Jerry Fisher is advertising a Round bottom trigger guard & floor plate assembly for Mauser 98 as well as Pre-64 M70s.

Is anyone using this bottom metal on a rifle? If so could you post a picture? I'd love to have a look at this bottom metal.

Regards,
Dave

[ 12-04-2003, 03:25: Message edited by: DavidC ]

David, the differences are subtle and they might be difficult to see in the photos. The rounded bottom metal is slightly more "domed" on the floor plate. That's really the only difference between the two. The real difference will be in how the stock is shaped to blend the lines into the bottom metal.

Here's the rounded bottom metal. Note the rounded sides of the stock and the thickness just ahead of the trigger guard.


Here's the standard bottom metal. Note how the stock is flatter on the sides and is shaped ahead of the trigger guard. It actually looks more pronounced in this photo than it looks holding the rifle.


Here's a profile of the rounded bottom metal:


It might be difficult to see the difference because of the shadow, but the rounded version is a little deeper through the floor plate than is the standard bottom metal shown here:


My preference is for the standard bottom metal. Both these actions are G.33/40's, so a slim and trim look is appropriate. The rounded bottom metal looks OK here and feels nice in the hand. On a larger caliber or a more full-sized rifle, I don't think it would be appropriate.

My strong preference would be to use the standard bottom metal on a M70. The rounded look would look odd on a M70. But then, that's just one opinion.

In the end, only a certified rifle crank would notice the difference and the real difference would be in how the stock is shaped.

Hope this helps.
Forrest

Forrest,

Thanks for the excellent photos and description!

Round bottom metal is an interesting concept and design. However, I can certainly see your point about using this type of bottom metal on a M70 or large caliber rifle.

I think it would be well served on a trim mountain rifle in light calibers such as a 7x57, 25/06 or 270. A handy rifle designed for alot of climbing would look really good with this sort of bottom metal.

BTW, you have some very beautiful rifles!!!

Regards,
Dave

[ 12-04-2003, 06:54: Message edited by: DavidC ]

I am putting one on an FN Mauser (Browning) right now. The concept was so simple but it took someone like Jerry to see it. The stock shape is so perfect with them, there is no reason for the flat to be on the bottom except to support the shape of the bottom metal. Your hand is rounded and the bottom metal should be too.

Sorry ForrestB, but you didn't get it quite right. See the arcing highlight at the rear of the floorplate in your upper photo? You shaped it like a conventional floorplate and that arc doesn't need to be there. It should be slightly fatter behind and slightly thinner in front, and rounded all the way.

See my book Custom Rifles in black & white with the prototype M-70 .30-06 by Fisher with the rounded bottom metal. No arc, smooth and round from the grip to the forend tip. A very lovely rifle that I have seen and photographed.

Chic & SDH,

Can either of you post a few pics of the round bottom metal you have worked with?

I like the concept very much. I am thinking a light & slim .270 win.

Regards,
Dave

Forrest, I've said it before and I'll probably say it again, you have the prettiest toys. - Dan

SDH,
Great book, any chance of doing another ? Also look foward to your articles in TAR, the Nov. 03 was especially intresting about your apprentice. Keep em comming, Thanks.
Bob

SDH- welcome, and yes, very nice book. I especially like your lever guns. I bought a cheapo Marlin 36 the other day for a similar project. Ratty on the outside but still mechanically tight and crisp. I plan to rebarrel (oct-rd 38-55), short magazine, case color receiver, crescent buttplate, forend cap, restock in semi-fancy American similar to old deluxe Marlins.

I believe I saw that Mauser (or M-70?) on Jerry's table with his new bottom metal at the Vegas Beinfield show 2 years ago. Very nice, particularly if one likes the continuous rounded action area like the old Oberndorf sporters.

[ 12-05-2003, 01:53: Message edited by: fla3006 ]

Steve,

The photo is not of the quality in your books. Actually, there is a smooth rounded flow from the grip all the way to the foreend. The flash reflection does make it appear that there is more contour than in actuality.

I'll see about getting some outdoor photos that may illustrate the stockwork a little better.

I think the look is elegant, but I prefer that look more on shotguns than rifles.

As a matter of fact, I've another book completely written but can't seem to find the time to do a book proposal for the publisher. It will be a compelation of previously published stories about custom rifles, shotguns and engraving. The stories have been in enough different mags that I'm sure nobody has seen them all. Lots of photos, mostly color. God knows when it might be out.

I posted a couple of photos of a Dakota single shot in the #10 post.

Yes, Jerry has shown that peep sighted 30-06 at several shows, it is a personal rifle of his, and lovely and purposeful it is. A story with two color cover views of Jerry's rifle was published in the July, 2002 isue of The Accurate Rifle. Call 860-645-8776 for a copy.

I've just started a Marlin M-94 in .44-40 done with the complete Deluxe treatment. It will have an S&W New Model #3 Target revolver (.44-40) in the case as well.

My associate Tom Harms is working in the back room right now while I dick around online. What a blessing.

[ 12-05-2003, 04:21: Message edited by: SDH ]