I know that a lot of things are done today just becasue they have always been done that way, and with bolt action rifles the action is pretty much made at least somewhat the way Mauser made them.

But I can't figure out why somebody hasn't made them so that the front ring and the rear bridge are the exact same shape and height as a matter of course.

Yes, I realize that for some of the more custom expensive actions both the front ring and rear bridge will have square bridges on them that are basically the same height.

but why not on the more common everyday rifle have the rear bridge the same radius and the same height as the front ring so that the exact same scope base could go on both.

I suppose one could argue that it would add a bit more weight. But if the rear bridge is much smaller than the front ring then one has to add a scope base in the rear that weighs more than the front one anyway. Why make things more difficult than they have to be.

Weight might be a consideration.....yes, it's not much but it's something to consider.

The front ring must be large enough to furnish compression and shear strength.....the rear ring does nothing but allow for a channel for the bolt to travel in. Why make it as big as the front one?

The new Savages are made that way. Use the same scope base in front and rear,
Lyle

The Mauser model 1929 that never went into mass production was built like that.

My old Sako is like that. No dovetails & round front & back
gunmaker

Rem 788?

All the Remingtons........Grant

quote:

Originally posted by Oldmodel70:
All the Remingtons........Grant

Not quite.....not even close.

The most famous of them all...the 700 has a stepped down rear bridge, as does the model 7.

The theory of the bridge cut-down is as it's been stated previously; a mere weight reducer, but I'd rather gain the extra grains of weight and have them on an even plane than what's been done in the past. I say "grains" because the amount would hardly constitute calling it fractions of ounces.

quote:

Originally posted by triggerguard1:

quote:

Originally posted by Oldmodel70:
All the Remingtons........Grant

Not quite.....not even close.

The most famous of them all...the 700 has a stepped down rear bridge, as does the model 7.

The theory of the bridge cut-down is as it's been stated previously; a mere weight reducer, but I'd rather gain the extra grains of weight and have them on an even plane than what's been done in the past. I say "grains" because the amount would hardly constitute calling it fractions of ounces.

Matt

something to consider when making that action you are coming out with soon. I look forward to it.

I think the rear is lower also for looks. To me a round receiver same highth front and back looks like an unfinished piece of pipe.

Barnard actions:



flaco

If you're looking for something different and sexy with equal heights front & rear...

How 'bout an octagonal receiver?

Anyone make 'em that way?