I have a 1936 Mexican action that I would like to use in a light Mannlicher rifle, probably in 7x57. What barrel contour and barrel length would look right on a gun like that? Has anyone had any success in using the issue bottom metal with hinged floorplate? I know there are some folks now turning out custome bottom metal for the Mexican Mauser, but I am willing to work with the issue guard if it can be made into a decent looking unit. I have one with a release in the bow and another with a pushbutton transverse to the bow at the top.

Clemson

Were it mine, for a 7x57, I would use the equivalent of a Douglas No. 1 or at heaviest, No. 2 contour cut to 20 inches. That is what the one I had in .30-06 wore and it felt and looked good to my eye.

I say a #2 is the MAXIMUM and #1 is wrolds better. BBL cut to 18-20". If you deviate too much from this, then you will wind up with a rifle that is in all likelihood unbalanced artisitcally and likely unbalanced physically as well. If you want longer or heavier, make it a half stock rifle

Clemson, During a period of boredom I decided to "experiment" with such a project a couple years ago. Had one of those NOS arsenalled mil-surp 7x57 carbine barrels for sale everywhere a few years back. Turned a long taper that JUST cleaned up the step in the barrel. Slender as a wand but still not as thin as a lot of drillings out there. I cut the stock equally slender to compliment the contour of the barrel. Thought it might need some weight aft to balance it out but that wasn't necessary. It's no work of art but it carries like a dream. The Bbl. is 19.25 I think. No long range, HV affair but a very pleasant little rifle when walking abd fully adequate. Just be aware that such a slender barrel heats up FAST. Don't get in a hurry at sight-in time!