A Tribute to An Old Friend

I seriously considered getting a RSM back when one could usually be found new with a sale tag of $1100 or less. They have a lot (or a Lott) going for them but I couldn't get past the weight. As often happens, they became a cult item after they were discontinued.

I'm a big fan of 3 position safeties, but when it really comes down to it its really a safety that that blocks the striker that I'm after. I could live with 2 position if does that, and really don't worry to much about getting it unloaded on safe.

The difference between having a 3 position safety on a DGR and a more ordinary hunting rifle is with the ordinary rifle I'm either by myself or in a situation that's easy to control. Since I can normally get through a day without shooting myself with or without a safety the exact type doesn't matter much. In any case there's just me to worry about or a friend or family member that is schooled in safety and will be quickly corrected if they get lax.


Switch the situation to a dangerous game hunt and like it or not you will find yourself in situations where a group is bristling with cocked and locked rifles, half have poor gun handling skills and the other half have a curious blend of fatalism and an active desire to try to get shot. You probably don't know any of them well. In a situation like this there is some comfort in knowing your rifle is as safe as it can be, and your gun handling is as flawless as possible. You've probably noticed how in experienced groups everyone is both conscious about where their muzzle is pointed and are just as conscious about not moving in front of a muzzle of someone else's gun. The trackers don't seem to have that sense of self preservation.

I feel strongly enough about it that I've converted a CZ .375 to a M70 safety. It might not be a replacement for good muzzle control but every bit helps.
 
I absolutely agree on the trackers trying to get shot, I don't even envy that portion of the PH's job being around a European who handles his rifle twice a year, in close proximity to a typically wounded Cape Buffalo, flicking their eyes from dark red blood to the jesse and thorns ahead, to the client with eyes like saucers and a death grip on a loaded rifle with muzzles swinging everywhere.

I agree on weight with the RSM, though the Lott version comes in at 9 1/2lbs I do believe, about where I'd want a Lott to be. This is admittedly a half pound or a bit more past a where a Model 70 conversion ends up, but there's a lot more steel in the RSM's between the hands section with that quarter rib and massive action. An interesting point on the .505 Gibbs conversion is it balances right under the front receiver ring, and no longer feels at all muzzle heavy. It points and swings wonderfully, bloody shame they didn't go ahead and build them factory. I don't believe the RSM has hit its cult years yet, I was an even bigger fan when they were in production and at the time this was a premium rifle in my eyes. I think we'll have to give it five or ten.
 
The fit and finish was great on all that I handled. I didn't mind the weight, but disliked the balance. It just felt as if all the weight was out front instead of between the hands. It must feel much better on the larger bores than the 375. The bolt handle doesn't appeal to me but I'm sure others like it.
 
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