An open sighted stock for a special project

[Von Gruff]

It seems like there may well be a new project in the offing. There has been a trade agreed where I send a Mk 1 Long Lee Enfield action to a feller and he will send me a 1916 Kar 98 small ring Mauser action.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Erfurt%201_zpsqqymnk37.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Erfurt%201_zpsqqymnk37.png.html)
Being a small ring it can be made into a nice light hill rifle and I have decided that a 7x57 in a blind mag stock designed for open sights will be the way to go with this one even though I will possibly look at a QD scope as well. Up to this point I have sort of adapted my stock pattern to lower the comb at the nose to get down for the aperture sights but with the heel at the same drop it means a slightly unconventional head position on the stock.
It may well be a few weeks before the action arrives but I thought to get the stock design sorted now and thought that I might do a trial one first to get the blind mag area understood before I attack a nice piece of walnut.
To that end I drew out the plan and cut both a pattern and a framed pattern then a trial stock from a piece of Rimu and thought that it may be of interest to look at how to draw out the pattern.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2521_zpscfrldrqi.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2521_zpscfrldrqi.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I used a piece of thin board that is 8 1/2 in deep for the framed pattern so I could get all my measurements noted down.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2523_zpsg3ioe12q.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2523_zpsg3ioe12q.jpg.html)
I started by marking a line the width of my long steel rule (1 1/8) parallel to the top so that when I cut out the interior there is enough strength left outside it to hold it all together. This line is the stock top line and all measurements noted are down from this line. Point A is marked in along this top line and to find point A --- I made my stock to have a 13 3/8 L O P so point A is 14 1/2 in from the butt end of the board. Adjust as necessary for your own desired L O P. I will deal with the forestock first.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2526_zpslmw02xjq.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2526_zpslmw02xjq.jpg.html)
From point A, square a line down to the bottom of the board as this is the face of the trigger and where all the measurements go from. From point A mark down the line 2 3/16 as this is the depth of the stock at this point. Measure toward the forend tip 15 1/2 inches and square a line down with a point marked in an 1 1/4 down from the top line. You can now draw a line from this point back through the first point measured down from point A to give you the forestock length and shape.

[Von Gruff]

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2525_zpsxmppavxy.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2525_zpsxmppavxy.jpg.html)
For the butt end I start with the grip curve so to get there I measure back toward the butt from point A 3 7/8 then square down from there. Measure down that line 4 1/4 and mark the spot. ( call it B) Next comes the grip curve and this calls for a bit of try and adjust. Set you calipers for 4 1/8 as this is the radius for the curve and it requires the curve to go through the point B and back into the line we drew back from the forend tip to intersect where the center of of the trigger curve will be directly down from point A. Then you can use your square and mark in the grip cap line back toward the heel. My intersection point is 14 7/8 back along the top line from point A. Mark 1 3/4 for the grip cap length.
Next comes the comb nose and I mark 4 1/2 back from point A and go down 3/4. This is where the comb nose starts to curve down toward the top of the wrist. Mark back from point A along the top line 13 5/8 and down 1 3/4 to the heel and now you can draw in the comb line. For myself I marked down with a 4 degree negative pitch and drew in the curve for the checkered steel butt plate. If you need a longer L O P I would stoll draw in the drop a heel at the 13 5/8 mark and continue the comb line till you reached your desired L O P.
I am going to grind back the steel plate to give me a length of 4 7/8 so from that point I can draw in the toe line of the butt from the tip of the butt plate to the 1 3/4 mark on the grip cap line.
It will be noted that this line (continued) is above the grip curve by 3/16 - 1/4 but this all helps to lighten the appearance of the stock.

[Von Gruff]

I made a start on the trial blind mag stock today. I am going to use a altered military trigger where the finger piece is adjusted to the rear by about a 1/4 to bring it closer to the rear of the trigger bow so I took the one off my other 7x57 so I could get the placement of the action on the blank.
Center of the trigger face is the datum point so measuring back to the rear stock screw centre is the first move
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2789_zpskgoj7xay.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2789_zpskgoj7xay.jpg.html)
Then the front stock screw can be marked in
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2790_zpsbp35wx2p.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2790_zpsbp35wx2p.jpg.html)
From these two points the trigger clearance slot can be done and the action sat into the blank on the headless screws to mark in the other data points
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2791_zpsfxgvr3uy.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2791_zpsfxgvr3uy.jpg.html)
And a while later it is starting to settle into the wood.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2792_zpsoqaxxz1e.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2792_zpsoqaxxz1e.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Have the action settled into the wood. I had the stock for my DWM set on the bench as a visual guide and for measurement checks.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2802_zpsuyswo6he.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2802_zpsuyswo6he.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2803_zpsf7m7guxt.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2803_zpsf7m7guxt.jpg.html)
I made a start on the jig to allow the use of the router to do the blind mag. I cut a block to fin into the recoil lug and fixed a slow wedge shaped piece to it so the top of the guide was parallel to the bottom of the stock.
Careful measuring of the internal mag dimensions and allowing for the guide collar on the router base required a 1/2 inch over the required size so I should get the correct finished size. I will try it tomorrow on a scrap piece first then one the practice stock. Going to be an interesting trial.

[Von Gruff]

I have been able to get the practice inlet done after a couple of alterations to the jig and it holds four down and feeds flawlessly. Then the barrel turned up that had been part of the trade for the action. It was a stepped barrel that I had intended to have the steps machined off but it turned out to be a large ring barrel so wouldnt fit the small ring action without turning the thread off and rethreading for the small ring. As it was just 20 1/4 in long, this coupled with the machining needed for the step removal and the rethreading put it out of contention for use so in thinkingnthrough the possibilities I got onto one of the short chambered 6.5x55 barrels from Brownells which I will have shortened a little and rechambered for the 6.5x57.
I got a set of Hornady New Dimension dies in 6.5x57 from Ebay for under US$58 so things are moving in the right direction again.
Frank has been exceptionally generous and sent me a lovely blank to build this one on
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Erfurt%20stock%20from%20Frank_zpscs6hopqp.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Erfurt%20stock%20from%20Frank_zpscs6hopqp.png.html )
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Erfurt%20stock%20from%20Frank._zpshdiimnwg.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Erfurt%20stock%20from%20Frank._zpshdiimnwg.png.htm l)

[Von Gruff]

This is the trial inlet on the practice stock. Initially I made the whole well the same depth but then put a fillet in and reset the jig so I could cut the spring end recess. Then I found that I needed the little fillet up the back of the well so it would engage in the rear of the action the same way as the steel tag does on the standard bottom metal. On the good stock I have a little piece of buffalo horn that I will use for this. I make no apologies for the rather rough look to the wood but the rimu is not a suitable stockwood as it has a fiberous texture and tears a little rather than clean cutting like walnut. It was getting the mag well sorted that was important rather than a fanvy finish.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2819_zpsw6umj0cd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2819_zpsw6umj0cd.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I made a sighting decision over night (well between 2.30am and 5.30am it became clear) and will use a universal front ramp from NECG
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/Gun_Services/item_info.asp?Brand_id=4237&ST=Basic Front Ramp - Rounded#.VujgSuRJnIU
with the high sourdough blade that I can regulate to suit. http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/Gun_Services/item_info.asp?Brand_id=4214&ST=Sourdough Sight for Masterpiece & Classic Banded Ramp#.VujgneRJnIU
I will not use a barrel mounted rear sight but will fit the Talley low bases http://www.talleymanufacturing.com/Products/Scope-Ring-Bases-Peep-Sight/Mauser/Steel-Base-for-98-Mauser-Small-Ring.aspx
with the Talley aperture sight http://www.talleymanufacturing.com/Products/Scope-Ring-Bases-Peep-Sight/Peep-Sight.aspx
Initial shooting will all be done with the aperture sight but a set of QD rings will be in its future with a Leupold M8 6 power fixed scope.

