[nextjoe]

Hi all,

I'm a former TFLer posting here for the first time. Here's my custom .416 Rigby which is currently a work-in-progress. Bear with me if the pics don't work...

http://members.aol.com/nextjoe/DSC01813a.jpg

http://members.aol.com/nextjoe/DSC01814a.jpg

http://members.aol.com/nextjoe/DSC01815a.jpg

Any comments are appreciated :cool:

Best,
Joe

[Barrelmaker]

Ok how about action type and maker? What manufacturer's barrel did you use? Most important how's it shoot? We'll go from there.:D

[nextjoe]

Barrelmaker-

Ask and ye shall receive :)

The basic specs go like this:
- Factory CZ 550 .416 Rigby barrelled action, surface ground, hand-stoned and polished
- Precise Metalsmithing 3-position Model 70 style safety
- Brockman laminated English-style stock
- Talley barrel band
- Talley rear sling swivel base
- Jerry Fisher grip cap
- Talley QD lever scope rings
- Leupold 2.5x compact with duplex reticle
- Talley bolt handle
- 3.5 lb trigger
- feeding slicked up
- Steelglass bedding

Not yet done:
- Rust blue
- bolt, extractor, and follower jewelled in a "worm track" pattern
- stock finish

Best,
Joe

[Barrelmaker]

Did you do all the gunsmithing yourself. Looks purdy! What barrel is on that?

[nextjoe]

Barrelmaker-

The gunsmith is Jack Belk of Buhl, Idaho. Barrel is the factory CZ tube. It shot MOA out of the box and didn't foul to any noticeable degree, so I saw no need to go with a custom barrel.

[Art Eatman]

So far, so great! :)

Art

[Jim Watson]

Man, that laminated stock is ugly on a classic bolt action.
Yes, I know it's stronger and more stable, etc., etc.
It's ugly.

[nextjoe]

Jim-

Different strokes for different folks. Personally, I like laminates and hate synthetics. For a big bore especially, the extra strength and weight of a laminate are big advantages. I agree, it's not as beautiful as a piece of fine English walnut, but to me it's not ugly :)

[scotjute]

The laminate stock looks good to me. When its oiled down it should take on tan/brown color.

[BigG]

I think you chose a nice model to base your big'un on. The CZ550 is one of the nicest rifles available now. Mine is stock, in 375 H&H, but I just love it to pieces.

Nice job!

[scotjute]

NextJoe,

Any particular reason for choosing .416 Rigby over say .375 H&H?

[nextjoe]

scotjute-

I went with the Rigby purely for coolness :cool:

It's still relatively uncommon (though the CZs and Rugers are getting more popular every day), it has a substantial edge over the .375 H&H in power, it just looks better than the .375 H&H (to me at least), and my hero Ross Seyfried used one as a professional hunter, so I wanted one :)

Best,
Joe

[cratz2]

Looks great. Personally, I am a fan of laminated stocks, particularly gray/black laminates. If you want a more traditional looking stock while keeping the merrits of the laminate, you can strip the stock, open up the pores and apply a translucent black finish. I forget the details of what finishes but I did this a while back. Left the rifle looking like it had a piece of figured ebony as the stock. Would look very sharp with a blued/black barrel and action.