Pictures of Ruger RSM in 505 Gibbs --- updated with new pics in post #14

S

stickhunter

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Hi all,

I recently picked up a Ruger RSM that had been rebored to 505 Gibbs by Steve Holborn of Warren, ON in 2004. In addition to reboring and rechambering the barrel, the bolt face was opened up for the larger case head and the floorplate was extended to allow an extra round. I'm unsure if anything else was altered on the rifle aside from the addition of a Decelerator recoil pad. I'm planning to write Steve and see if he still as the original work report.

The rifle shoulders and points very nicely with the large diameter 23" barrel.

Although I wasn't looking for a big bore rifle, and have no plans to hunt Africa, the rifle was so unique and well-made that I had to have it. I'm still sourcing reloading components, but my plan is to load some light cast lead rounds and start working up slowly to get a feel for the recoil.

I thought some of you might be interested in seeing detailed pictures of the alterations. My apologies for the scope and any dirt/brass shavings on the rifle; I haven't had a chance to remove the scope or give the rifle a good cleaning since I bought it.

There are a few more pictures in my album:

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm26/jsmithsmithj/RSM505Gibbs/


right-overview.jpg


left-overview.jpg


bottom-forearm.jpg


right-receiver.jpg


left-markings.jpg


magazine-left.jpg


magazine-well.jpg


magazine-floorplate.jpg


right-barrel.jpg


muzzle.jpg


bolt-right.jpg


bolt-handle.jpg


boltface.jpg
 
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The 505 will produce some huge power if you want. I give the $40 scope about 2 seconds before it is destroyed. You will want to do your learning to shoot with the very functional open sights. Start at 20 yards and work out to 50 then up in power. By the time your comfort level is up with factory type power you will handle the gun like a pro. When I go out to shoot my 510 Wells I only bring 3-5 rounds as I have no need to shoot it more. 3 shots is fine but 5-6 and I feel it the next day. Not the shoulder, my whole upper body! So I don't go near the bench and shoot standing up.

The bluing wear on the action suggests some honest use. I wonder what nasty beasts this has taken down? The floorplate suggests scabbard use. I like the extension on the floorplate, its very nicely done. So this gun holds 3 down now? And how much does it weigh? The end of the barrel shows it could have been bored even larger with no worries.

Enjoy your gun and don't take range advice from smallbore shooters.
 
I'm thinking of some hugely mean things to say to you right now but in the interest of not getting banned I'll keep them to myself. Let's just leave it as "I'm Jealous" and go from there.:D

TradeEx is probably your best bet for components and supplies. You may well have to source things like shell holders and dies out of the States.
 
Prophet River has some big bore stuff and Mystic Precision can prolly get it for you. They are both site sponsors. Give them a call or email. That's who i get for my hard to find stuff.
 
Oh, that's a nice one!

If I weren't in the mids't of doing up a .458 Mag bush gun, I would be sorely
tempted to get a CZ in .505 Gibbs. With loads using Trail Boss powder, you
could take any game on earth with it and not kick the crap out of yourself.
Check out the mould makers list on the Cast Boolits website for lots of good
selections of missiles for the beasty.
Good lead will make 'em dead every time with proper placement.

Enjoy the new rifle. She's got lots of potential.
:cheers:
 
Thanks for the comments and advice, everyone. I'm new to this class of rifle (heaviest recoiling rifle I have is a 444 Marlin), so I really appreciate the advice on how to get started.

My plan has been to remove the scope and start shooting light cast loads from the standing position, progressively working up as I find my comfort level. I've ordered dies from the US (thank goodness RCBS now catalogues them as a standard item --- still pricey, but much less than special ordering them) and still need to purchase brass and bullets, so it's going to be a while before I have the items together. So far in my research, Trailboss seems to be the best candidate for a light load powder.

Here are a couple more pictures now that the scope has been removed. I was impressed by how seemless Ruger carried the quarter rib through to the receiver. Unscoped and unloaded, the rifle weighs approximately 9lbs 10oz. Although I don't have brass handy, judging from the size of the bolt, I think the floorplate extension will allow 3 rounds staggered plus one in the chamber.

Thanks again!

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OUCH. Under 10lbs will set you back. Make sure you have a good recoil pad on that beast. I have used Trailboss in my 510 with some woodleigh 450's. Recoil was non existant. I went with 75% volume then rounded up to the next even grain. That powder is very light for volume so it seems weird to put 38gr in the case when it usually takes 110. If I cast then I would try this for sure.
 
The 1/4 rib looks seamless because it is - it is machined from one piece. One of the reasons they likely stopped making this model Cost.

Beautiful and functional looking purposefull rifle. Good luck with it. My only advice is that it just a rifle, it wont hurt you. And no matter how it feels at the range, I guarantee it will feel like a .22 when you use it for what it was designed.
 
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