Is there any reason why,that for long range hunting there does not appear to be any falling block rifles..
Are they not as accurate as bolt actions?
Are they a gunsmithing nightmare?
Are they not strong enough?
regards
griff
Griff.
Good question .
1= They can be as accurate but it takes a lot of effort on the smiths part and the reloads.
the main difference is the 2 piece stock.It has to be fully floated and bedded to the tang.
some times you have to install a preload screw to the tang and try different preloads (
tune ) for the load to be used. This is a common practices with ruger # 1s.
2= There are things that are different than a bolt action ,some I have already mentioned
and the extractor groove has to be machined into the barrel and then indexed especially
if the barrel is also fluted. (More time ,More money).
3= As to strength, some types are very strong (Like the Browning and the Ruger) some others
that are replicas may be strong enough but the manufacture recommends black powder only,
and you can't take a chance on blowing it up.
I have owned and shot many falling blocks (some replicas and some full blown magnums on
Rugers and Brownings and have not seen any problems with accuracy after carefully working
the rifle over and the loads.
They make great long barreled rifles because the action is so short and a 30'' barreled falling
block is about the same length as a standard bolt action.
Note; most of the field artillery in use has a falling block action and we know how accurate they
are.
J E CUSTOM