Falling Block Rifle
- Thread starter N0M4D
- Start date
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Coming from modest experience actually doing this, no, it still costs a fortune (more frankly) doing it yourself. Good blank, contoured $500-750 landed. Reamer, gauges $350 landed (PTG is who I use). Finish, $200, sights if adding them, $150-300 and presuming you would on a Martini. Lathe presuming you already own and know how to run, but huge investment there. Likely going to have to make a stock too, to do the project justice but we’ll ignore that for now.
In the end you’re always ahead buying a factory rifle, but I like building too, and lets you build things not on the market. This said your list is very broad and covered be several good Ruger No.1 models.
What have you built to date / what’s your background?
Y'know, if you think a Martini is either a falling block (which it isn't), or too expensive, you probably need to sit and have a good think about what you really expect, and whether that is realistic.
If you don't like the prices of Martini Henry actions, you are REALLY not going to like the price of any of the other options!
If you don't like the prices of Martini Henry actions, you are REALLY not going to like the price of any of the other options!
David Henry
CGN Regular
- Location
- West of the big road
PM sent to the OP I have an action for you. DH
Ive got a buddy with a full machine shop, and my background is more than adequate, no worries. I appreciate the concern tho!
But you are absolutely right in the Ruger No1. Beautiful piece of hardware, but out of the budget. My barrels are take off's so they cost me nothing. Remer's I own two of the 5 I have in mind, and my friend has the others so im fine there, and if its for me then time cost zilch, but I can turn down the barrel, headspace it, cut the port and finish it in about a day. Not looking to rush it, I want it done right.
Absolutely how did you guess!
Not yet, but it seems Mr David has one perhaps! I just replied to his PM so here is to hoping!
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I personally can’t imagine doing all that to try and “save” money over a $2000 Ruger No.1 .303, and end up with a hobbled together mix of old parts. But if it turns out nice I’m gonna have to eat my hat and look forward to being proven wrong.
You know, you gotta be careful of assuming what someones abilities/assets are... There are certainly many people out there who think they can go to the moon for a nickle and an hour of tinkering with no previous experience. And throwing them a word of caution/reality is prudent... but then again there are some people out there with the stuff to make it happen too... It can be tough to tell on the interwebs sometimes.
I'd sure like to see the OP blow us all away and see Ardent eat his hat... I dont think he has to do that very often...
I'd sure like to see the OP blow us all away and see Ardent eat his hat... I dont think he has to do that very often...
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I’ll enjoy it too and would be happy for Nom4d, I just can’t personally see investing that much effort to save a small amount of money over a No.1 .303 for something that would contain many compromises in comparison. In the end the stock, metal finishing, and all the unforeseens will creep it mighty close to a No.1.
I definitely understand the urge to build though, and have a one off, and look forward to any end products of the thought string and wish Nom4d nothing but the best in the project.
I definitely understand the urge to build though, and have a one off, and look forward to any end products of the thought string and wish Nom4d nothing but the best in the project.
