a weird idea perhaps ?

[maestrovert]

While i was out roamin' around this past weekend with my good ol' Hatfield .36 Kentucky, i was again impressed with how well it carried, which got me to thinkin'.....so i figured i'd run this by y'all for some feedback before i jumped off into the deep end...
Please feel free, as any and all comments and/or suggestions are most welcome:

i was thinkin' i'd cobble up a bolt action "Kentucky" style, in 6.5x55,as i reload for that cartridge already)....

Single shot of course, eliminating the magazine, which would reduce the grip circumference around the action...
Aperture/peep receiver sights, no scope...
Full octagon barrel,straight taper to .85" at the muzzle), no shorter than 26", an' of course i'd prefer it full stocked too,'cept with a "Classic" buttstock, with just enough drop at comb to clear the bolt....

My Qs for y'all:
As the trigger would most likely have to be modified too, which action would you prefer for such a project ? i'm leaning towards the original Ruger 77 as it allows for push feed/single loading....
,note that round actions such as the 700 Remington are eliminated from consideration by their shape)

Which barrel maker would you go with ?
Which Gunsmith?
Which Stockmaker ?
Thanx in advance for any help and advice !

 

[maestrovert]

IMO --If you want the "Kentucky rifle" feel, go with a Ruger #1 or Encore or Sharps concept and forget the bolt

Happy Shooting
Donovan Moran

Thanx for weighing in Donovan !

i've got an old #1B,.22-250 AI) btw....
it's just as thick around the action as most bolt guns.....
But the whole point of my idea is to reduce grip circumference around the action for carrying ease, and not just for an exercise in cosmetics....

Thanx again !

 

[Shootndig]

Wow-
Not an easy or necessarily cheap undertaking. I agree w/ dmoran on the Sharps type concept for a couple of reasons. Wood will be problematic. At least this type of action will make it a two piece proposition.
Here would be my idea. Whether it would work for you might be another matter. I would shop around for a Browning 1885,newer production) in 30-06 or similar. Rebarrel w/ a Lilja octagonal 26-28, they will make out to 30"+ I think). You could possibly strip, antique and refinish the buttstock if thats your thing. You might be ahead to order new wood,there are suppliers out there for exactly this type of rifle stock, w/ crescent buttplates,antiquing etc. They may also be able to make you the full length fore-end.) Bear in mid to get that fore-end you may need hangers installed on your barrel. You could have the action stripped and refinished to a matte or maybe an antiqued or case hardened style finish.
Done right you would now have a modern action and barrel capable of handling a hot load in an old style looking rifle.
Personally I would do the above, forego the full length fore-end infavor of a schnabel style w/a shotgun steel buttstock and a 26" oct. sporter weight barrel. Handles great, shoots a modern cart. looks 100 yrs. old.

 

[maestrovert]

Thanx Shootndig !

i don't anticipate a problem with fullstock wood....one of these should work don't you think ?
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_96_208_209&products_id=6664



Thanx again for your input

 

[Shootndig]

Check out Lilja for the barrel-- they do full octagon to order. Should be able to get you into a weight that won't require a packhorse to carry! The stock looks like it would work.

 

[maestrovert]

Thanx, will do....

The more i think on it, the trigger mods would be the only real sticking point, as most bolt action triggers hang too far down,to clear the magazine well)....

Any ideas there ?
Thanx

 

[CIA]

Might be really hard to find but what would be wrong with a rolling block action? Like an old Remington for example.

 

[maestrovert]

Might be really hard to find but what would be wrong with a rolling block action? Like an old Remington for example.

Thanx, BUT.....to answer your question:
1st,,and most important) would be strength, or rather the lack thereof with the Remington rolling block action...

2nd, i much prefer the extraction/camming power of a good bolt action...

3rd, i want it to have some semblance to a "Kentucky" long rifle, so any action types requiring two piece stocks are most definitely not under consideration....

4th, the whole point of my idea is to reduce grip circumference around the action for carrying ease, and not just for an exercise in cosmetics....

So Thanx guys BUT, the various single shots and levers, though fine fine actions in their own right, just aren't suited to my concept.....

Thanx again !