[Von Gruff]

This superb piece of wood turned up this morning and I couldn't wait to get it to the shed and plane off one side to straighten and flatten it then run it through the thicknesser to see what was hiding under the rough sawn surface.
I was more than plesantly surprised to see the wonderfull colours emergs with the grain structure being swirls and fiddleback with a marblecake apearance. It is the most even on both side of any blank I have seen and would easily sit amongst exibition grade blanks in any walnut supplier.
A very big thank you to Frank for this one.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2888_zps0kcg2pcd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2888_zps0kcg2pcd.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2887_zpsrkgwfkbw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2887_zpsrkgwfkbw.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2889_zpsp0k0cfrx.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2889_zpsp0k0cfrx.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

As most who undertake these sort of builds will know there is a WHOLE LOT OF PIC GATHERING that goes on with the end result being that many are deleted as the ideas refine themselves and the decision gets made as to the finished apearance that I want to aim for is made. First and formost I would like to to look similar to Terry's rifle and even though it is a CZ Mini Mauser in 223 I think the style will translate over to my Erfurt actioned 6.5x57. This is the overall look I am going for with buffalo horn tip and grip cap, the shadowline pancake cheekpiece off a 3/16 cast to the butt with an aditional 1/8 in cant to the butt plate which will be a checkered steel curved plate.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/TC1s%20Mini%20Mauser%20223_zps9vzmiypr.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/TC1s%20Mini%20Mauser%20223_zps9vzmiypr.png.html)
The bolt release will be shelved but I am not 100% decided on the lowered "window" on that part of the stock so any feedback on that would be welcome
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Swede_zpsseawctqi.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Swede_zpsseawctqi.png.html)
Have got a Tally bolt handle coming and it will be welded on so that there will not need to be a scollop ground out for a low scope rings something like this one here.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Bolt%20handle%20style_zpsklad2nt5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Bolt%20handle%20style_zpsklad2nt5.jpg.html)
So with my flag nailed to the mast and my colours showing I will have to now try and get as close to this ideal as I can manage.

[Von Gruff]

Made a start on the action inlet today. I didn't profile the top of the butt section so I would have a flat surface to run the hand router on. That gets done after the primary inlet is done down to the action flat
The underside is cut paralell to the top for the drilling of holes etc. As mentioned in drawing up the stock pattern the face of the trigger is marked in first (from the pattern) and the screw holes can be plotted from there. The grain has a lot of twists and turns so the inet is time for real concentration with grain ends going in all sorts of directions.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2890_zps9q4w6psn.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2890_zps9q4w6psn.jpg.html)
When the action flat depth has been reached the butt portion is run through the bandsaw to make the inlet of the tang easier.
Have still got nearly an 1/8 in to go but it is getting there and will do for today.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2895_zpssodwktbv.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2895_zpssodwktbv.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Got the action inlet done and the trigger slot cut in. Next in line will be the blind mag well.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2899_zpsyptovm43.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2899_zpsyptovm43.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

The blind mag well has been done and turned out as well as I could have hoped for.
This is the slow wedge so that when I am routing it down I know that the well will be paralell to the bottom of the stock.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2903_zps77y6yryx.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2903_zps77y6yryx.jpg.html)
You can see the block that locates into the recoil lug area
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2904_zpskwrefiwr.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2904_zpskwrefiwr.jpg.html)
There needs to be a means of holding the guide plate to the slow wedge so a length of 2x1 1/2 (cramping blocks) along each side has a notch cut in it to take the ends of the locating block. The top plate was screwed to these cramping blocks and with the notches and screw locating points I can be sure it will all go back to the same configuration on any stock I care to do the same thing to.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2905_zpsc359dil2.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2905_zpsc359dil2.jpg.html)
The router guide area cut into the top plate was cut undersize at first and with the stock in the vise held by the cramping blocks I could take the top plate off and it would go back into the same place again so I could gradually open up the guide area to leave the correct size well.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2906_zpsqk6gxf6y.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2906_zpsqk6gxf6y.jpg.html)
I fitted a piece of buffalo horn up the back of the well to locate into the action the same way as the metal extension does on the rear of the metal mag box. It will sit overnight with a wedged block holding the horn plate untill the epoxy sets.

[Von Gruff]

When I got to the shed this morning I had a look at the horn back plate and decided I didn't need it so chiseled it out and squared out the rear of the well and called it good. Fitted the bolt top and chiseled filed and sanded it into position then cleared over the top of the tang and left it for now.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2909_zpsungfgdjr.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2909_zpsungfgdjr.jpg.html)
I marked in the center of the butt and then marked in for a 3/16 cast plus another 1/8 for cant
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2908_zps3juxey1v.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2908_zps3juxey1v.jpg.html)

With the butt plate fitted like this the mount to shoulder will be enhanced and I will have the necesary wood to do the cheek piece.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2910_zpsyltfcguo.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2910_zpsyltfcguo.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

With that done I turned to the grip cap as that will demarcate the wrist size for the shaping of the butt stock.
With a piece of buff horn trimmed to shape (1 3/4x1 1/4) for a slim grip
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2915_zps1nclqg9h.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2915_zps1nclqg9h.jpg.html)
a rebate was filed round the edge
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2912_zpsuwfa3azw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2912_zpsuwfa3azw.jpg.html)
and then it was radiused over the top
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2914_zpscwexbfer.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2914_zpscwexbfer.jpg.html)
after which a sand to clean off the file marks.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2916_zpsy1zw8ccq.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2916_zpsy1zw8ccq.jpg.html)
The holes were drilled for the 2 little brass dowles and it was epoxied into place.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2917_zpsluj1qxdf.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2917_zpsluj1qxdf.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

With the grip cap epoxied in place the stock was run through the bandsaw but just from the tang back so the shaping of the butt and cheekpiece was about all I can do untill the barrel arrives.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2924_zpsnpmh1rti.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2924_zpsnpmh1rti.jpg.html)
The cheekpiece is marked arround with a chisel but the multiple grain directions means that more care is taken with wood removal with this blank than any other one I have ever worked with.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2926_zpsynnpd3wn.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2926_zpsynnpd3wn.jpg.html)
Once the lines are marked in I found that files were the ony safe way to get things shaped without the risk of having the short grain chip out.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2927_zpsj3oagkg6.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2927_zpsj3oagkg6.jpg.html)
Having got the general shape of what will be the shadowline filed in I will leave it like this un till the final finish shaping is done so the fine edge of what will be the actual cheekpiece is not damaged.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2928_zps4yruif8w.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2928_zps4yruif8w.jpg.html)
Getting the off side done was much easier so this is how it will have to sit for the time being.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2929_zpspzwbttjb.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2929_zpspzwbttjb.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I decided to cut the two triggers today cut today and ready for when the GS can do the micro weld.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2976_zpscbq6uojy.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2976_zpscbq6uojy.jpg.html)
Both finger pieces are cut off so that when they are back together the fingerpiece is a 1/4 closer to the rear of the guard and much better visualy (my opinion) It requires the TG to have a waist filed into it but this all enhances the feel.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2977_zpsafst7o8k.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2977_zpsafst7o8k.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2979_zpsbv7cxfnv.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2979_zpsbv7cxfnv.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

