Germany by a specialist shop that made equipment for the gun trade.

I have made a couple of different takedowns, I used the screw in the receiver to lock the barrel and also used the latch on the bottom of the forearm both worked very well. Altho I like the latch better as it has to be hand made.

Look at the Holland and Holland setup where the entire barrelled action comes out with one screw removal. I can post some pics if you want.

Roger

Thanks for the replies.

Roger - if you can post some pics that would be great.

quote:

Originally posted by yumastepside:
Look at the Holland and Holland setup where the entire barrelled action comes out with one screw removal. I can post some pics if you want.

Roger

Do you know of anyone doing this work?

Not real helpful...shortened rear tang mounts under fixed section....if that makes sense.
I may be wrong but I think Duane may have done one

Roger

Thanks Roger. Your pictures clearly show how the H&H system works. It’s simple and quite unusual.

However I’d prefer a system where you can have 2 or more barrel assemblies and the rifle is broken at the action.

OK, That would be more of a " switch barrel " than a takedown.

Roger

longer takedown size than the systems that remove the barrel/forend

The Browning Lever Action makes and easy switch barrel. Just open the action, drop the takedown lever and pull off the barrel. I have built a three barrel set: 300 win mag factory, 338 win mag and 375 Taylor. Just rebore 7mm mag barrels. All three barrels headspaced from the factory. I can argue traditional since levers were takedown from the start.

Yumastepside
That looks like a similar setup to a Newton rifle that I have.

Here is an option from the recent past:

https://www.rifleshootermag.co...-rifle-history/83503

Not traditional, but looks that way.

Bobster - the Dakota takedown system is interesting but if I’m not mistaken that system requires a barrel extension for each barrel that the bolt locks into. It’s a neat idea but I’m not sure how easy all that precise machining would be. Grateful for any feedback.

Arniet - those BLR takedowns are an interesting concept but I’m looking at a bolt action.

The Holland system is sound and simple. If size of package is of consideration, you cannot make a case smaller than the length of the barreled action...plus at least two inches.

If it breaks at the barrel/action joint, the package can be made as short as the barrel (again plus about two inches for the case walls itslf)

Such a system requires more careful workmanship.. In addition,I like to make this system adjustable for thread wear.

While I do not use the German hardware...it's plenty good!

That's correct. Each barrel is fitted with an extension that houses the locking lug abutments. No different that most all SA and pump shotguns for the last 100 years. Also, many SA rifles. The bolt locks into the barrel extension, not the receiver. Therefore, there is no wear with use.

If you can find a Dakota for sale with its set of barrels in your calibers, you are golden. You could have your 'smith make barrels in your calibers if necessary and thread them for the extensions. No different than threading for a receiver.

Like this: https://www.gunsamerica.com/93...et-375H-H458Lott.htm

quote:

Originally posted by JFE:
Bobster - the Dakota takedown system is interesting but if I’m not mistaken that system requires a barrel extension for each barrel that the bolt locks into. It’s a neat idea but I’m not sure how easy all that precise machining would be. Grateful for any feedback.

Thanks for further comments.

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
Such a system requires more careful workmanship.. In addition,I like to make this system adjustable for thread wear.

Thread wear obviously depends on how many times the rifle is taken down. How do you make a system adjustable for thread wear?

Are interrupted threads any better to use in regards to thread wear ?

Is this wear not somewhat similar to wear where a bolt is closed in an action or is there minimal wear in this case because both surfaces are hardened?

You're absolutely right abut thread wear...AlL threads wear a bit with repeated engagement.

Start out with robust tightening a few times..sort of gets all all surfaces mated.

I like to make the rear sight base banded and held in place by set screws, same wih banded front.

If wear occurs, just turn in barrel as tight as comfortable, then reset sights to battery.

In more years that I care to admit to, I've been asked to tighten the joint a couple times.


Interrupted threads are handy, but I think your'e in a more defensible position if things to South by leaving full threads...this was the advice of a Remington engvineer.

Barrel extensions are used on Mauser 66/660 and Blasers

Here's a 660, the extension is basically a mauser 98 front ring.

I designed an interrupted thread insert system for a customer using bastard ACME threads for the mating threads, and fine threads for the receiver and barrel, which gives you two hardened mating threads that resist wear.

There are two major issues with this system, first is cost, and second is the small diameter thread tenon.

I'm certainly not the first to come up with this idea, but I have not seen a system in person that I could examine to see how it was effected by wear. Depending on what the customer decides to do with this design, I may make one up to do prolonged testing and eventually pressure test to destruction.

What would be interesting to see, is to take detailed measurements of a take down system and then measure that wear after extensive use.

For about 50 years, I've seen (and designed) take down systems from sinple to foolish.

For the guy that wants a good. reliable take down, it's hard to beat a takedown that simnply screws in the barrel and unscrews the barrel with a snug fit

Make tolerances close, clean and oil the threads and when superior workanship and materials are the norm, the rifle will reliably shoot right alongside a superior non take down