I am told this is a simple conversion if a new barrel is added. My question is, what about boring out the present barrel to 510 caliber? pro's /cons? suggestions on who would do a good job?
I love the quarter-rib, sights, barrel band on the original. Thats the reason for the question. otherwie off to McGowan for a new barrel.
If I do get a new barrel, can the old quarter rib, sights, barrel band be used?
Thanks all!

I would opt for a rebore. There has been much discussion on this forum about the pros and cons of each. It has been stated many times that it is about the same cost. I disagree. I can get a gun rebored, that will retain its original blue, original sights and barrel band swivel for about $500 or so. I have yet to find a gunsmith who can supply the barrel, put the barrel on the receiver, chamber, add the sights, sling swivel etc, and blue to match the original for that price. Barrels, good quality ones, are about $250+, gunsmithing adds about another $300 or so, bluing up to $400, and then fitting and mounting the sights etc can be several hundred more...I am not a math genius, but I can add the above figures.
As for reusing the quarter rib, if you do rebarrel, it is integral to the Ruger barrel, so the answer is no. You could probably reuse the BB swivel and sight. By the way, if you want an integral quarter rib on your new barrel I think you are looking at better than a couple of grand in cost. Let us know what you decide.

I am leaning to reboring. seems much simpler. Will removing the metal make the rifle less able to handle high pressure loads? 500 a2 is a 65K pressure cartridge, while the rigby is about 43K or so.
Also, any recommendations on who can do a good job? personal experience? thanks

Just re-read the old posts on a rigby-to-.510 rebore. Now I am wondring if a 500 Mbogo would be an easier conversion to get to feed? Whats the downside of necking up 416 rigby brass to 5oo mbogo, if any?

You would need to get a first generaton RSM to rebore, as the barrel was heavier

unless you rebore, you can't "keep" the quarterrib, as that is part of the barrel .. there is one under the barrel, as well.

the action is cast and very hard .. lots of people have loaded the 416 rigby to high pressure/weatherby loads .. which at 65k and the same casehead diameter as the 5X0 x wethereby case.

McGowen can cut you a CZ profile, fairly inexpensively .. though the rib will cost alot more, as it is VERY hard to machine properly .. a quaterrib barrel, in the market, can cost MORE than a whol RSM.

if an RSM costs 1500 bucks, by itself ..
well, let me challenge you a little..

head trauma has a set of 500 AccRel dies in the classifieds for 100 bucks ..

get a ruger 77mkII long action (270, 3006, 7rem, 300win length) .. $450
Send to McGowen - your barrel cost is identical -- let's assume CZ profile, sites, and bluing .. 6-700.. add another 150 for
NECG front sight.
200 for gunsmith reinforcing the stock proprly

1500 for a 500 AccRel, finished, sights, blued, bedded, and ready to hunt ...

rather than 1050 on top of the RSM .. which should be recut and rechambered for about 400-500 bucks.. if you can get one to work for it.


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