this is what it will look like when done as I did the same thing for my DWM 7x57
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/7x57StalkingRifle02-02-09010.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/7x57StalkingRifle02-02-09010.jpg.html)
after that was done I got the shadowline roughed in on the cheekpiece
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2982_zpshdq3yze5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2982_zpshdq3yze5.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I had a real success with the barrel band sling eye. I had a few of the Lee Enfield inner bands that looked remarkedly like a good start to barrel band sling eye so I deceded to see what it would lok like with a bit of alteration.
I found a long threaded piece that fit the LE inner band thread and with it screwed right in to touch the opposite side of the band it held tight, so I could hold it in the drill press. Then with a file, I reduced the dia of the locating screw portion to the dia of the sling stud from TOTW. I also managed to hold this in the drill press on the tapered screw threads and with a small 3 corner file was able to reduce the shank to the o/d of the screw (still leaving a shoulder to go against the band locating screw area) and will get it threaded to go into the band although I may shorten the locating screw portion to the shortest that will allow the swiver to rotate without impacting the barrel. Was probably about 2 1/2 hrs in it so not a bad way to save sending money off the NECG.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2996_zps8vl9kcjf.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2996_zps8vl9kcjf.jpg.html)
Yhe i/d of the band is almost right but these bands have 4 little ridges to facilitate fitting to the LE barrels and with a little fitting it will be move up the barrel for another few inches till it ends up half way between the end of the forestock and the muzzle.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2997_zpssloicyep.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2997_zpssloicyep.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Have made a decision on the trigger guard. I had originally thought to use a SxS shotgun styled guard but will use the mauser bottom metal and cimply cut the mag box off it, continue the bow curve round to where it meets the base that will be under the stockwood and cut it square from there. It will require a little weld to fill what is left of the sling attachment hole but the anchor screw for the rear action screw will need filling anyway so not a big deal. I will fit a nut into the under channel so an anchor screw can be drilled down through the stock and locate to hold the front of the guard.
It will get a waist on the bow so that is another part decided on that will get attended to in the days to come.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2998_zpsf8gec0ly.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo2998_zpsf8gec0ly.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Got the mag box cut off the bottom metal and shaped as intended. I thought I was going to have to weld some of the sling hole but when I filed the bow to the desired shape it dissapared so that is one thing to tick off the list and then it was simple matter to inlet it into the stock. I fitted the altered trigger from my 7x57 so I could comfirm it was all going to work untill I can get the two into one welded for this rifle. I still have to file the slot in the trigger bow base to allow the fingerpiece to travel to the rear further because of the change in its position.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3002_zpsjtkauhzt.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3002_zpsjtkauhzt.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

A little more got done after lunch with the tang re-shaped
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3003%201_zps2twzy1rg.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3003%201_zps2twzy1rg.jpg.html)
The waist filed into the trigger bow
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3005_zpsbjrfxdam.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3005_zpsbjrfxdam.jpg.html)
and with the t/g inlet down to depth, I could then refine the wrist shape and start to get some slimness into it. I wont go any further untill the barrel is inlet and I can shape the forestock and then it will be a simple case of joining the forestock to the wrist in a nice continuous radiused easy to handle shape
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3004_zpsrjk9lz3v.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3004_zpsrjk9lz3v.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I decided to changes thing a little as I had intended to lengthen the trigger when the two halves were welded back together as the bottom line of the stock is .185 deeper than ordinarily it would be with the standard bottom metal so I could have the mag capacity in the blind mag without compromising the strength of the remaining wood. There is about 3/16 left but this was making the wrist a little beefier than I like. It was near 6 inches in cicumference which is way to big for the style of rifle I envisage. The answer was to raise the trigger bow up so the trigger length would be standard and the wrist could be made much smaller and to do that I thought I would do the same as they do when an extended magazine is made. It can be subtle like this 350 Rigby mag
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Rigby350Magnum002_zpssy2k5vm8.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Rigby350Magnum002_zpssy2k5vm8.jpg.html)
or this Hartmann & Weiss
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/bw-left-sm_zps9cbdrrur.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/bw-left-sm_zps9cbdrrur.jpg.html)
or over the top like this one
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Drop%20box%20mag%20stock%20belly%20line_zpse6imrwk t.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Drop%20box%20mag%20stock%20belly%20line_zpse6imrwk t.png.html)
I was thinking of the subtle end of the spectrum and set the trigger bow in an extra .185 which leaves the trigger length the same length and will preserves the stockwood thickness under the mag well.
Have it roughed into shape and was able to reduce the wrist circumference to 5 5/16 but should get down to under 5 inches when the finish shaping is done which will have to wait untill the barrel gets installed and the forestock shaped. This is how it sits for now.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3009_zpsmg3nrgdw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3009_zpsmg3nrgdw.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3010_zpsctv0wgbp.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3010_zpsctv0wgbp.jpg.html)
Incidentally, the drop box can be made by cutting the standard box and welding it further down the trigger bow face. (If the available funds dont run to one of the expensive off the shelf units.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3008_zpssitnsn0d.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3008_zpssitnsn0d.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I got the barrel band done this morning. Threaded to sling stud shaft that I filed down in the drill press the other day and shortened the band nut so it would be a nice compact unit. Because I couldnt thread right up to the shoulder I countersunk the nut enough to get a good mating surface. This should be stronger than any soldered joint with about 4 threads to hold it in to the band nut.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3011_zpsdtyxvinm.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3011_zpsdtyxvinm.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Was through ot the gunsmiths today and dropped off the parts for his attention.
He will shorten the 6.5x55 barrel enough so he can rechamber for the 6.5x57 with his match reamer then rethread for my action. He is going to reprofile the chamber end out for about 5 -6 inches to give it a mre pleasing appearance as well.
Change the bolt handle, D&T for the Tally bases and front sight, fit the barrel band sling eye I made and weld up the trigger pieces and the lock screw hole on the TG.
It could be a while till he gets it doen so I will have to controll the impaitence till I get his call.

[eljefeoz]

Wood and wood work are a treat. Good show, Von G! Looking forward to this one...

[M-Tecs]

Wow!!!!!!! Nice work. That is the most enjoyable post I have read in a long time.

[HangFireW8]

Sticky!

[jmorris]

You need a copy of all your fine work kept with the rifle, so some day when someone inherits it they can see how much time you had involved.

[rancher1913]

very cool, please post the rest of the build when you get it done.

[EMC45]

Wonderful work Sir.

[William Yanda]

" the well will be paralell to the bottom of the stock."

If you hold two fingers our, side by side, they are parallel. I think you intended to say perpendicular, as located at a right angle to the bedded action. Very nice work and great pictures as well
Please forgive my nit picking.
Bill

[Blackwater]

Amen to what M-Tecs said! You really know your way around metal and wood! it's one thing to make a gun "different," and quite another to make it letitimately "better." You do fine work, sir! Thanks for sharing the process with us.

[Von Gruff]

" the well will be paralell to the bottom of the stock."

If you hold two fingers our, side by side, they are parallel. I think you intended to say perpendicular, as located at a right angle to the bedded action. Very nice work and great pictures as well
Please forgive my nit picking.
Bill

NO Bill you are wrong on both counts.

When I said that the well will be paralell with the bottom line of the stock I meant the bottom of the well will be (and is) paralell with the bottom line of the stock with 3/16 between the bottom of the well and the stock line at the rear and the front of the magazine well.
Because of the slow wedge and the router cutting down square (or perpendicular if you willl) the front and rear of the well are square to the bottom of the stockline and not square down from the topline.
I dont spend a lot of nighttime awake and thinking through these things to make such a mistake.

[Walter Laich]

signing up to watch

[MrWolf]

I agree with Wow. Will be following this thread.

[flint45]

great job that rifle is gonna be kooool!

[mac60]

Epic thread! The time and effort it took to put this together shouldn't be overlooked. Can't wait to see the rifle in it's finished state. I'd like to join the push to make this a sticky.

