Very special rifles

[gregintenn]

A while back, I posted pictures of a rifle my father made for my oldest son. It was a Mauser action chambered for 257 Roberts. Tonight, my youngest son was presented with his very own 257 Roberts built by his grandfather as well.

Here;s the oldest son's rifle.

and here's the newest proud owner of a very special deer rifle.

I hope that one day they'll realize exactly what these rifles mean.

[G27]

Fantastic!

How did your father make these rifles? I'm curious...

[Jasongar8]

Very cool. Great looking guns too.

[gregintenn]

He's a machinist by trade. They're made in much the same way that well known custom makers make them. He starts with a Mauser action, reshapes the bottom metal, installs an aftermarket trigger, forges the bolt, jewels the bolt, installs, headspaces the barrel and trues the action, laps the bolt to the reciever, cuts, sands, inlets, and beds the action to a stock blank, checkers and finishes the stock, polishes the metal and has it blued. I'm sure I forgot several things, but that gives you an idea of the work that goes into a custom rifle. He makes his own barrel bands.

[G27]

He's a machinist by trade. They're made in much the same way that well known custom makers make them. He starts with a Mauser action, reshapes the bottom metal, installs an aftermarket trigger, forges the bolt, jewels the bolt, installs, headspaces the barrel and trues the action, laps the bolt to the reciever, cuts, sands, inlets, and beds the action to a stock blank, checkers and finishes the stock, polishes the metal and has it blued. I'm sure I forgot several things, but that gives you an idea of the work that goes into a custom rifle. He makes his own barrel bands.

Wow, that is awesome.

They probably don't 'get it' now, but those rifles will mean the world to your boys when they get older. What an awesome gift from their grandfather.

Tell your dad I'm impressed...

[Guest Plainsman]

Thats what its all about right there...I"m sure it would mean enough to them if he had simply given them one of his own guns later down the road, as my grandfathers did. Fun stuff.

[Guest tnfireman]

VERY COOL!!!

[Il Duce]

thats awesome.

[MikeW]

Very Cool

[Guest FroggyOne2]

How did your father make these rifles? I'm curious...

Looks to me with "Loving Care!"

[safeandsecure]

Great pics ... outstanding message.

Thank grandpa for the rest of us, too.

[Bigiron]

Awesome gifts.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

That is something to really brag about, and creates good memories.Love those grins:D

[Guest Steve411]

Awesome story and pictures. Congrats. I actually have a custom made .257 Roberts that is made quite like this. I know nothing of its history. The only markings on the barrel other than .257 say The Rifle Shop Spring City, TN. Absolutely one of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot.

[gregintenn]

Awesome story and pictures. Congrats. I actually have a custom made .257 Roberts that is made quite like this. I know nothing of its history. The only markings on the barrel other than .257 say The Rifle Shop Spring City, TN. Absolutely one of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot.

Would you care to post some photos of it? I'd love to see it, as The Rifle Shop does not ring a bell to me. That is very interesting.

We're trying to keep the shooting sports alive; at least in the family. My youngest is not old enough to enjoy the rifle yet, but he does have a Chipmunk 22, and is pretty accurate with it. My oldest has already killed two deer with his, using his own handloaded ammunition, loaded under my close supervision. His last one was a one shot kill at over 150 yards.

[Guest Steve411]

I'll try to get a picture or two taken in the next day or two and posted. May need a little assistance at the time as I've never tried to post one before but I need to learn how.

[gregintenn]

Just let me know. I'll help you in any way I can.

[memphismason]

That is awesome.

[Guest oldsmobile98]

One of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Hang on to the memories.

[Oh Shoot]

Wow.

Top percentile on the I'm Impressed Scale.

- OS

[Mike.357]

good stuff.

Any reason that particular caliber was chosen?

[gregintenn]

We found the barrels on sale. There was a choice between 257 Roberts and 6.5x55. I already had brass and dies for the 257.

[roverboy]

The .257 is a good caliber. Its been loaded down by the factories for years but is now a lot better. I know I don't have to tell you this. What bullet weight did your boy use to hunt with? Oh yeah, very nicely built rifles. I know a guy in Celina that uses a .250 in a Ruger Ultralite and says it does great. So the .257 would be a lot better.

[Guest Smith653]

great story. I love to hear stuff like this. Nice

[Mike.357]

We found the barrels on sale. There was a choice between 257 Roberts and 6.5x55. I already had brass and dies for the 257.

heck, that is a no brainer then. Good deal!

I wonder who Roberts was?