My 7x57 is Finished

[boxhead]

It has been a good year... I bought this rifle a couple of years ago, a 7x57 built on a highly tweaked Swede action. The metal work was done by Jim Wisner so his one piece bottom metal (fully drilled to lighten it), front banded sight, banded swivel, quarter rib that extends to become the front ring base, two blade rear sight, G33.40 action cuts, three position safety with cock on opening conversion, an adjustable trigger and all nicely rust blued. In discussing the rifle with Jim he advised that he built it "many years ago" and he stocked it in the Mannlicher style in American black walnut. When I bought the rifle the stock had been replaced (serious bummer...) by one that Fred Speiser made and is so stamped in the barrel channel. The stock was a club, plump everywhere, and I could not see the iron sights. Given the fairly lean action and barrel I wanted the wood to match, hence a diet was called for. I discussed the project with Dean Zollinger and he advised to send it in, he knew what I was after. He also knew Fred`s work. I also wanted the wood to be a tad darker, the grip opened up some, a Fisher grip cap in lieu of the ebony one, the cheekpiece recut into the pancake style and the checkering cut finer in a multi-point pattern running over the top of grip. He removed 9 oz of wood including drilling the butt as I requested to get a little weight forward. I am more than pleased.

Before



After

[bushog]

You're killing me! I've been recovering from my custom rifle habit and now I get to look at your new toys. I want a G33/40 so bad I can taste it.

Actually I stopped in at Roy Bedeaux's (did much metalwork for Goens) place in ABQ a few months ago and since have been discussing a 35 Newton with a stock by Larry Caudill. Would all be built on a pre-64 action. He's got a few G33/40 in his shop. What to do now.

Very, very nicely done!

[COR]

Wow, what a great rifle and in a classic caliber. Thanks for sharing ...great piece of wood one that one too.

[dmize]

What a spectacular piece of wood!!!!!!!!!

[rWt]

Wonderful photos!!

Great rifle with great wood in a useful caliber!

Tom Burgess did the metalwork for a .270 Winchester on a G33-40 action for me many years ago. Maurice Ottmar did the rust blue job. Wish I could take decent photos to show it off.

[skook]

Dang-dangity! That's a classically beautiful rifle. I didn't think they built 'em like that anymore. Old Karamojo Bell would be please to take that one out for a walk....
Very nice.

[robl]

dang nice!

[2 Dogs]

Wow, what a transition. Let us know how she shoots!

[kaytod]

Boxhead,

Do you want to adopt me, ( clears throat) or perhaps put me in your will??

Seriously though, If that rifle feels as good as it looks, it's just perfect. Your are a blessed man!

[rWt]

I'd settle for the chair.

Well almost.

[Gary @ R&G]

Nice rifle Box.

[nolongcolt]

Thats a stunner for sure. Classic rifle for the most classic of cartridges. Beautiful!

[boxhead]

Jan 6, 2013 0:17:51 GMT -5 2 Dogs said:

Wow, what a transition. Let us know how she shoots!

Friend, I have only had time here (either me gone or the rifle gone) to take it out a couple of times with the 140 gr Accubond to prep for a hunt. Worked to 49 gr of H4350 and was pretty consistent at a bit over an inch, 3 at a 100. Though I did not chronograph the load it should be running in the 2750 fps range. All said, it worked.

[jwp475]

WOW, beautiful rifle!.... I like very much

[coldcase1984]

And here I thought you were strictly an AR/TRG/T3 kinda guy! That rifle is achingly beautiful!