I’ve been searching around for a shootable classic English rook rifle. I’ve seen a few collector types chambered in essentially obsolete calibers. Ideally I’d like to find one that has been converted before. Which I suppose drastically lowers it value but great for a guy that plans on shooting it often. Something like a 25-20/32-20 or pistol cartridge of some kind. The question is what is the likelihood of finding something like that in Canada? I’ve seen a few listed in the US but my searching in the Canadian market hasn’t brought up much. Perhaps it’s unobtainum
Converted rook
- Thread starter mctrigger
- Start date
How about converting a Steven’s Favourite into one of those calibers. I have one converted to 32 long Colt. You would have to have the chamber reamed and the firing pin changed to Center fire. I used 32 Colt as it fit the 32 rim fire chamber and only had to change the firing pin to Center fire.
Stevens are neat. Seen a few in calibers mentioned however I’m mostly in love with the English European type styling.
Break action with side leaver. A falling block would be very nice or Martin type action. The English style with nice checkering smooth lines is so dang nice. They rally high prices and expensive brass. So ideally to find a converted one with obtainable brass and a lower non collector price would be fantastic
A lot of the rook rifles were converted to 22 lr or 410 .I have a couple martini rooks that were converted to 22.Here is a Greener rook rifle that was originally in 310 and a J vennables martini rook also converted to 22lr
Last edited:
A lot of the rook rifles were converted to 22 lr or 410 .I have a couple martini rooks that were converted to 22.Here is a Greener rook rifle that was originally in 310 and a J vennables martini rook also converted to 22lr
That greener is gorgeous! If that sucker was a small center fire cartridge it would be off the charts in my list of
Things to own.
They aren't unobtainium but depending on condition and the quality of the build, such as high grade wood, engraving, sights and of course chambering, they won't be cheap.
I have a couple, one is a lovely little rifle with great wood, special profile, egg shape barrel with a flat, serrated top and plain sights.
It's just marked "380" which also just happens to be the bottom of the groove diameter and the designation is referring to the diameter of the bullet needed, not the cartridge.
I suspect they were built with a lot of leeway, concerning cartridge cases.
This rifle will accept the 380 Webly case with the .380 diameter heeled bullet and shoot it quite well.
I have another chambered in 357 Maximum but it's on a large action, not a "cadet" action.
There is also a nice little Cadet action in 22rf, that I recently put a barrel onto.
Stocks are available from out of country sources as are parts for some models.
Quite honestly, unless you will be mostly shooting indoors or at short ranges, under 50 yards, you will always be looking for a bit more.
That's why I built the 357 Maxi. It can be loaded down or hot. Very impressive cartridge with bullets from 125grain up to 250 grain.
It will accept and shoot 38 S&W, 38 special, 357 magnum as well as 357 maximum well. Very versatile cartridge.
I started a 218 Bee last summer but hunting season came up and it's waiting for some warmer weather for me to venture into the shop.
I kind of shut down when it's dark by 6pm. The days are getting longer, sooooooooooooo.
The rifles in 303 British are great, they can be found with both Metford and Enfield rifling, so if you find one, make sure you know the difference.
These actions are strong, I also have one chambered for the 7x64R and load it to 280 Rem velocities.
If you come across a large action, chambered for the 577/450, chamber inserts are available for 45 Colt and 45acp. A little bit more hassle but still fun to shoot and much cheaper.
I have a couple, one is a lovely little rifle with great wood, special profile, egg shape barrel with a flat, serrated top and plain sights.
It's just marked "380" which also just happens to be the bottom of the groove diameter and the designation is referring to the diameter of the bullet needed, not the cartridge.
I suspect they were built with a lot of leeway, concerning cartridge cases.
This rifle will accept the 380 Webly case with the .380 diameter heeled bullet and shoot it quite well.
I have another chambered in 357 Maximum but it's on a large action, not a "cadet" action.
There is also a nice little Cadet action in 22rf, that I recently put a barrel onto.
Stocks are available from out of country sources as are parts for some models.
Quite honestly, unless you will be mostly shooting indoors or at short ranges, under 50 yards, you will always be looking for a bit more.
That's why I built the 357 Maxi. It can be loaded down or hot. Very impressive cartridge with bullets from 125grain up to 250 grain.
It will accept and shoot 38 S&W, 38 special, 357 magnum as well as 357 maximum well. Very versatile cartridge.
I started a 218 Bee last summer but hunting season came up and it's waiting for some warmer weather for me to venture into the shop.
I kind of shut down when it's dark by 6pm. The days are getting longer, sooooooooooooo.
The rifles in 303 British are great, they can be found with both Metford and Enfield rifling, so if you find one, make sure you know the difference.
These actions are strong, I also have one chambered for the 7x64R and load it to 280 Rem velocities.
If you come across a large action, chambered for the 577/450, chamber inserts are available for 45 Colt and 45acp. A little bit more hassle but still fun to shoot and much cheaper.
The bulk of the Rooks I've seen for sale were converted to 22LR, some to a 38cal as well. Anything decent runs in the 1200.00 & up zone. I have one that needs a reline, a 300Rook, liners are available, but, haven't run across anyone up here that will do it. There is an outfit in Spokane that has liners and will do them. Fun guns, I used this one on gophers for a few yrs, brass is occasionally available, I cast bullets for it or use 32long Colt when I find cheap ones.
I’ve seen a few in 410. But I’m real hell bent on having a decent accuracy center fire cartridge one that can be reloaded with available components. 22 hornet would be alright. The 25-20 would be real slick. Although as mentioned by bearhunter a
303 would be great. Not sure it’s a rook anymore but still great. I seen a 303 sold at Maynard’s auction a martini with a full top rib. Good gravy it was pretty. That in a small metallic centerfire pure
Gold in my books. Maybe one day I’d take the leap and bid on the holts auction. Plenty over there
303 would be great. Not sure it’s a rook anymore but still great. I seen a 303 sold at Maynard’s auction a martini with a full top rib. Good gravy it was pretty. That in a small metallic centerfire pure
Gold in my books. Maybe one day I’d take the leap and bid on the holts auction. Plenty over there