[quack1]

[QUOTE=Von Gruff;3648930]
The bolt release will be shelved but I am not 100% decided on the lowered "window" on that part of the stock so any feedback on that would be welcome

I have done the thumb cut/ bolt stop area several different ways. Can't decide on which looks best.
Maybe you can use these pics for ideas.
Enjoying your thread, looking forward to seeing the completion of the stock.
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll300/1quack1/IMG_0033_1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll300/1quack1/IMG_0041_1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll300/1quack1/IMG_0195.jpg

[Von Gruff]

[QUOTE=Von Gruff;3648930]
The bolt release will be shelved but I am not 100% decided on the lowered "window" on that part of the stock so any feedback on that would be welcome

I have done the thumb cut/ bolt stop area several different ways. Can't decide on which looks best.
Maybe you can use these pics for ideas.
Enjoying your thread, looking forward to seeing the completion of the stock.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll300/1quack1/IMG_0041_1.jpg


It has been decided to do it this way but on the mannlicher G33-40 http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?307061-Mannlichering-a-G33-40 I am doing it will have to be the full lowered window because it has the lightening cut through the side rail which you can see in the first pic in the thread.

[Uncle Grinch]

I really have enjoyed this thread. The progression and pictures keep me glued to my iPad. Your level of quality and attention to detail impress me each time I follow one of your projects.

This is should be a true one of a kind rifle. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

When I see work like this, I wonder how many eminent public administrators, media pundits, image consultants and that sort of vermin will produce something people will marvel at as a cherished antiquity, in the day of the raygun. Be sure to write your name under the buttplate.

It looks, from the spring recess in the rimu version, as if you don't plan any sort of internal floorplate, but I wonder if you are going to have a metal magazine box? I would think omitting it would enable you to have a little more wood in the sides, where it is desirable in a rifle you would naturally want to keep slender. Nowadays you can impregnate the hidden end grain surfaces with superglue to reduce absorption of moisture. Similarly the dropped magazine would permit more wood under the magazine, giving more of a U-girder rigidity in an are you aren't binding together with a steel bottom metal.

[Von Gruff]

I have a set of small number and letter stamps (4mm tall) and I mark under the chamber (accross wise) with VG and the month/ year then along the barrel channel just in front of the chamber I mark the cartridge.
I doint intend any internal floor plate in the magazine and the internal measurements are exactly the same as the measurements of the steel box in width and length, although obviously not as deep at 1.177 (compared to 1.290 to the underside of a standard stock at that point) from the action flat down to the rear of the spring well.

Because of the rather spectacular grain colouring on this blank I am not going to use my usual Tung/Blo oil finish as it has a tendency to darken and therefore hide some of the grain colour and contrast so this time I am going to use a thinned spar varnish to keep the contrast the wood has. For the interior surfaces I will leave in and on the surface to seal all the grain but on the outsidesurfaces, the actionlet and the barrel channel I will sand back to the surface after each coat so the surface is sealed from within then finish with a few light handrubbed coats of oil for the tradtitional finish.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

Because of the rather spectacular grain colouring on this blank I am not going to use my usual Tung/Blo oil finish as it has a tendency to darken and therefore hide some of the grain colour and contrast so this time I am going to use a thinned spar varnish to keep the contrast the wood has. For the interior surfaces I will leave in and on the surface to seal all the grain but on the outsidesurfaces, the actionlet and the barrel channel I will sand back to the surface after each coat so the surface is sealed from within then finish with a few light handrubbed coats of oil for the tradtitional finish.


That sounds like an excellent finish for this rifle. The pores will fill up fastest if you thicken the first coat of varnish slightly, with a very fine-grained mineral filler powder. Someone will probably sell you one if you feel the better for it, but a pharmacy should be able to beat their prices under the name of talcum powder.

[Southern Son]

Von Gruff,
Dude, you need to do a You-Tube channel, people, especially me, would love to see you doing this stuff. A how too series would be great.

[bubba.50]

awesome thread, awesome work on an equally awesome piece of wood. must say though, i was nervous as a cat followin' along with ya & plumb wore-out by the time i got to the end.

like all the others, can't wait to see the finished project.

[Blackwater]

Von Gruff, you're obviously a connoisseur of fine wood, well done metal, and fit of a rifle to the purpose and person it's being built for. This is what many pay exorbitant fees to get! Outstanding work, sir. Please accept my appreciation for what you're doing and have done. THIS is what "custom" is all about!

[Von Gruff]

Thank you all for the kind words. I really enjoy looking at every aspect of these projects and trying to make sure there is a balance of styles from one end to the other, then to try and bring it all together into as neat a finished rifle as I can manage.
When it comes to youtube and a new camera that would take more than the 2 minute video that my little cell ph takes I am not able to finance that or understand the technology that would transfer things to youtube, so these posts have to be the limit of sharing my love of these builds.

[BigEyeBob]

Superb work Garry .

[Ballistics in Scotland]

Youtube is a fascinating concept, but it is discredited by the amount of flim-flam, flapdoodle and horse-feathers we see on it. A rifle stands still and is far better represented by still pictures and the sort of detailed explanation - of attitude, as well as technique - that we have seen here.

[izzyjoe]

You are a true craftsman, and that is going to be a nice rifle! I'll be watching for more photos.

[C. Latch]

Fascinating thread.

Beautiful rifle.

[Bill*B]

I confess that this thread fills me with envy. Not for the beautiful rifle, but for your skills! Damn nice work!

[nekshot]

excellent work like this is moving. I think I need to do another stock job using some of the things I am gleaning from your work! Awesome.(I am not in your league but I try)

[W.R.Buchanan]

Garry: another fine looking rifle. The wood is definitely going to be spectacular. I love the Blind Mag and the proposed Bolt shape is one of my favorites as it is "Standard Mauser Sporting Rifle." Even the new ones I saw at SHOT this year were shaped like that.

I personally would leave the Fore-End a little heavier towards the front and especially with the Black Fore-End cap, but that's the American in me speaking. Either way it will be a good looking piece.

Is the gun going to have Iron Sights or an Optic? or Both?

One more excellent project!

Randy

[Von Gruff]

Garry: another fine looking rifle. The wood is definitely going to be spectacular. I love the Blind Mag and the proposed Bolt shape is one of my favorites as it is "Standard Mauser Sporting Rifle." Even the new ones I saw at SHOT this year were shaped like that.

I personally would leave the Fore-End a little heavier towards the front and especially with the Black Fore-End cap, but that's the American in me speaking. Either way it will be a good looking piece.

Is the gun going to have Iron Sights or an Optic? or Both?

One more excellent project!

Randy

Randy, I want to keep to the old English styled forend that is slim and short so it will be about 7 1/2 in from the reciever edge to the end of the forestock. Having a number of rifles with this type of forearm I am convinced it is the best style for offhand shooting as the closer the boreline is to the hand the more pointable it is and this all helps to get on target just by looking at the intended recipient of the bullet than the heavier forend you may be used to.
The Talley bases will have a Talley aperture sight installed for the most part with a scope in QD rings in a scope bag for the occasions where it may be needed.
This is one I made for the Leupold 2-7 that is the carry scope for my 7x57 where most of the shooting is done with the Rigby styled bolt aperture sight
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Photo0937_zpsnjtsucuu.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Photo0937_zpsnjtsucuu.jpg.html)
I made provision for some long range ammo to be carried in the scope bag because when hunting and using the aperture sight I often have cast bullets in the magazine for the under 200 yd shot I would use them for.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Photo0938_zpshxcaoukl.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Photo0938_zpshxcaoukl.jpg.html)


I got an email from the GS this morning to check before he welded the trigger parts and to say he re ground the action bridge before D&T for the bases as the clip guide had not been ground concentric to the bore line but while he didn't mention having done the barrel etc I would have to think that would be done before any of the ancilliary parts would be looked at.
In my dreams I see it being done in this comming week. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Von Gruff]

Home from the gunsmith with the bits done that needed to be done so I can finish the stockwork. It will go back afterward for the polish and blue and the cartridge engraved on the barrel. Very pleased with it and couldn;t help but to sit it into the wood as far as no barrel channel would allow just to see it in one piece---sort of.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3077_zpspdldp4vm.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3077_zpspdldp4vm.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3076_zpscmlmyoh0.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3076_zpscmlmyoh0.jpg.html)

[M-Tecs]

As a machinist/tool maker I am much more proficient on the metal side of the house. I struggle with stocks from blanks. I only have done six stocks from a blank. I always 95% finished the action and forearm first and left the butt end for last. I see you start from the other end. From your pictures I see the advantage of leaving forearm for clamping.

