Smith for new Custom Gun Project

[Graybeard]

While rambling in the gunstore today I came across an old Ruger 77 tang safety rifle in 7mm Rem. Mag. It wore of all things a Leupold Vari-X II 1-4 scope and the price was right so it came home with me.

I've been looking for just the right project rifle to turn into a .257 Whby. ever since my disappointing experience with the Weatherby Vanguard so chambered. I figure all but the action and maybe rings on this one will be removed and a new rifle will emerge like Phoenix from the ashes.

So I've got some questions for you guys.

1. What stock options are available? I'm not sure if the old tang safety guns use the same stock as the newer ones or not. I think I want a gray laminate stock on it but if I had to I could live with a light weight high tech synthtic. The Vanguard was as heavy as a boat anchor and I don't wanna go down that path again.

2. Should I get the action blue printed?

3. I'm gonna want a stainless match grade barrel on it but might go with some high tech finish that adds even more weather proofing. What finish? For sure I'll want it a dull bead blasted non glare finish.

4. I'm gonna try to swap the work done on this gun for advertising here on GBO or even on the entire GBO network. I can afford to be generous in what advertising package I give but would like to make it happen with no further cash outlay on my part.

Do we have any smiths here up the task who might wanna take it on in exchange for a long time multi year advertising package and a nice splash review plus updates as I use it hunting? If not anyone have suggestions on who to contact to make them this offer?

Any comments and suggestions you have will be welcome. Some things are locked in stone on this project and some aren't. Chambering is not up for discussion, it will be a .257 Whby. and likely only a 24" not 26" barrel but I might could be convinced otherwise on barrel length. It will be a SS barrel not a blued one. I'd really like the gray laminated stock with Simms pad but don't want the finished product to come in over about 7.5 pounds MAX with scope.

[Cknerr]

well, if you wanted a real stock, one made out of wood instead of that plastic stuff.....

hmmmmm....guy must of had a rough childhood, thats it, ya - rough childhood. Sorry to hear of that. 

If you should change your mind, please let me know. I might be able to help you there, and I would be interested in advertising.

Take care,
Chris

[Graybeard]

Rough childhood? You bet, where I grew up it was get tough or not make it. Darn few of the guys I knew from the neighborhood in those days didn't wind up in prison most for murder. I was an exception. 

Do you not consider laminated wood to be REAL wood?

[gunnut69]

GB- I'm not in the gunsmithing business any longer but would love to do the checkering for you. I like the laminated stocks from ElkRidge. I've one in the shop now. They can stand to loose a bit of wood but that's fairly easy.. I usually gut the forearm and replace with arrow tubes bedded in epoxy. It stays light because it's still mostly air but the tubes are stiff as all get out. The butt stock can loose weight to the drill bit also.. I wish WlkRidge would make the wundheymer grip swell a bit more pronounced but perhaps that can be requested?? The tang safety and MKII versions of the M77 use differing inlets so I seriously doubt their interchangeability.. The synthetics are lighter but the are cold to the touch and I hate that. I'm building a 270 for myself just now also(been accumulating parts for 5-6 years) and it on a Midway stock that they experimented on. I will have to stiffen the forearm area. It will likely easily meet your weight limits athough it is a standard M721 converted to a DBM. The barrel is a G.R.Douglas.. There's an interesting article in Handloader this month about experiments done with the 30-06 in a barrel of decreasing length. The 257 Weatherby is one of the most over bore of rounds and may well benefit from the extra 2 inches in any ever will. I just installed a LimbSaver pad and still prefer the Pachmeyer Decelerators. They finish nicer and work very well indeed. Most of the smiths in this area that I trust for such a product are either quiting the business or just retiring like me! Your caliber choice is interesting. Should make a death ray for deer and anetelope!  Be most happy to help if I can..

[Judson]

    You might check out www.customguns.us as far as the work goes.    We build lots of custom rifles and they all will shoot one half inch or better with proper ammo.

[Graybeard]

    You might check out customguns.us as far as the work goes.    We build lots of custom rifles and they all will shoot one half inch or better with proper ammo.

Judson, am I to understand that you are saying you might be willing to take on the project in return for advertising on GBO?