Drop dead, undeniably gorgeous. What goes with it?

[tex_n_cal]

I am pretty psych'd.

Some of you may remember my '70's vintage Ruger #1's, one of which has a stunning piece of marble cake black walnut. It cost my Dad $325 when new. I confess, I'll buy a gun just for nice wood, even if it ain't perfect otherwise.

I have to laugh when some modern rifle makers are putting out wood with a bit of pronounced grain, and calling it "select", "premium", or even "exhibition" grades.

Today I scored one of the most stunning pieces of American Black Walnut I've ever seen. I've seen $1500 Turkish Walnut blanks that don't look this good. Call it "burl", "marble cake", or "feather crotch", it's drop dead gorgeous.

My challenge next is, "what to put in it?". Because of the pronounced grain, some of which will likely be in the wrist, I probably won't put a powerful caliber into it. I'm thinking less than .30 caliber, maybe a .270-7mm class tops. Maybe even a Swift, which was the last caliber I saw in such a fine piece of wood

What caliber and action would you pick? For grins, let's say keep it under $10,000

 

[esheato]

Mmmmm...I'm such a sucker for a nice piece of wood.

I'm thinking about putting a custom Mauser into it. Or....I could always restock my Beretta four barrel set...it's in dire need of a new buttstock.

Ed

 

[uglygun]

Think it calls for a Sako or CZ action... if more American then maybe a Dakota action.

Something like 6.5mm PPC would be the chambering I'd look at or maybe 260Remington.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

reminds me of my sig shr970.... it's in .270 if that count as a vote...

 

[Beetle Bailey]

Wow, that is very nice. Hmmm. . .I'd go for a Sako in 6.5x55 Swede, but I really don't know anything about custom guns.

Whatever you do decide to do with it, when it's done, you gotta give us a few pics.

 

[dakotasin]

what a great piece of wood!

a gun to put it in... i have a 300wsm that is in desperate need of a decent stock!!!

if you refuse to take charity cases , then i think wood of that grade deserves a dakota rifle chambered to 7 dakota.

post pics when you're done!

 

[tex_n_cal]

Yeah, this one will get a professional job, I won't try it myself.

I'm thinking pre-64 M70, Dakota 76, Dakota Model 10.

Maybe a 40xb in .22-250 AI

I suppose there's no reason it couldn't get mated to a really nice Parker or Model 21, now, is there?

 

[Oleg Volk]

Replace the Beretta Storm plastic stock with it

 

[ACP230]

I'd use it for a custom rifle in .250-3000.
I have a Winchester M70 action around here somewhere.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Great Wood!

It's too nice for a modern gun. Save it for a British military flintlock rifle. Ohhh! The humanity!

 

[Sam]

Find a nice 48 Yugo clean it up rebarrel for 257 Roberts, a meduim lightweight 24" bbl.
It would be wunnerful.

Sam

 

[The_Antibubba]

I'm thinking a Swedish Mauser (small ring) action. 6.5 X 55. One of the most accurate rounds ever.

Enjoy!

 

[Lone Star]

M70 Classic or Sako, in .270 or .280.

Lone Star

 

[artherd]

.257 Weatherby Magnum

You know you wanna!

Recoil (much) less than a .308 aparently.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Mauser action, charcoal bluing, express sights.

Caliber is up to you.

Nice wood.

 

[Dionysusigma]

What Oleg said.
Really.

*sigh* If not the Storm, then I'd put it on something unique, like a Swiss K31.

 

[Rottweiler]

I'm with Dr. Rob on this one. A piece of wood that nice deserves a work of art piece of metal.

 

[1911Tuner]

In the Eye of the Beholder

So 'tis said...but I just don't see how anybody could gaze upon a No.1
and not be taken in by its lines....especially with such a piece of wood adorning it. I'm especially fond of the International stocks on the No.1 and the M-77 RSI. Just love a Mannlicher stock. I just wish Ruger would see fit
to make up a little short-coupled No.1 International in .308 caliber. I'd
whip out the ol' Visa at warp-speed.

Cheers!

Tuner

 

[MrPink]

Dakota 76 takedown. A beautifully classic peice of wood like that cries for a Mauser action. Given your price range, might as well go for the best. In addition to that, I've always thought the takedown version is really cool.

 

[ojibweindian]

A Ruger 77 or Winchester M70 action barreled for either 6.5x55 or 7x57.

 

[Clemson]

1909 Argentine action with a .257 Roberts barrel. Alternate would be 6.5x55.

Fine piece of lumber!

Clemson

 

[Kaylee]

Oh my... beautiful!!!

I second Dr. Rob's recommendations to the letter...

 

[sturmruger]

I really want to get one of those CZ in 7.62X39. At least use a Caliber you can actually find ammo for.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Buy a Winchester 52C or D in Target configuration, and turn it into one heck of a sporter.

 

[ScottsGT]

SKS?