Well my project 5 is coming nearer to completion and so I'm starting to finalize what I want to do for project 6 and I'm trying to decide if I want to use the Fisher round bottom or regular flat Blackburn bottom metal.
This is going to be my first project from a block, my others have been pantographed. Are there any major pitfalls to avoid with the round bottom metal. On my earlier projects with Blackburn bottom metal, I found the flat bottom did make the flow lines pretty logical. How much harder is it to get the lines right with the rounded stuff? Do you think that on my first block project I should stick with the bottom metal I'm more familiar with?
I have both kinds readily available. The Fisher stuff is of course a good bit more expensive and so that is some consideration, but in the end if I'm going to spend as much time on something as a full block project takes I hate to scrimp on too much. I like the regular Blackburn metal quite well but have used it on 2 others and might like to try something different.
The basics I've settled on so far is it's a Pre-64 model 70 in 7x57. Nice but not outrageous stick of English Walnut. Going to try to countour to a Oberndorf style barrel contour. I want a classic stock with small cheekpeice probably a pancake style.
I'll try and post some pics of the stick of wood and see if it gives any specific ideas to anyone. If anyone has pics of where they have used the fisher bottom metal I'd love to seem them.
Thanks for any advice and suggestions............DJ

FIsher!!!

If you can get ahold of some.

DJ,

Chic has used the Fisher bottom metal. I know he has some pictures. Sounds like a fun project.

"Custom Rifles in B&W by SD Hughes". Starting pg. 43 is a six page photo essay of Mr. Fishers personal 98 Mauser .30/06 using his round bottom TG/FP assembly. Looks great as always.
Bob

I understand your dilemma. My new 257 is on a new Mdl 70 classic action with a 22" No3 Lilja 3 groove barrel. Straight checkered teardrop bolt handle. NECG masterpiece banded front ramp with adjustable Island rear ( I just think barrels should have sights on them) Blackburn bottom metal. VERY nice piece of English with Ebony tip w/widows peak and steel gripcap, Talley oval inleted swivel bases Pachmeyer Decellerator. Teak oil finish. Borderless wrap around checkering. Matte blue. Leupold Vari-XIII 3.5x10 in Talley mounts. Stock is Curt Crum pattern. A 257 Roberts was the first custom gun I built in gunsmith school 50+ years ago and I haven't owned one since. This is the second Rifle I have ever had built FOR me. The first was a 7x574 years ago. I prefer Blackburn bottom metal. I like the finished lines of the stock above all other bottom metal.

SDH

Always enjoy your photography!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by zimbabwe:
I understand your dilemma. My new 257 is on a new Mdl 70 classic action with a 22" No3 Lilja 3 groove barrel. Straight checkered teardrop bolt handle. NECG masterpiece banded front ramp with adjustable Island rear ( I just think barrels should have sights on them) Blackburn bottom metal. VERY nice piece of English with Ebony tip w/widows peak and steel gripcap, Talley oval inleted swivel bases Pachmeyer Decellerator. Teak oil finish. Borderless wrap around checkering. Matte blue. Leupold Vari-XIII 3.5x10 in Talley mounts. Stock is Curt Crum pattern. A 257 Roberts was the first custom gun I built in gunsmith school 50+ years ago and I haven't owned one since. This is the second Rifle I have ever had built FOR me. The first was a 7x574 years ago. I prefer Blackburn bottom metal. I like the finished lines of the stock above all other bottom metal.

I wouldn't mind seeing a few pictures of your rifle!!!

Thanks to you all for your comments and especially gnmkr. I do have access to your book and will check it out also. Your work has been an inspiration to me and I greatly appreciate your response here. To me it's kind of like a little league baseball player getting hints from Mickey Mantel, I'm honored.............DJ

dj, I am assuming you are talking about the hinged bottom metal stuff. I will round up a photo of it and edit this post.

I'm trying to learn how to take a decent Picture then i'll learn how to post them. I think I can put them on my Car Blog and move them that way. The 257 should be finished before too many months.

quote:

Originally posted by manhasset:
"Custom Rifles in B&W by SD Hughes". Starting pg. 43 is a six page photo essay of Mr. Fishers personal 98 Mauser .30/06 using his round bottom TG/FP assembly. Looks great as always.
Bob

In addition to the suggestion above, Jerry Fishers/Blackburn brochure also has some photos of his personal 06 in it. It gives you a good view. Ask him to send you one.
I have played with this rifle,a class unit indeed, the round bottom metal really apeals to me,,It is definitely the way I would go.

I had the opportunity to examine a rifle with the Fisher Round bottom metal at his table at the 2005 Gunmakers Guild Show. It was great, and if you see the unit "in the flesh" you will want one.

jim

dj, here is a view of the bottom metal and one of the rifle. The bottom metal box and front tang are built on a radius that pretty much fits the contour of the bottom. YOu do not need to build a flat at the edges of the magazine box. It fits in your hand like it belongs there.

Great pics Chic, thank you very much. I have the Fisher metal in hand and will use it on the rifle.
I contoured my first barrel today for this rifle. If I can next week I'll try and post some pics for constructive criticism. You guys are all great I appreciate the help...............DJ

Have seen the round bottom 98 on Fisher's table at the Vegas show two or three years now. Extremely handsome and a step up in general elegance.

quote:

Originally posted by HunterJim:
I had the opportunity to examine a rifle with the Fisher Round bottom metal at his table at the 2005 Gunmakers Guild Show. It was great, and if you see the unit "in the flesh" you will want one.

jim

I am pretty sure that was the 30-06 that appears in SDH's book. I fondled it also.

Chic...I remember that rifle from a previous post...I really like the profile of the bottom metal...however, for some reason, I miss the normal "non-round" sections around the bottom of the rifle...don't know how to explain it, but I think it comes from looking at too many top rifles done "the old-fashioned way"...I think it would grow on me and probably needs to be held in the hand to really become a convert!!! Still nice work! Thanks for the picture again...Arthur Olds

Arthur, the real genius in this bottom metal can only be realized when you feel it in your hands.

Chic...that is what I thought...like so many things, seeing is only believing when you see up close and personal...and even then, holding and touching really make the difference...so, one of these days...I need a trip to Montana and Washington state!!! Arthur Olds