A Stalking Rifle

[Rich Anderson]

I have been on a rifle binge the last year or so putting together a Pre64 M70 collection and along the way came up with a Mauser action that just begged to be put to good use. The result is my version of a 1930's era stalking rifle with some cosmetic enhancements of course. I did stay true to the era and the caliber is marked as .275 Rigby. This is of course the same as a 7MM Mauser or 7X57 but Rigby needed a proprietary chambering for their rifles.

The stock of English walnut came from Cecil Fredi, the trigger is a Timmeny bottom metal is Sunny Hill and engraved by our own JJ Roberts. The quarter rib was custom built by the smith who did the work, Neidner checkered but plate and sights came from New England custom Gun.

I put 20 rounds through it over the weekend to break in the barrel and now load development will begin. All just in time for mule Deer and Antelope in Wyoming in October.

[Rich Anderson]

Here are some more pics. The QD rings are Wisner. The gun as pictured weighs just over 8lbs and feels more like 6.

[Bill Murphy]

Did Cecil send you the stock all finished and checkered or is there some other person involved?

[Bill Murphy]

Did Cecil send you the stock all finished and checkered or is there some other person involved? Great gun.

[Rich Anderson]

Cecil just sent the blank. The stock work was done by my local smith who is the same person the did Gunner's Parker and several other custom guns for me.

[Linn Matthews]

Very nice! I would be interested in muzzle velocity.
LINN

[Rich Anderson]

I haven't begun to work up a load for it yet but with some of the other 7X57's I have a 140gr Nosler Accubond will hit 2800FPS and I see no reason this shouldn't either. Accuracy is more important than velocity to me

[Brian Dudley]

Excellant Rifle! Glad you found someone who was not afraid of case coloring a bolt gun action. That really makes the rifle.
I love the comb! Different for a rifle, but very racy looking.

[Dean Romig]

European looking comb.






.

[Bill Holcombe]

Thats a nice one. I really like the case coloring on the rifle. I agree with Brian, it really makes it.

I have been on a M70 binge of late as well, but not as fast as you. Picked up a 270 Supergrade last year and currently stalking a .220 Swift pre 64. Would already have it if these dang Colt Shooting Masters and Woodsman and 1911s would stop falling into my lap.

[Rich Anderson]

I have a line on a pre 64 Super Grade Swift. IF I can get it that will make a set of the std, varmint (they made 906) and the SG.

The comb on the Rigby is in line with what was on European rifles of the 30's. I believe they call it a kidney shaped comb.

[Rich Anderson]

Brian Classic Guns did the case coloring. I have three rifles they colored. The other two are a Ruger #1 and another bolt gun in 257R.
Turn around time on the coloring was just a couple of weeks and very inexpensive.

[davidboyles]

Rich you did it again with class. Like the cal 257 Rigby!!

[Gary Laudermilch]

I've had very good luck with H414 and 140 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips in several 7x57's.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Rich, That is one hell of a gun!, Gary

[Rich Anderson]

I took her to the range today for load development and came away with two winners. I was using Sierria 140gr bullets for both groups.

[Rick Losey]

Nice aim points :rotf:

[Eric Eis]

I think that you can tighten those groups up....or were you shooting off hand....:rotf::rotf::rotf: Very nice.

[charlie cleveland]

i would say she really does well in fact shes a keeper for sure shes one fine rifle...charlie

[Bill Holcombe]

I have a line on a pre 64 Super Grade Swift. IF I can get it that will make a set of the std, varmint (they made 906) and the SG.

The comb on the Rigby is in line with what was on European rifles of the 30's. I believe they call it a kidney shaped comb.

Rich just wanted to let you know that the previously discussed 220 swift fell through, but I did track down a nice shooter grade pre war that is coming my way.

Finish will probably need some work, but stock and checkering are good, may try to replace the vent pad with a steel butt plate I have if it will work. The barrel is parkerized but it looks nice. Wouldn't have gotten the deal on it if the barrel had been original blue!

[Rich Anderson]

That will make you a nice rig. Great coyote round for sure. I did manage to get the Swift Super Grade and a 300 H&H Super Grade as well. The 300 is very accurate with Sierra 165 PSP, I haven't managed to get a scope on the swift yet and get it out to the range.

[Dennis E. Jones]

Lovely!! Absolutely lovely.


The 7 x 57 is a wonderful classic caliber just ask my wife.