Here is the scenario. I am putting together the specs on a custom sporter for my build. I recently handled a fine Rigby express rifle in 275 Rigby (7X57mm) that was perfect for me. The LOP was nearly long enough at 14 7/8, with a long semi-pistol grip stock, simple checkering with border, and a long graceful barrel that was over 25†long. The gun flat balanced and I loved the swing of the long barrel.

So I am looking to have many of the same characteristics in my rifle. I need a 15 1/8†LOP, and I want a 25-26 inch barrel. The caliber will be either 6.5X55 SE, or 7X57 Mauser.

What barrel contour would you select? I have been partial to Lothar Walther as a manufacturer, but I am still open.

Here are the Walther contours:

quote:

I recently handled a fine Rigby express rifle in 275 Rigby (7X57mm) that was perfect for me. The LOP was nearly long enough at 14 7/8, with a long semi-pistol grip stock, simple checkering with border, and a long graceful barrel that was over 25†long. The gun flat balanced and I loved the swing of the long barrel.

Track down that rifle and mic the barrel... I would probably stay with the standard sporter contour #1300.

I don't know why, but on a sporter, I prefer barrels with a minimum wall thickness at the muzzle to be somewhere around .200. The #1300 is probably close enough.

I am going to build a similar project on a Zastaza action I have and also plan to have it engraved as 275 Rigby.

The barrel profile really comes down to personal preference – I like a bit of weight in most of my rifles, where many others try to strip out every pound. When I built my 9.3x62, I used a profile similar to the “Standard Sporter†(not a Walther though) and have been very happy with the result. I would use either the standard or heavy sporter next time round.

For what its worth, this is what my 9.3 looks like.

Fergus

Supposedly LW has some unadvertised profiles including some taken from older English rifles. You may want to call them in GA and see what else they could produce for you.

quote:

Originally posted by Fergus_Bailey:

Jesus Fergus, what have you done to my ex???

There, there now Malm. You behave now!
- mike

I would select the #1300, 26" "standard sporter". Since you want a length of over 25", I think the lighter one might prove too "whippy" for outstanding accuracy at 26" length.

My .275 Rigby has a 24" normal weight Douglas sporter (.625" at end)barrel. Some have said the barrel is too long but I love it, just enough weight to hang well and swings like a dream.

Not very traditional with the composite stock but it's my foul weather rifle. VZ-24 action by the way.

quote:

Supposedly LW has some unadvertised profiles including some taken from older English rifles. You may want to call them in GA and see what else they could produce for you.

If this is true the job is done. I want the loder H&H, or Rigby style barrel. The have a slightly concave contour coming off of the chamber bell and I love it. If sent Woody an e-mail I hope he can help!

Woody from the Lothar Walther USA says they have over 1500 barrel contours in thier computer system!

I wonder if I can get a turn of the century H&H, or a Jeffery's, or maybe a slick little Rigby????????????????

1200 contour is very nice. I've used it & like it very much.

For what it is worth, I am really looking for the radius job that occurs as the chamber bell tapers to the body of the barrel, as seen on these rifles above. I love the looks of that compared to the typical straight taper. I am trying to see if they have a barrel like that at LW.

By the way....NICE 9.3! Forest Hog?

I'm with 333_OKH, call Woody at Lothar-Walther.
First of all you'll have a great conversation with a guy who really knows his business, and you'll probably get the exact copy of the barrel you are looking for.

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Originally posted by 333_OKH:

By the way....NICE 9.3! Forest Hog?

No, good old Aussie bush hog - Northern Territory 2004

More photos here NT hunt

Fergus

Here's a standard (I presume) shank on my M70 Featherweight Classic 6.5x55. I like this profile enough that I asked Woody at LW if he could copy it - he said just send in the barrel, and if it weren't already in the computer, he'd put it there. (I might have a little more radius put in, if I were having one made, but I like the short shank a lot.)



Jaywalker

As far as barrel contours.....

I guess, I haul the extra weight... as I do a heavier barrel than most.. as I feel it is more accurate.... I usually do a heavy magnum barrel on a rifle when I have it rebarreled... and usually long.. in the 26 inch range....Extra rigidity etc...

Most guys seem to like the featherweight stuff instead....

HOwever, I am looking at rebarreling a rifle in 243 right now, that the barrel is shot out of.. a Winchester in 243 is what I am going to keep it in... However, I am looking at going with the heavy sporter or heavy magnum barrel... but cutting it short to 20 inches this time....This is predominantly going to be a coyote stalking rifle.....so I am interested in mobility yet want to keep the rigidity that I have gotten use to...

I have handled a couple and they are surprisingly balanced....When done it will wear a 1.5 x 4 scope and a 2 x7 in detachable mounts for switching scope powers when I need to....

It is kind of like Remingtons new short heavy barrel varmint rig.. with a regular sporter stock on it...

PS: but that still makes me no "expert".. I just know what works for me in the field....

cheers
seafire

I think if I can find an original profile for a 318 WR, 333 Jeffery, or maybe even one of the H&H Magnum profiles out to 25 inch I will be very happy.

Do you all see the 'sank' chamber area nd the radius I am talking about on the english rifles?

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333 Jeffery

Had one in my hands today, you can't see it but the drool is all over the front of my shirt. Tastefully factory engraving circa 1918-20 its in superb condition. I was looking for a original Rigby, but the guy didn't bring that rifle to the show, but said hold on a minute, walked me to the parking lot and pulled that, a 577 Nitro Double and a H&H double out of his trunk of his car.

Rest of the show was a waste, but I knew the above dealer was going to be in attendance and just made my day. Me thinks 2006 is going to be a good one for gun aquisitions? I think that the Jefferies, WR or Rigby I have coveted so long, is finally going to line up, with me having the money and a available rifle at the same time.

See I want that feelingfrom the proper built rifle for my size. I want a barrel that reflects the old custom English [London] gunmakers idea of sleek.

BTW---

Is that 9.3 the hammer on hogs or what?

My old 333OKH rips them to the ground like Thor!

quote:

Originally posted by 333_OKH:
BTW---

Is that 9.3 the hammer on hogs or what?

My old 333OKH rips them to the ground like Thor!

I really like hunting with the 9.3 So much so, I am building a 9.3x64 as well

Fergus

I once owned a 9.3X57, but sadly never carried it in the field.

Here are some more samples of whatI am looking for in a barrel. You can see the difference in the initial taper from the chamber area to the barrel. I want this concave type taper rather than a standard American taper.