I have one nice blank left. I have been putting off doing something with it far to long. I will start at the other end on this one.

[Von Gruff]

As a machinist/tool maker I am much more proficient on the metal side of the house. I struggle with stocks from blanks. I only have done six stocks from a blank. I always 95% finished the action and forearm first and left the butt end for last. I see you start from the other end. From your pictures I see the advantage of leaving forearm for clamping.

I have one nice blank left. I have been putting off doing something with it far to long. I will start at the other end on this one.

This way I can put the barrel in the vise when the butt is done and rest the butt on my adjustable rest. It allows for the forearm shaping without having to hold the stock by fully shaped wood.

[M-Tecs]

This way I can put the barrel in the vise when the butt is done and rest the butt on my adjustable rest. It allows for the forearm shaping without having to hold the stock by fully shaped wood.

Again not the way I was doing it but I like your way better.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I just watched the "Ghost and the Darkness" the other day, and I was surprised how many really good shots they had of the Lee Speed that Val carried.

It had the splinter fore end and what I do like about that style is that it makes the barrel look long. The gun was a #1 complete with the Mag Cutoff and Dust Cover, an excellent and very representative rifle for the period on the film.

Whatever you decide to do I know it will be in good taste because you have exhibited such time and time again.

When I was making knifes back in the 80's, there was one saying that kept floating to the fore front of any knife discussion. It was,,, "there are lots of good knife makers, but few good knife designers." This reared it's ugly head this year that the SHOT Show where I saw numerous Knife Makers that were purveying some of the ugliest garbage I have ever seen. Nicely made, just plain ugly designs. And not only that,,, they wanted $300-500 for some of them! Rather than tell them so,,, I just looked and moved it right along.

There's no accounting for taste. And I have concluded that you either got it,,, or you don't.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

It was a very heavy frost this morning and really a bit cold to be in the unheated shed but having waited to get the B/A back I was anxious to get the barrel inlet done so after a quick breakfast I made a start.
A preliminary track was made so I could sit the B/A in place and mark the lines in
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3082_zpsnn5orokp.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3082_zpsnn5orokp.jpg.html)
And half the barrel dia marked n the end to get the depth of the inlet at this point
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3083_zps8g5yeyln.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3083_zps8g5yeyln.jpg.html)
So with a bit of smoke to guide me I made a start. Having said that this piece of wood has fiddleback so I couldn't use a chisel accross the grain and waves along the chanel so I couldn't use gouges or even my barrel end scrapers along the channel without it chipping the grain out (you can see this in the previous two pics) so it was a case of 60 grip emery round various round dowels to remove the wood without damage to the finish lines I neede to keep sharp.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3084_zpssk46qfcy.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3084_zpssk46qfcy.jpg.html)
It took 6 hours to get it done but eventually it all settled into place
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3085_zpsjjn89t6j.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3085_zpsjjn89t6j.jpg.html)
After that I got the piece of horn doweled into place and cramped up for the night.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3086_zpso24bdoiv.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3086_zpso24bdoiv.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Got the horn tip inlet this morning and have run the forend through the bandsaw so it is ready for the shaping process now. This was a piece of horn I didn't think I would be able to use because of the slight curve and the end of the interior hollow of the horn which made it necessary to set it to one side that in itself threatened the runout through the curve. The interior hole was larger than the barrel diameters I had been using on other rifles but this one is just slightly heavier at the point where it meets the tip and I also shortened the wood part by another 1/4 inch so that with carefull placement it was able to be used.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3087_zpsfpkca2oc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3087_zpsfpkca2oc.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3089_zpsrzpxjqbg.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3089_zpsrzpxjqbg.jpg.html)

[smoked turkey]

Just WOW! I am really enjoying going with you through the process. I can almost smell the walnut. I would love to get a whiff of the actual smell in your shop as the project progresses. I have a sporter in 7x57 that has a squared off forearm that needs something. I am thinking your work is going to give me some ideas to do some reshaping on the front of my stock. You keep inspiring us with builds like this. Thanks so much for taking the time to photo and detail your thoughts just before they are turned into reality.

[Von Gruff]

Have finished for the day and will not be ble to get back to it for a few days now but quite pleased with how it has shaped up. It has fulfilled the original design concept I had and at 6lb 9oz with the Talley aperture sight installed but without ammo it is going to be a nice fast handling hill rifle. The balance pount is a 1/4 in behind the front action screw so it will be very pointable with a very quick mount. The stock wood has more than lived up to what it promised in the blank with really nice colours with the marble cake and fiddleback really showing through now.
Using a length of 60 grit emery strap and a showshine action (after I have run the corners off with the hand plane (equal number of strokes at the same angle on each side till it is somewhat rough shaped) is the most effective and accurate way to get the underside of the forestock nicely rounded. When the shoeshine takes it back to there being no flat on the underside it will be nearly perfectly rounded. Then the top edge and side face can be gently radiused so it gives a slightly radiused side to the stock and in to about a 1/16 of wood left along the barrel channel edge.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3090_zpsypwkmucw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3090_zpsypwkmucw.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3094_zpsluze63ve.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3094_zpsluze63ve.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3093_zps6lqkzv1e.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3093_zps6lqkzv1e.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3091_zpsifbh7uqh.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3091_zpsifbh7uqh.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3092_zpstvnkez1w.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3092_zpstvnkez1w.jpg.html)

[Wolfer]

Very nice! Classy and functional. Just the kind I like. You sir are a skilled craftsman! I've really enjoyed this thread.

[BigEyeBob]

That's looking real nice classic English style stock . You do amazing work .
I just bought a complete Martini Cadet action and will attempt to restock it myself , haven't worked out what cartridge I want yet .
I would like a 22 Hornet or 218Bee or maybe one of the rook calibers 300 or 360 Rook . Dunno yet still half way through some other projects that need finishing .

[Blackwater]

VG, that is one VERY beautiful, well conceptualized and well executed rifle. I've had an old M-95 Mauser that I've wanted to do something similar with, for my daughter in law. She's not a shooter, but loves beautiful things, and things that really work well. I think something like you have there might just win her heart over, and in .257 Roberts, would make her a great deer rifle, or most anything else. She's all about doing things right, and in her hands, I would expect an elk one day to be in VERY grave danger with it and some of the heavier bullets. She just doesn't have any quit in her, and is very thoughtful and precise in executing her plans. you've really inspired me with this one. Thanks!

[gnoahhh]

VG- as always, it is with graet pleasure that I follow your gun building posts.

I would wager that if you combined all of your individual "articles" covering your builds to date into book form, it would sell.

[Von Gruff]

VG- as always, it is with graet pleasure that I follow your gun building posts.

I would wager that if you combined all of your individual "articles" covering your builds to date into book form, it would sell.

