Over the last year or so I assembled this action. It started with a striped receiver, with each part added on as I acquired it. The bolt has not been notched in, nor lapped, and the trigger and safety has not been fitted.

I paid dearly for some of these parts, especially the bolt. I lost count of how much I have in it. What do you think? Was it worth the effort, or should I have just bought a Mark X?

I have a AAA claro walnut stock blank coming, in a classic style.

I haven't yet decided on the barrel or caliber. Maybe an 8x57 or a 9.3x62.

I think it is turning out nice.
I did nearly the same project last spring and barreled it with a 20" lightweight barrel in 9.3x62 and I could not be happier. Mine is very accurate, light and handles like a dream, has a 2-7 Nikon Monarch on it with a Timney, Gentry 3 position, same bolt as you and JC Higgins bottom metal all dropped into a cheap synthetic stock for now. I started with a German action then switched to a Zastava without the Charly Daly marks on it.
Here I'll post you a couple shots of it. Pictures show it with a 3-9 Monarch on it I think it looks way trimmer with the 2-7 thats on it now.

FN bolt?
Nice collection of parts.. what SUCKS is that if you put a barrel on it, you cant' sell it for what you have in the parts, but you COULD bust it up now.

Its a toss up.. are you going to build a classic? then, by all means, a dated 37 is awesome and desiriable...

if you are just going to make a sporter, sell the bits off and get an FN

jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by Snellstrom:
I did nearly the same project last spring and barreled it with a 20" lightweight barrel in 9.3x62

Did you get your barrel from that guy on gunbroker who is selling a bunch of metric caliber barrels, 20" long, and won't say who made the barrels? I was wondering how those turned out.

KB

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
FN bolt?
Nice collection of parts.. what SUCKS is that if you put a barrel on it, you cant' sell it for what you have in the parts, but you COULD bust it up now.

Its a toss up.. are you going to build a classic? then, by all means, a dated 37 is awesome and desiriable...

if you are just going to make a sporter, sell the bits off and get an FN

jeffe

Why would you want to sell off the 37 and get an FN? The 37 will finish up slicker than the FN and has the more desirable "C" ring vs the FN's "H" ring.. Besides, if you rebarrel an FN you also cannot get out of it what you've put in. Kinda the norm when building customs.

Kabluewy --

If you ask me, nothing more says "pride in ownership" that doing it yourself. One piece at a time . . .

-- ale

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
FN bolt?
Nice collection of parts.. what SUCKS is that if you put a barrel on it, you cant' sell it for what you have in the parts, but you COULD bust it up now.

Its a toss up.. are you going to build a classic? then, by all means, a dated 37 is awesome and desiriable...

if you are just going to make a sporter, sell the bits off and get an FN

jeffe

It is an FN bolt, supposedly from a Browning FN. It came as a complete bolt assembly, but the extractor was no good, and I replaced the shroud too. I have no idea how such a nice bolt got seperated from its rifle. Maybe a divorce? I bought it off Ebay before they stopped allowing such items. In fact, that bolt is why I signed up for ebay, and was my first purchase.

I went to so much trouble puting it together that I don't think I could bust it up now. Actually I think it would be difficult to get my money back even if I sold it one part at a time. This was not an economy purchase. You are right about the resale of the completed rifle though, but I'll probably put this one in my will.

I have several FN actions, and they have been upgraded similarly. I also have a S42G (1935) Oberndorf receiver that I'm accumulating parts for. I have a Husqvarna FN bolt for it, and a 1909 bottom metal with the Wisner floorplate.

Talk to me more about the "classic". That term might mean different things to each person. If you are talking about some of the pre-war German classics with the double triggers, claw mounts, high rings, etc., then that is not something I want to try to duplicate. About as classic as I want to get is using a classic style stock, with a cheekpiece.

Try to give me your ideas about "classic".

Thanks.

Mike you are right, as usual, you really shouldn't keep track of all the expenses cuz' you always pay more than you can get out of it, just the nature of the beast with custom rifles. The good side is you can have exactly what you want if you collect the right parts or have the right gunsmith.

Kabluey I did get that barrel from "Huntgrouse" on GB. Turns out it is a Wilson barrel but mine is shooting pretty well, I won't complain. PRVI or Norma 285 grain bullets with 61 grains of Ramshot Big Game is tight! Just started shooting Speer 270's and they show promise with 1 more grain of powder.
Good luck on your project.

It doesn't really matter what it cost in the end, it is what it is worth to you. I really enjoy getting a "deal" but at the same time it really doesn't matter.

quote:

I haven't yet decided on the barrel or caliber. Maybe an 8x57 or a 9.3x62.

A good looking action like that deserves to be a 9.3 X 62

DEFINITELY worth the effort; I have done similar projects, & the process of collecting the parts is as fun and rewarding to you as completing the rifle. Finding each part continually adds to the dream of that finished rifle, and the hunt that it'll be used on.

Go to an industrial store, get some polishing stones, and get to it!

KB,
I am thinking something like a mauser sporter B or even an A.. Not something with clawmounts and dual set triggers.. just something elegant, an in a throughly german caliber, like a 9,3x62, 64, or 10,75x68... but, the 8x60 or a 7mmbrenneke would also work.


Mike,
We are saying the same thing, in totally different ways. If he didn't build a CUSTOM on it, he should just sell the parts and get an FN, not a markX.. with my untyped inference being an FN commerical. A 37 should be saved for something NICE, which I clearly state is desireable...

