I finished my first custom rifle build this weekend and wanted to share the results with everyone here. Plenty of pictures are attached. As for the technical:
Turkish Mauser mid 1940's production action
Stock Mauser bottom metal
Shilen Match Grade Chrome Moly 28 Inch barrel, unturned at 1.26 inches tenon to muzzle
Chambered in 6.5mm-06
Boyd's right hand, pepper laminate, thumbhole stock
EGW 20 MOA Steel base
The Mauser action was accurized, then pillar bedded into the stock and the barrel free floated. I bought the stock unfinished so I could open up the barrel channel for such a large barrel and then finish the stock a little darker than most pepper laminate stocks. All the metal was painted with an ultra-flat black paint. I was going to have the metal blued, but decided against it. For those unfamiliar with this cartridge, it is a barrel burner. I anticipate getting approximately ~1000 to 1200 rounds before the throat is gone and I need to set the barrel back. Given this short barrel life, I decided that bluing would not be the best way to go since it would get ruined the first time I set the barrel back. Another thing you all probably all wondering is who did the gunsmithing? I did most of the work myself and my good friend, Hide user name 'Bohem' cut the chamber and accurized the action for me. All I need to do now is get some glass for the top. I am leaning towards a NF 5.5-22X56 with an NP-R1. At this time, I do not have a complete range report to offer. Bohem and I took it to the range right from the machine shop and she shoots really well. I will obviously qualify that statement later with some targets. But I am still in the process of load development. I am trying out the 140 Berger VLD, the 130 JLK VLD and the 140 A-Max. I have not put any rounds over the chrono yet, but with the right powder, I should be able to get a 140 gr bullet to approximately 3300 fps. And finally some pictures.
If anyone wants to see the full res verisions, here is a link to photo album
Photo Album
Once I settle on a load and bullet combo, I will post a full range report. Enjoy.
Turkish Mauser mid 1940's production action
Stock Mauser bottom metal
Shilen Match Grade Chrome Moly 28 Inch barrel, unturned at 1.26 inches tenon to muzzle
Chambered in 6.5mm-06
Boyd's right hand, pepper laminate, thumbhole stock
EGW 20 MOA Steel base
The Mauser action was accurized, then pillar bedded into the stock and the barrel free floated. I bought the stock unfinished so I could open up the barrel channel for such a large barrel and then finish the stock a little darker than most pepper laminate stocks. All the metal was painted with an ultra-flat black paint. I was going to have the metal blued, but decided against it. For those unfamiliar with this cartridge, it is a barrel burner. I anticipate getting approximately ~1000 to 1200 rounds before the throat is gone and I need to set the barrel back. Given this short barrel life, I decided that bluing would not be the best way to go since it would get ruined the first time I set the barrel back. Another thing you all probably all wondering is who did the gunsmithing? I did most of the work myself and my good friend, Hide user name 'Bohem' cut the chamber and accurized the action for me. All I need to do now is get some glass for the top. I am leaning towards a NF 5.5-22X56 with an NP-R1. At this time, I do not have a complete range report to offer. Bohem and I took it to the range right from the machine shop and she shoots really well. I will obviously qualify that statement later with some targets. But I am still in the process of load development. I am trying out the 140 Berger VLD, the 130 JLK VLD and the 140 A-Max. I have not put any rounds over the chrono yet, but with the right powder, I should be able to get a 140 gr bullet to approximately 3300 fps. And finally some pictures.
If anyone wants to see the full res verisions, here is a link to photo album
Photo Album
Once I settle on a load and bullet combo, I will post a full range report. Enjoy.