Now, thats a thought.

[Southern Son]

VG- as always, it is with graet pleasure that I follow your gun building posts.

I would wager that if you combined all of your individual "articles" covering your builds to date into book form, it would sell.

I would buy that book, for sure.

[Von Gruff]

The last few days have seen the stock refined and reshaped a couple of times. It has been sanded through 100, 150, 220, and 360 grits then wetted and 360 sanded twice and the same with 600 grit paper so it is ready for the finish now and that will start with about 4-5 coats of 75/25 turps/spar varnish and then a couple of 50/50 coats (sanded with 600grit paper between coats) to seal the surface from the inside. The finish will be straight tung oil for as many coats as it takes to get it right then a rub off with rottenstone and it should be good to go.
I am waiting for a new extended left side flag safety to arrive so all the metalwork can go back to the GS fitting, getting the cartridge engraved on the barrel and the blueing done. Fortunately we are in mid winter and while I look forward to having it completed, the weather is not condusive to extended testing of loads etc. I will probably get the brass fireformed and leave the load testing for better conditions, besides which the high country I like to hunt is not excessible till about november anyway so I have time to find a load it likes with a 139gn privi partisan and the 120gn TTSX. QL is telling me I can run the 139gn bullet to 2800fps (H4350) and the 120gn to 2950fps (H414) with a 57k psi redline so ther is plenty of performance to tap into.

[Blackwater]

VG, I suspect you've motivated several here to test their mettle in doing what you've done. And among them, there's sure to be a couple, at least, who'll find that their skill level is WAY above what they thought it might be. It's amazing what people can do when they just put the gray matter to work, and plan their work, and then execute it carefully and precisely and methodically. The rewards for doing that can be great, but ONLY if we forget the time factor and don't let our impatience for the end result coax us into hurrying things up too much, and losing the real benefits and wonder of really doing it right. That's really a lot of what gunsmithing (and much else in life) boils down to. You do great work and you planned and executed your plan exceedingly well. Whoever carries that rifle will, I hope, realize what all it truly is, among other guns. Good 'smiths put a part of their very souls into every gun they make.

[Von Gruff]

Thanks Blackwater. I have 66 1/2 hrs into it so far and there will probably be another few hours in the finish but as it is for me the time taken is irrelevant.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Very nice work. :goodpost:

[W.R.Buchanan]

Craftsmanship is composed of two major components. Attention to Detail, and Personal Responsibility.

Attention to Detail pretty much speaks for itself. you've got to have that going in and you can develop more as you go.

The Personal Responsibility part is all about not letting the things that you discover with your "Attention to Detail,,," get by unaddressed.

I other words, the words "good enough" have much a more limited application when viewed thru the lens of Personal Responsibility.

Another way of putting it is ,,, "If you work sucks, you suck!!!"

This is true more so when working on guns than many other mediums. Guns are one of the best mediums for the utmost expression of Craftsmanship and Taste that man has ever devised. They require competence with metals and wood as well as design and adherence to classic styling. I feel that the only rival to guns in this context is Custom Cars, which require a similar level of attention to detail and unwillingness to compromise in order to be classed among the best.

Surprisingly Custom Cars, and Custom Guns tend to garner about the same amount of remuneration per hour of work, the guns just tend to have more detail condensed into a smaller space than any typical Hot Rod. When is the last time you saw an Engraved Car? or one with English Walnut? The only thing that I think rivals Gun Engraving, is Engraving on Plates for printing money, which take months to complete. Detail there is really second to none.

And yet the competition for top honors at a big time car show is so fierce that any blemish in a paint job or ding in the chrome will knock you out of the running in an instant. Hell, even a finger print or smudge on the Chrome will put you out of the running. Those judges tend to be very good at finding lapses in your Personal Responsibility and Flaws in your Attention to Detail.

All that said, my philosophy has been for many years to do the best work that I can everytime I go into the shop and strive for perfection. Perfection is unattainable, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try everytime like it is.

I now that Garry feels the same way on this point.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

I have the rifle at a state where I can get some pics with the intention of showing just how nice this piece of wood really is. Still in the white and will be till the extended flag safety and the Talley qd rings arrive then it can go back to the GS for polish and blue.By then the canvas sling on order from South Africa should be here and the rifle will be ready for some amunition trials.
It is near mid winter here and so these pics had to be taken on the porch with the weak sunlight offering little in the way of good light (along with my old cell ph). Whern it is all finished I will get a friend with a decent camera to try for better pics but in the meantime this is what I can post.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3112_zpstzyxyeh4.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3112_zpstzyxyeh4.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3113_zps1ketw5lq.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3113_zps1ketw5lq.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3114_zpsgbyl3s6l.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3114_zpsgbyl3s6l.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3115_zps1ldfkcfn.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3115_zps1ldfkcfn.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3120_zpsxupfeywj.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3120_zpsxupfeywj.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3119_zpsojhllvt4.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3119_zpsojhllvt4.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3117_zpsi8srygda.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3117_zpsi8srygda.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3122_zpsi6zep0ud.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3122_zpsi6zep0ud.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3123_zpsqlpgh4ri.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3123_zpsqlpgh4ri.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3118_zpsdm8j9flx.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3118_zpsdm8j9flx.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3121_zpskb5dvneg.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3121_zpskb5dvneg.jpg.html)

[smoked turkey]

That is without a doubt some of the finest work I have ever seen. I too like so many others have really enjoyed the thread. It has given me new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into a custom anything and especially a rifle. i would like to ask if you will do any checkering on the stock. It is already a beauty and does not especially need any but just wondering.

[Von Gruff]

No, I tried checkering a few times and had to admit that it wasn't something I was going to master and the cost to get it done here is disproportionately high so it will be like all my other uncheckered rifles. I can buy another 2 rifle blanks for what it would cost to get one checkered and I would rather build another rifle than spen the few dollars in my gun fund for someone elses work. I have never had a problem with grip on the stocks I make, especially as they are all made to fit my hand but if I was to get it done it would be in this traditional style
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u488/vongruff1/Rigby350Magnum001%202_zpstrlur67j.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/vongruff1/media/Rigby350Magnum001%202_zpstrlur67j.jpg.html)

[nekshot]

Well done! Von I have a 98 mauser with a 24 inch octagon barrel and I purchased a double trigger from a fellow site member and I have been wanting to restock it as it should have been in the old country. Would your measurements work for a octagon barrel or would the gun look dorky(too much barrel) hanging out front. The octagon barrel brings a different look to the gun or at least in my mind it does. What would you do?

[Ballistics in Scotland]

The trouble with an octagonal barrel in this style of rifle is the sling band. Not that couldn't be done, if you have a thin band and make a steel duplicate of the barrel octagon to shape it to with a brass hammer. But I think it would look a bit contrived and fussy. A sling eye on a strip about 2in. long, to be silver soldered to the bottom flat alone, strikes me as better.

[nekshot]

Olson's Mauser Bolt Rifle book on page 232 shows an Oberndorf mauser with octagon barrel and the sling eye is as attached as you say. I could make that eye out of stock metal but do I trust myself at soldering that metal to barrel and save the patina?? Maybe I should just reblue the whole action.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

It would be a shame to hijack Von's thread, but you are right, and silver solder (even Brownells Silvaloy 355 ribbon, needs a flux which would remove the bluing, while I don't think soft solder is strong enough for an attachment which doesn't encircle the barrel. If you do use a band, epoxy darkened with lamp black is amply strong enough, and keeps water out of the joint, but it wouldn't go over a front sight.

