custom 7x57

[Bigunms]

The 7x57 has become my favorite general purpose rifle round. I have a win model 70 and am thinking of picking up another rifle chambered in this round.

Anyone have a custom 7x57 rig? Im looking for general ideas.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Like the round; don't have one though. I was looking at a tang safety ruger 77 in 7x57 years back but the people in the shop didn't give me the time of day. I wish I had that rifle; I'd have my 10 year old shooting it. Got ****ed and walked off though.

 

[shortgrass]

7x57 Ackley Improvedlightbulb

 

[Bigunms]

Now thats an idea

 

[benchracer]

7x57 Ackley Improvedlightbulb

That was my first thought, as well. If you are going custom, it makes sense to do that IMO.

I am curious to know, what is it you want from a custom rifle that you are not getting from your Model 70? I ask this in an attempt to gain understanding of what you are after, not trying to talk you out of the idea. Also, do your tastes run more toward stainless/synthetic or wood/blue style?

Here are my personal thoughts on the 7x57:

I think of the 7x57 as a quintessential light rifle cartridge. It is a versatile cartridge with a wide bullet selection and enough punch to take game larger than deer. Because I think of it as a light rifle cartridge, I believe it to be at its best in a light rifle (as opposed to a heavy barreled, varmint style setup).

I own two 7x57's. One is a scout style truck gun that I built from junk mauser parts. The other is a Ruger #1A. The truck gun has a 19.5" military barrel. It is accurate and is a fun little rifle. The Ruger #1A is about as close as I can think of to the ideal rifle for the chambering. It is light, nimble, and quick handling. It feels and handles like a quality shotgun. I don't own another rifle with that same feel. It is accurate, too.

All in all, if I were to have a custom rifle built in 7x57, I would go the AI route. I would want a sporter barrel no longer than 24". I would go with a nice walnut or a laminate stock with a slim pistol grip and forend (I have always found the schnabel type forearm on the Winchester Featherweights attractive). A walnut stock would get a hand rubbed oil finish. Wrap around fleur-de-lis type checkering would be on the list. Though I love the appearance of well done bluing, I think a matte finish is more practical. I would choose one that seals the metal as well. I would want aperature sights with a bead front. If the base gun were a bolt action, I would want the Winchester type 3-position safety. I would also want a nice trigger that breaks in the 2.5-3.5 pound range.

The real trouble for me with all of this, though, is that I like the factory rifles produced in 7x57 so much that I would personally have trouble bringing myself to commision a custom rifle so chambered. I love my Ruger #1. I envy you your Winchester Model 70. I also love the CZ550. All three are great rifles. With minor tweaks, I would be hard pressed to pass any one of them by for a custom. I could see maybe having one of them re-stocked, having the metal re-finished, or going with a custom barrel given the AI treatment at some point.

I dunno. You could go so many different routes with a custom rifle. What would your ideal rifle in 7x57 be? That is the key question.

 

[Bigunms]

I just want a backup rifle in the caliber. Im satisfied with the Winchester.

I actaully really like the Ruger No 1s ive handeled, but I never have shot one.

 

[benchracer]

Regrettably, Ruger no longer chambers the #1A in 7x57. I believe the full-stocked RSI is still chambered for it, though. I am personally not a fan of the full-stocked version. YMMV.

The #1A isn't perfect. Many people don't like the trigger. Mine is OK. Another common issue is that the forearm often contacts the barrel, making accuracy very poor. My #1 had that issue. I had a gunsmith freefloat the forearm and bed it to the hanger. Problem solved. Another issue is that the factory scope mounts are located pretty far forward, which can make scope selection and mounting tricky. If you go with too large/heavy of a scope, you will destroy the rifle's excellent handling qualities anyway. Careful scope selection pays big dividends on a rifle like the #1.

 

[Bigunms]

I agree. Not a fan of the Mannilicher (sp?) stocks.

There is a Ruger No 1 Sporter on gunbroker I'm keeping an eye on.

About 6 months ago I had a chance to buy a CZ 550 in 7x57 and I am still kicking myself for not doing it.

At this point I may pick up another Winchester or look around for a donor action and have one built up.

 

[Bigunms]

So I scored a limited run Ruger no 1 today. It is a stainless model with laminate stock and a 26" barrel in .308 which I also reload for. I figure if I do not like how it shoots I will have it rebarreled to 7x57.