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Offline StrawHat

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Which action?
« on: May 21, 2007, 05:18:38 AM »
I would appreciate some help on this one.

I intend to build what may be may last rifle and need help deciding which action would be appropriate for this project.

Previous projects have either been heavy, large caliber single shots or heavy, large caliber repeaters.

This is to be my walking around rifle, my American rook rifle if you will.

It will be chambered for the 45 Colt and will carry an octagonal 25 or 26 inch barrel.

I will use open sights of some sort.

Hopefully, I will end up with a lightweight, accurate rifle that is pleasing to the eye.  (Okay, that last one is strictly personal, the ford/chevy thing.)

My thoughts so far run along these actions.  A Ballard, Stevens, or Martini.  These are what I am considering so far but I am open to suggestions.

Please let me hear what you have to think.

It won't be built for a while so take your time.  Has anyone done something similar?

Thanks for your help.
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Offline iiranger

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2 to start...
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2007, 05:45:26 AM »
YOur choice of the .45 Colt, well, you don't need alot of gun for those pressures. Navy Arms used to have a baby rolling block in .357 Magnum, I suspect you could get away with re chambering to .45 Colt. That should be awful light.

My other suggestion would be a look at the eabco.com house guns. M97. Small falling block designed for pistols. Strong. I think it would be big enough for the .45 Colt. If not, consider the .44 Special or .44 Russian... I know it is available in .30/40 Krag and don't recall exact case base diameter... Again, light and handy. enjoy... luck...
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Offline longJohns

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2007, 02:44:20 PM »
If it were me I would want a .25-20 Single Shot on a Ballard double set trigger action.
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Offline wcf3030

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2007, 04:36:23 AM »
Sounds great to me but a 26in oct barrel in 45 Colt dose not sound "light".
With a pistol powder round anything past a 16in barrel velocity wise is a wast.
I'm not knocking your choice, each to there own, just things I'd think about.
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Offline Shawnee Gene

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2007, 08:33:11 AM »
You might consider looking at the H&R BC carbine.  It is already chambered in 45 Colt, and would make a good start for a rebuild.  I have one, and like it very much.  ;D
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Offline StrawHat

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2007, 10:20:45 AM »
Thank you all for the replies.

I looked at the EABCo rifles and found them to be a bit too modern for my taste.

Same with the T/C platforms.

I like the Ballard action and may go with it but I tend to focus on what I know hence the posting for help.  Someone may know of a better action.

I had never thought about the little rolling block from NA.  Maybe a #4.

My barrel will probably end up at 26 inches.  Just under an inch at the breech and about 3/4 or a little less at the muzzle.  Heck, I might even swamp the thing like I used to do when I built muzzle loaders.

iiranger:  You got me thinking about pressures with what you wrote and I agree with what we both think but on second thought I may go with the 45 S&W or even the 45 Cowboy.  WHy?  Neither one of them has be bastardized, I am sorry, magnumized by a factory.  I would hate to imagine that after I am gone someone could fire a buffalo load out of the little rifle "because it fit".

Either one of those would give me what I want.

As for other cartridges, right now I am stuck on the 45 bore.  I have a 22 WCF on a Ballard and that is all I need for a smallbore except for a 22 LR.

Keep those cards and letters pouring in, I need to hear more of your thoughts.

Thanks
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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2007, 12:43:50 PM »
Browning imported a number of their Model 1885 guns in .45 Colt chambering. I can't recall exactly if they were HW or LW right now. I think they were call Traditional Hunter or some such and came with a tang rear sight. That strikes me as a good basis for what you're looking to do but price might be a bit high dunno.
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Offline marlinman93

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2007, 03:35:52 PM »
 Just buy one of these and save some time and money.
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,5203.htm
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Offline StrawHat

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2007, 05:44:25 AM »
Again, thank you all for your input.

Marlinman93, this is why I posted the question, I was not aware the LoWall was available in that chambering.  Thanks.

I will keep looking around but for now it looks like it will be a LoWall.

Wish I could afford one of the ones from out west, I see they have a rook configuration, about 5-6 pounds.

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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #9 on: May 29, 2007, 09:56:34 AM »
Yup that's a very nice looking little rifle he posted about and at a very attractive price. I had no clue that was even being offered. It would be a real nice choice for what you want.
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Bill aka the Graybeard
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Offline Datil

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Re: Which action?
« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2007, 02:36:38 AM »

 I want make one remark here, The rifle Marlinman post ed about,
 is not a bad price, In making up the rifle the one I wanted  in the caliber
 I want cost more than after putting a scope on it But what I got is what
 I wanted and it was my cash. Good Luck Marv.
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