[Von Gruff]

Well done! Von I have a 98 mauser with a 24 inch octagon barrel and I purchased a double trigger from a fellow site member and I have been wanting to restock it as it should have been in the old country. Would your measurements work for a octagon barrel or would the gun look dorky(too much barrel) hanging out front. The octagon barrel brings a different look to the gun or at least in my mind it does. What would you do?

The barrel length does make a difference in the visual balance and I agree that it would need a sling eye in about the same place as mine is to do this. I would not look at a band or a soldered on eye to attach the eye though as the reasons given are sound for not doing so. If it was mine I would make a shallow dovetail accross the barrel and make the sling attachment about an inch and 5/8 long by the width of your bottom octagon flat and 3/16 thick. If you were to make the dovetail a 1/16 deep that would leave an 1/8 to shape to the profile of the octagon then bevel the ends. Ypu could drill right through this to the underside of the dovetail and thread the eye into it. This way you would blue the sling attachment to match and preserve the barrel finish.
You can see in this pic the visual balance of the length with a sling eye from a double rifle
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u488/vongruff1/steel%20s/Photo3139_zpsgcppzrry.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/vongruff1/media/steel%20s/Photo3139_zpsgcppzrry.jpg.html)

[nekshot]

Yes, I see that now and I never thought of dove tailing it. I am sorry for bringing my junk up, I got carried away with that last picture and thinking of mine. Sorry.

[Von Gruff]

No worries, that is how conversations go as they move arround a subject. I was only too pleased to have a sugestion that would work for you. I did shorten up my forestock as I refined the shape so it is now 6 11/16 from the front of the reciever ring to the end of the forestock tip.
I got the left side extended flag safety and the talley qd rings in the mail this morning so mounted the scope to see how it looked. I had intended to fit a m8 6x Leupold but there was none available here so I bought a 3-9 Nikon instead. I have a few other Nikons and like them a lot and at just 13 ox the complete package weighs in at 7 1/2 lb so still a portable hill rifle. I can cycle the bolt with the lens covers on with good clearance, so getting the bolt fitted the way I did has worked a treat. It still has the oberndorf look I wanted but allows for the lowest Talley rings and no scollop out of the bolt handle to ugly things up..
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3140_zps3mteonzv.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3140_zps3mteonzv.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3141_zpsw7nxp8jk.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3141_zpsw7nxp8jk.jpg.html)

[eljefeoz]

What a treat!
more power to your elbow, VG!

[nekshot]

That is an awesome gun, the wood and workmanship!

[W.R.Buchanan]

Garry: I knew that stock blank had some serious character! Those big Woopies in the grain under the receiver on the right side are pretty unusual stuff. The whole stock came out pretty nice, can't wait to see the finished gun after it is blued.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

Will deliver it to the GS tomorrow as I have to go up that way to see a friend who is laid up after surgery and I want to check the fit of the mannlicher I have done for him before I do the finish work on it.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

I've done my own checkering, and it worked out okay, but work like the rest of your rifle would have demanded better than okay. The absence of checkering works out rather well on that short forend. In the one you illustrated earlier, the checkering comes a bit close to the tip, and it would look worse if it had come right up against that contrasting tip.

I'm wary of dovetailing things into barrels, especially if they are a force fit. There is a big difference between stresses caused by a front sight, an inch from the muzzle, and stresses a foot back. I once fitted a two-leaf rear sight with a milling machine and a dovetail cutter, and the barrel clamped on a rotary table. The dovetail was thus a thin slice of a shallow truncated cone, and the sight could be rotated into it. It gave just that little extra resistance to sideways movement for me to trust soft solder in a short dovetail which wasn't a tight fit.

[quasi]

very nice work.

[Blackwater]

I love the lines on your gun, Gruff. They just flow like a clear, fast running mountain stream! You've done well. VERY well.

[Von Gruff]

Thanks BW. I am still waiting for the metalwork to come back from the GS. I am going to make a knife to accompany this rifle and have a nice set of scales that came from the blank to go with some buffalo horn bolsters so it will have the same furniture as the rifle.

[nekshot]

How do you handle the smell and smoke working with horn material?

[Blackwater]

Thanks BW. I am still waiting for the metalwork to come back from the GS. I am going to make a knife to accompany this rifle and have a nice set of scales that came from the blank to go with some buffalo horn bolsters so it will have the same furniture as the rifle.

You're really into completeness. I love that in a man, particularly when it comes to rifles. Thanks so much for sharing your work with us. It matters. I hope it motivates some to follow suit, and begin their own journey into this type of pursuit. You've certainly raised the bar for all of us home gunsmith wannabes!

[Von Gruff]

How do you handle the smell and smoke working with horn material?

The smell is not so bad but it is what it is. It is not really that bad and just another one of those little things that need to be part of the process when I want the rifle to have these accents. Mostly I cut the horn with the bandsaw (24pti) and shape with files so there is little in the way of smell done that way. Put the horm against the belt grinder and it burns the horn so I do very little shaping like that. Files are the best method I have found and that has no adverse smell so it is as simple as shaping wood, very hard wood to be sure but like wood nontheless. In fact it cuts more easily with files than some african blackwood I have worked with.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

How do you handle the smell and smoke working with horn material?

By reflecting where it is getting you, I suppose. A new, coarse belt or disc which isn't clogged with anything else won't generate enough heat to produce a smell, and if you have a portable sander you can even do it outdoors. I'm told horn dust is a good fertilizer for fruit trees, and while I don't altogether believe this, I am sure it is no worse than useless.

[Scrumbag]

Loving the rifle with the Rigby style peep sight. I have one being fitted on my FN Commercial 9.3x62

[iomskp]

You have done well again

[Von Gruff]

Loving the rifle with the Rigby style peep sight. I have one being fitted on my FN Commercial 9.3x62

That is my 1908 DWM 7x57 and it is exceptionally accurate with my soft nosed hard shanked cast bullet at 2400fps, the 160gn Woodleigh at 2700fps and the 120gn GS Custom bullet at 3200fps but unfortunately when I built it, it was to replace anothe r7x57 with a pencil thin barrel that would heat after a couple of shots so I put a heavier barrel on this one when I built it. While it is great for the longer shot strings that playing on the range dictates, it is a ittle heavy for on the hill and there is a not a lot I can do about it - for now. If I was in the US I might get it rebored to something like the 9.3x62 where it would be about right but there is no reboring service here. I could get another barrel of the same dimension for the 9.3x62 so I could use the same stock and then get this barrel turned down and look for another action to build a hunting 7x57 as an apropriately weighted rifle. With the 6.5x57 build I guess the 7x57 will not see any more hunting time on the hill and so unfortunately spend its outings at the range instead.

[Scrumbag]

Those DWM actions are great.

Went for the rigby peep as the FN is round actioned and not drilled and tapped. Have an express sight on the barrel just infront of the front action bridge which is great for 50yd shooting at driven boar but precision not so wonderful. Also, my stigmatism isn't getting any better. So, a Rigby peep seemed the obvious choice.

Has been regulated for 285gr Norma Oryx so should be good for deer and boar

Scrummy

[Von Gruff]

While I am waiting for the metal work to be done I decided that I would need a couple of things to go with this rifle and the first of these is a cartridge holder that would also have a pocket to safely carry the aperture sight if it was off the rifle.
I didn't have enough leather to do it all out of the one colour and thickness but found a couple of pieces that would do the job.
Having cut out the pieces it is time to start.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3156_zpseei25ld4.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3156_zpseei25ld4.jpg.html)
I made a base and awl some time back that I can slip onto my Sinclair arbor press so I can use it as a mechanical awl to do all the holes
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3157_zps160il2h0.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3157_zps160il2h0.jpg.html)
And after a bit of sewing it looks like it will perform the required tasks as expected.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3158_zpsytbq2qaa.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3158_zpsytbq2qaa.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3159_zpsmq9xmfxw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3159_zpsmq9xmfxw.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3160_zpsexziefwe.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5x57%20Erfurt%20Small%20Ring/Photo3160_zpsexziefwe.jpg.html)

[Scrumbag]

Nice work VG!

