My 6.5x55 Mannlicher project

[7run]

I know this is a little of topic with this forum but we are all gun lovers so i thought i would share. I Just finished my mannlicher project. I built the rifle for a Africa trip in Aug with my father. I wanted to keep it traditional so i went with a 96 Sweedish action, 19 inch barrel and a old classic stock. I sent all the metal off to turnbull to have it color case hardened. That included action, bottom metal, mannlicher cap,pistol grip cap and Dakota swivel studs. I fit the barrel with a three leaf rear express sight and a hooded front sight, it was all finished off with a classic rust blue. As to not grind the rear of the action to accept the talley two piece i made a talley style one piece base and it works and looks beautiful.
The stock was a very nice piece of claro walnut with a hand rubbed finish and some Fleur DE Li's checkering.
All and all i think it turned out as i was hoping it would.
On a side note now that my father has seen it he's not taking his rifle anymore.
The hunt is mostly a archery hunt but one can't travel to Africa and not take a rifle..

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Wow thats beautiful.

 

[rifle]

That's very well done!! What is your load? where are you hunting?

 

[7run]

Rifle we will be in south Africa in the Limpopo area. As for the load r-15 with some 140g premium bullets. Not yet decided on the brand, Berger, nosler or horndy.

 

[Shynloco]

7run,
My compliments on a beautiful project. On the whole, many rifles looks great, but that one you did is beautiful. Now if you have time, might I suggest you give a try some "Sierra" bullets and not limit yourself to the ones you listed. I shoot a 6.5 X 55 with a Benchrest quality barrel and have tested several loads and bullets for best accuracy. And yes I am aware that each rifle has it's likes and dislikes. But mine loves the Sierra being pushed by RL-15 in the 142 gr range and hated the Berger 140's. In fact, I've seen a but of a trend regarding 6.5's that suggests that if you 6.5 loves the Bergers, it'll hate the Sierra's and visa versa. That has come about from swaps of bullets between guys I shoot with because of their particular rifle's ability to shoot those bullets as well as posts by blog members regarding the accuracy and consistency of their 6.5's. Just something I thought I'd mention, but really wanted to congratulate you for the fine work you did on your rifle for your upcoming trip. Enjoy!

 

[Minesweeper3433]

I shoot hornady 140grn interlocks out of both of my mausers and they love them. I am not pushing them very hard at all however and have never used them on game. Factory barrel made 08 on my 96 shoots them into 1.5 inch I just can't get over the long barrel for improvised shooting positions.

 

[Joe C]

7run,

I'm sorry but I just can't figure out why anyone would need to apologize for sharing such an AMAZING looking rifle and GREAT story!

WOW!!!!! That thing looks AWESOME!

Congrats on a wonderful looking piece! The scope mount is sweet with the rings all done by Doug as well!

Here's hoping you and your dad have a fabulous trip to Africa this summer and that you bring back some great stories to tell us all about how you got to use this fabulous looking (and I'm sure wonderful shooting) rifle that you have built!