Hi all,

I am thinking about building a small, light carry rifle in 22 hornet, and need some help in picking a suitable action. I can trade for a contender, but I'm not sure that is what I want to do. I haven't decided on a twist rate yet either, probably a 12" twist. My brothers #1 has a 14" twist and cannot stabilize anything over 40 grains. One of the uses for this gun is coyotes at 150 yards and I would like to use a 50 grain bullet, so I need to figure out what twist still but I'm leaning towards a 12".

At any rate, what are my options for an action choice? I'd rather go with something used that has character and put the money into a new barrel. I'll be doing the work myself. I have a Stevens Favorite (it was my first gun) and they are a neat little action, so something like that has crossed my mind but I don't know much about other stevens models I should look for.

At any rate, all suggestions and opinions are welcomed.

TNX

Mark

I love the looks of a nice Martini action in a Hornet. I have a Number 1 in Hornet now.
Don

Agree, the Martini is a good choice except for the scope mounting hassels. Also, the EABCO Mod. 97D is the perfect size for the Hornet.
As I'm sure you know the Stevens Favorite cannot handle the Hornet pressures but the (much larger) Stevens 44 1/2 can and is available from CPA if you like the Stevens and have some money to spend.
I'm still finishing a Martini in .256 Win. I paid $200 for the action and when you add the cost of the barrel, stock, chamber reamer, sights, etc., etc., I could have bought the EABCO 97D for less $ and be shooting it now. Building a rifle can be fun but unless you have lots of useable parts laying around you can probably buy a very nice rifle cheaper.

Jon

I know this would take some of the fun out of it, but Browning builds (or at least used to build) a nice version of the Lo-Wall in .22 Hornet. They turn up used from time to time. I've got one out be rebored to .32 H&R as we speak.

I like my Ruger #3 (223), but also available used in the Hornet. If you want a custom touch, there is plenty of meat on the factory stock to slim down, cut side panels behind the action, remove the barrel band and add an ebony forend tip, cut panels ahead of the action on the forend, checker, etc.

Depends if you are set on bulding one or buying. Since you mentioned Contebder, I'm assuming that buying is an option
Mine is in Encore because it's the least expensive option for scratching that itch. Very satisfied with results but svelt ti ain't. Check out the CZ options: http://www.cz-usa.com/01.03.php W@hile not a single shooter, they are very well put together and perform quite well judging from my 452 in 17 HMR American.

I think I saw a Uberti low wall in 22 hornet on one of the auction sites recently. BTW, my wife has a CZ American in 22 H which is incredibly accurate; and I have a BSA Martini in the Hornet which is still a work in progress, but I am starting to see great things in the future.
Pete

The Martini is a great classic and done right is a beautiful piece. I also favor the CPA Stevens and agree that it can be costly (I've got one with three barrels, two stocks and four scopes).

As far as scope mounting, all classic single shots would seems to share the same problem. But that's why there's that old barrel mounting system used by Unertl, Fecker and Lyman scopes. There's also another option that works real well with octagonal barrels. Consider a Weaver mount on the flats with Burris Zee rings for the more modern scopes.

While the Hornet is a cute classic, I would prefer the 218 Bee (Mashburn variety). At any rate if you want to keep costs reasonable, consider a Uberti - Winchester 1885 Low Wall - .22 Hornet. You will stay below $1,000 and have enough left over for a decent scope....

Martini actions converted to 22H to 5.6 X 50R can be used. I am not a Hornet person because of the range. I would look at the new 17HMR if making a 150 yd rifle. I have had the 218 Imp. Bee and found that I wanted a longer range cartridge, so switched to the 17 cal.'s. It can be costly to make up the Martini because of making the scope mounts. I used the Conetrol rings and I made the base to fit the barrel. Just one of several over the years

Here is a pic of a converted mod 15 and this was posted on the last reply , but if cut off before loading.

Les,
That sure is a BEAUTIFUL rifle.
That would look very nice in my arsenal..
Don

Les,

I'll agree with DMB, that is a very beautiful rifle! A question though about the Martini action, does the lever stay up with a little bit of force? A minor peeve of mine, but I like levers to have a tiny bit of snap into the closed position.

Also, heretical as it sounds, I am thinking about making a stock with a pistol grip, more of the "modified thumbhole" variety. What is the amount of travel on the Martini lever? Some reshaping would be in order.

Also, even though there are different calibers out there, about the only constant I have with this gun is I want it to be in 22 Hornet. Oh and single shot (90% certain there anyway). For twist rates I am still deciding either 10" or 12", probably 12 but the jury is still out.

Thanks for the all the great ideas so far, keep 'em coming if you have more!

Mark

Mark,
The lever is down because of the action is not cocked. When it is loaded it will have that snap and be tight. Notice the safety in the guard. The safety was added when critter hunting. The action will hold the shell in with out being closed, but once when I closed the action and it snapped, the chamber was empty because I had touched the lever without knowing it. Here is a butt end of a left hand Martini with a different look. I made the parts with the hole cover in the middle to unscrew. The cap in romoved and the stock bolt is available to remove the stock. Just a few things you can make. 22 Hornet , go with the 12 T

Uberti, also did/does, a small frame Remington Rolling Block in 22 Hornet

Hi guys,
I have had for years a cute little Uberti Rolling Block in 22 Hornet. Neat little rig. The original barrel wasn`t much to talk about so I pulled it and got a good McGowan on. Shot good as a standard 22H so I never made the "K" out of itas planned.

Aloha, Mark

I recon you cant go past the martini action as a starting point for a good Hornet (is there any other kind ) either BSA or GREENER are the way to go.My personal is a sportco convertion which was the brain child of a long dead uncle of mine who was a gunsmith with the sportco factory in South Australia.He being the origanal tight wad ,used .22long rifle barrels &Recut the chamber to Hornet there by forming a .223 bore! My old beast has worn to a stage that I'm using .224 projies in it but the Old girl is still shootin straight!Though I think this year I might Ring my dear friends at Sprinter barrels&invest in a heavy barrel as My Wife has Just brought me a custom Left handed stock from Geff Slee & its grand .so good luck with the project