[Von Gruff]

I still have a scope bag, a knife and a rifle case to do for it yet

[Scrumbag]

I still have a scope bag, a knife and a rifle case to do for it yet

Please keep the pictures coming buddy

[EMC45]

Really Neat!

[Blackwater]

VG, I'd really hate to be a big ol' stag and have you after me with that rig! But it'd be a very honorable way to go if I lost the battle. Same with a big ol' Hawg or a Piney Woods Rooter, too! Beats the heck out of being shot to pieces with fringe hits by some of the guys out there with semi-auto MSR's who don't know when or how to shoot! I think that if it's just gotta' be, your quarry will die an honorable death, and be appreciated.

[Von Gruff]

VG, I'd really hate to be a big ol' stag and have you after me with that rig! But it'd be a very honorable way to go if I lost the battle. Same with a big ol' Hawg or a Piney Woods Rooter, too! Beats the heck out of being shot to pieces with fringe hits by some of the guys out there with semi-auto MSR's who don't know when or how to shoot! I think that if it's just gotta' be, your quarry will die an honorable death, and be appreciated.

My old legs find the steep hills a little tougher these days so I am reasonably carefull not the go off half cocked out there. I will get as close as the terrain will allow and ony take a shot if I can be very sure of a clean quick kill and that recovery of the animal is possible. In the high country a step or two can take them over a bluff and beyind reach so I try not to waste the "meat" by not being able to retrieve it. If it is too far there is often no way to get to it without a couple of hours detour especially shooting over gullies that might not be crossable. Can often see game a very long way off but not be able to get to it.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5%20Grendel%20Max/Dec%202015/Photo2471_zpssdxeiaub.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5%20Grendel%20Max/Dec%202015/Photo2471_zpssdxeiaub.jpg.html)

And in the bluff area all on the same block, this one needed to drop right there or it would have gone over the edge
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/6-5%20Grendel%20Max/Goats%20with%20GM%2001-04-15/Photo1852_zpsib4dshmd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/6-5%20Grendel%20Max/Goats%20with%20GM%2001-04-15/Photo1852_zpsib4dshmd.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I got an email fro the GS this afternoon so it will be at least another week I expect.

I have received the barrel from the engravers and was not that impressed with the calibre engraving, however I went ahead and blued it but it annoyed me so it is back at the engravers to have a Germanic font used for the calibre and I will reblue again.

[Blackwater]

That terrain is about as opposite of what we have here in GA as night is from day. Here, it's woods, fields, waters and swamps, and tangles of vines can be anywhere except the fields. But that rifle should serve admirably and VERY well in either environment. That's a real HUNTING rifle, not made for punching paper off a bench, though it ought to do that rather satisfyingly and consistently, too.

So many of us have come to reading all the stories about accuracy, and have fallen into pursuing it even back in the thickest tangles, where a more naturally and quickly handling rifle like yours is a MUCH better and more apt choice of rifles. I've known of guys to take woods stands where 75 yds. would be a long shot, with a hot rock caliber and 6-24x scope! I've listened as some of those talked about not being able to find the deer in the scope because they'd forgotten to turn the power down!

It seems many have come to think that whatever the "experts" (remember, an "ex" is a has-been, and a "spurt" is just a big drip!) write about is THE answer for ALL woods situations. They seem to think that being able to hit in in the 3rd eyelash just over the eye is more important than knowing how to move so as to get the gun up without spooking the deer, and being able to hit it with a quick snap shot due to the gun's quick and sure handling qualities. What you have is the kind of gun that is tailor-made for really HUNTING, and not just showing off cut out groups from the range. But most folks today are more into shooting and bragging than they are into real hunting and the honorable exercise thereof. I miss real hunting, and the old guys who used to write that could spin a good yarn around a hunting story, and make it interesting and full of the suspense and tension that a good hunt is really made of.

Thanks for a return to "the old ways" along with the story of making this fine rifle. It matters.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

My old legs find the steep hills a little tougher these days so I am reasonably carefull not the go off half cocked out there. I will get as close as the terrain will allow and ony take a shot if I can be very sure of a clean quick kill and that recovery of the animal is possible. In the high country a step or two can take them over a bluff and beyind reach so I try not to waste the "meat" by not being able to retrieve it. If it is too far there is often no way to get to it without a couple of hours detour especially shooting over gullies that might not be crossable. Can often see game a very long way off but not be able to get to it.


And in the bluff area all on the same block, this one needed to drop right there or it would have gone over the edge


A deer that lives there has a better life than dying of old age in the petting zoos the antis would wish for. I think anybody can learn a trajectory up to any range a shot should be taken at, but in dense woodland is where a flat trajectory is most necessary. Mid-range foliage above the point of aim is a lot harder to notice and allow for.

[Von Gruff]

Things can get very fast at times if a mob of goats is in the vicinity. This was a hunt I had with a friend a couple of years back on the same block.
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5621043/m/2801043151

[Ballistics in Scotland]

I've never shot on the open and barren Scottish mountains, but the occasional sheep which has opted out of the meat or wool industry and lived for a few years on the hill can be a major hazard to the hunter. It is hard to think of a sheep being brighter than anything but a garden gnome, but they are extremely good at giving the alarm, and ruining the day of someone who has paid fabulous amounts of money and done a great deal of damp crawling. As deerstalking is big business there, every man's hand is against them.

[Von Gruff]

These are feral goat that are a pest species for the farmer and with mobs ranging from a 1/2 dozen to 20 or more they can eat through a lot of feed so every one killed is a bonus for the farmer. It is all private property and is strictly hunted with permission only as there are locked gates and only a few have keys.
There are few deer in these areas but I usually stalk a couple of likely areas when I am there.

[Scrumbag]

Great place to hunt VG! Enjoy that goat stew!

[Von Gruff]

We certainly do enjoy the meat and it constitutes quite a portion of our table fare. Can only get on to the block from nov through to may as the track up into the area is impassable during the winter. He also has stock that winters over on it that are mustered off (by helicopter) in nov and stay off over the summer.

[Scrumbag]

Great stuff, must admit, do have a venison freezer myself. Just waiting for 1st August and the fallow to re-open...

[Von Gruff]

Just home from the gunsmith with my metalwork so tomorrow will see it all together in the stock. I have one small inlet to do so then I can get on to the case , the knife and the scope bag.
While I was at the GS I picked up the metalwork for the G33-40 I am doing a mannlicher stock for. I got in a few really nice bolt handle from Talleys, one of which went on my 6.5x57 and one replaced the badly bubba'd one n the G33-40
I did stop in at a couple friends on the way and picked up a BSA Hunter to restock and a lovely little BSA 22 with stock damage to rectify. Having a few more knives to do for family I dare say thata the next few weeks will be fairly busy

[eljefeoz]

Going to be an educational winter ��

[Von Gruff]

It was just above freezing today but clear with no wind and the snow we got over the weekend was starting to thaw back up into the higher elevations so I spent a little time getting the first few shots down range with the 65x57. 30 jacketed and 40 cast just to warm it over a bit and was more than a little pleased with the way it shot. Ony at 25 yds as I had no idea if the tall front blade was going to be anywhere near correct with the aperture sight as I expected I would have to dress it down some but it was about an inch high and about an 1 1/2 right so a little windage adjustment and it should be close for to right for a 150 yd hunting zero but will get to that later on. For now I am really pleased with how it went as it bodes well for the testing sessions that wil come next.