Reproducing Harry Selby's 416 Rigby

[Hagar]

Marine,

I hope that you're still with us and got your Cape Buff hunt in!

I didn't look at the date on your post and assumed that it was current. I've just finished reading through your entire series of posts and am extremely impressed with your machining, woodworking and problem-solving skills!!! I learned a great deal just in the hour or so of reading your posts and have emerged with a new resolve to take my rust bluing skills to acceptable levels.

Thank you very much for taking the massive amount of time needed for the photography and writing needed to document your work. You are a gifted writer with a great sense of humor.

I sure hope that you got your "bucket list" hunt in. If you did, I'm positive that your rifle performed brilliantly. What a joy to hold that rifle and have all the memories of the monumental "build" run through your mind.

Your admirer,

Hagar

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

Marine A5 Sniper. How did you time the barrel ?

Very slowly with a small mill bastard file.

How did you adjust headspace?

I got very lucky as the headspace was spot on the first try.

Could the .050 spacer have been made the same diameter as the barrel instead of receiver?

Absolutely, and I wish I had done so now for aesthetic reasons.

Are you confident that the barrel threads have sufficient contact?

Yes, more than sufficient for the job, and maybe more than a standard match. This rifle has had a lot of rounds through it now, as everyone wants to fire it at least once.

Any chance you would share your rust blue secret?

What? I can't hear you. Did you say something? Seriously, I got the idea from how A. O. Neidner did his jobs.

jt

[Mike D]

Jim - An excellent read, and nice rifle, to say the least! I am indeed, jealous of your skills! Thank-you for making the six pack, I just drank while reading the entire thread, such an enjoyment.

You've given me a well needed kick in the ass, to dabble with rust bluing.

Mike

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

Thanks, Mike. I missed your post at the time. I have put 117 rounds through it to date, and all I can say is, it is a bear to shoot from the bench. I have yet to checker it, sadly. It is very accurate, but by the time you get to shot number 4, you are lucky if you can hit the backboard due to flinching. I usually shoot cast handloads due to cost of factory solid rounds ($110/20), but I blast a solid through it on occasion. The factory rounds have way more oomph than my handloads. It is one of my favorites now. If you want to have fun, grab a handfull of 416 Rigby.

Jim

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

My old buddy, Gimp, is currently in bad shape. Gimp contributed a lot to this project, and to honor him as best I know how, I am changing the name of this rifle from "Rosey" to "The Gimp". Hang on Gimp. The world wouldn't be the same without you, your wit, and your knowledge. I hope someday to be as tough a man as you.

Jim

[barretcreek]

My old buddy, Gimp, is currently in bad shape. Gimp contributed a lot to this project, and to honor him as best I know how, I am changing the name of this rifle from "Rosey" to "The Gimp". Hang on Gimp. The world wouldn't be the same without you, your wit, and your knowledge. I hope someday to be as tough a man as you.


Jim

+1 to our good friend.

Saw this thread and thought back to when I posted on another site my desire to snag a Remington Model 30 off the rack at a store down the road. Guy chimed in and sold me his CZ Rigby at a steal. Love it, but the stock is too much of a club. Need to get an MPI, their dimensions are ideal.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

I was recently given a friendly reminder that I never finished this thread. I will endeavor to do so in the coming weeks of continued isolation. The floorplate needs finishing, and I need to add weight to the stock. This puppy climbs like an F16 fighter. I will make weights of lead and install. I may try videos this time.