KB, if you wanted to be different, you could do a really nice 9,3x64, lothar "Bravarian" stepped barrel, and find a type B stock or pattern.. the gag paneled actions aren't too far off to start with and shape down to correct. Just insist on STRAIGHT and IN LINE inletting from them

jeffe

Did'nt Johnny Cash do this to build a cadilac!!! Seems that is what all customs are about, you install bottom metal, a 3pos. safe, trigger and so on. You"re doing the same thing. Keep it and do it up the way you want it done and you'll finish that one and find 3 more laying around the shop!

I'm sure you'll enjoy the rifle all the more due to the time and anticipation already invested. Way more fun than buying a new rifle out of the box and just shooting it...

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
KB,
I am thinking something like a mauser sporter B or even an A.. Not something with clawmounts and dual set triggers.. just something elegant, an in a throughly german caliber, like a 9,3x62, 64, or 10,75x68... but, the 8x60 or a 7mmbrenneke would also work.

If you wanted to be different, you could do a really nice 9,3x64, lothar "Bravarian" stepped barrel, and find a type B stock or pattern.. the gag paneled actions aren't too far off to start with and shape down to correct. Just insist on STRAIGHT and IN LINE inletting from them.
jeffe

Jeffe,
The Lothar barrel with the Bravarian contour is exactly what I'm thinking of buying for this action. I also agree with you about the "Classic" and elegant idea. I'm going to think about this some more, and study about the type A and type B, which I don't know the specifics about. There are numerous discussions that could branch out of this type of project. That's part of the fun in ot as well.

This action I think was made at the Erma plant, and the S42G at the Oberndorf plant. I also have a pristine VZ24 with 1937 stamped on the receiver. It's almost a shame to drill these receivers, and put a scope base over the crest and other markings, but the alternatives to using a standard scope set-up are just not acceptable.

I like the 9.3x64 a lot, and almost had one made, but sold the barreled action kit before finishing it. The guy who has it now seems happy with it. I went with a wildcat 9.3x338, and really like working with it. If I made the decision today, it would be the 9.3x62, and most likely that's what it will be. I already checked the feeding, and the action feeds that cartridge very well with no modifications needed. Naturally it also feeds the 8x57 super slick.

More about the stock - I just bought a Boyds JRS in AAA Claro. The style is like this only with better wood.


The cheek piece looks like this:



I seems that Boyds has changed their operation, and no longer do upgrades in walnut. Apparantly this stock was left over inventory, and when I inquired, they said they would sell me the last one. I wasn't ready to buy, but decided what the heck, I can use it on some project, if not this one. It's my Christmas gift to myself. The nice thing is that I didn't have to wait 18 weeks for delivery, and the price was right too. I haven't seen it yet - maybe next week.

I have to admit that I like two different style stocks. Here are some pictures to consider: Just disregard that some are left handed stocks.


Richards Microfit Modern Clasic.
Richards says: "Includes a Rosewood Tip & Cap, Palm Swell and Straight Comb.

Comes with the Standard Oval Forearm unless the "True Classic" Round Forearm Style is requested at additional charge. Standard Oval Forearm -- TRUE CLASSIC -- Round Forearm $13 extra"




This Monte Carlo design is from Richards Microfit; They say "Designed for shooting comfort and balance", which is a true statement.




This McMillan classic style is a great design. It has a little cast off, and is a quick stock. I believe it was first offered with the Sako, as an American style alternative. They now offer it for many actions, including the Mauser.



McMillan first offered this as a factory duplicate of the Sako Hunter, for Sako actions. It was so successful, and there were many requests for inletting for other actions that now they offer it for several actions, including the Mauser.



Richards Microfit "Old Classic"
Richards says: "Has Shadow Line Cheekpiece, Straight Comb,
Swept Grip, NO Palm Swell, and NO Tip & Cap."


These pictures are intended to be representative, and for discussion of style, not so much the maker of the stocks. I have rifles with both the straight comb and the monte carlo, and like them both equally well. I remember the first time I put a Sako Hunter to my shoulder. My thought was that I gotta have one of these stocks, and when I discovered the McMillan Hunter is an exact copy, well I now have four.

The McMillan Classic and the Butler Creek stock are very close in design shape. They both are cast off a little in the butt, which is something I have never seen in a wood stock. Maybe I don't know where to look. Heck, a guy could just duplicate a McMillan classic or the Butler Creek in a nice piece of walnut, and have an almost perfect modern classic style, IMO.

Anyway, the Old Classic may be close to what Jeffe is talking about.

KB

Hello KB

What is the trigger you are using here (it sits nice in the guard !)

Thanks - Foster

I bought the trigger from Midway for my birthday present, when they give the BD discount. It's a New England Custom Gun part. I think it's made in Europe, and imported. Anyway, It's very close to a Blackburn, maybe a little better, but available today.

Kabluewy,

It looks to me like the bolt face is sized for a magnum cartridge. Its hard to tell from the angle of the photo but you might double check before purchasing the barrel.

Best of luck with your project!


Dan

Dan,
I know what you mean. It fooled me too. In fact it was advertised as a magnum bolt face, and I bought it anyway, because I figured I would find a use for it, even though I really wanted a std bolt face. It not very often you see a Browning FN bolt for sale, and the guy didn't really know what he had.

Much to my surprise, it's not a magnum, but it had a magnum extractor on it, so it wouldn't feed or eject either magnum brass or non-mag brass. I put a std extractor on it, and now it feeds and ejects 9.3x62 and 8x57 brass just great.

As you can see from the pictures, 9.3x62 cartridge fits under the extractor. I rotated the extractor, to better show that the opening isn't big enough for the magnum case head.

You may be interested to see the 9.3x338 compared to 9.3x62.




The brass droops a little, but the opening is exact for the 9.3x62 head.



This is as far as the magnum head will go into the face slot.


9.3x338 or 366 Alaskan compared to the good ole 9.3x62 Mauser