Time for an update and the news isn’t good. In fact, I am putting this project on an indefinite hold due to a discovered issue with the receiver casting. As stated earlier it began life as a casting of an 1897 WR. I informed Rodney of the issue and he quickly moved to replace it. However, when the new casting was delivered, I discovered a dimensional difference between the original casting and the newly received casting that makes the new one unusable for this project. The as cast breech block mortise is wider than the breech blocks and that is before the casting is cleaned up and smoothed, which would only make the difference worst. A very unacceptable fit. The new casting would not even work with the “original casting kits” of parts, so Rodney has replaced them as well. I want to say Rodney has been a real stand-up fellow concerning this issue.
So, to continue with the project plan, using the new receiver casting, I would need to scrap the breech block and the floor plate I have made. A lot of work for naught. (Not even mentioning all the work I did on the receiver.) The other alternative is to table the use of the casting and the “casting kit” parts and make the receiver part out of bar stock from scratch. That would be a fairly significant leap but not impossible. Time and noodling on the subject will determine the path forward...
Well it has been a long time since I posted the above. (about 4 months) Since then I have been noodling on what to do. I have decided that I will move forward to a completely new design and with a modified vision. I have brought back to life a design for a single shot that I last worked on about 20 years ago when the whole concept of "Action-in-Wood" came to life in my thoughts. The plan is to also use a Boots Obermeyer barrel blank that was made in the mid 1980's. It in itself is quite unique, 26" long with integral rear sight mount boss (or scope mount boss) and it is swamped. ( the muzzle dia is slightly larger then the barrel is back about 8" from the muzzle. My current plan will be to chamber the rifle in 375 Flanged NE 2 1/2". Also I do not plan to give a running narrative of the build. I may post on occasion. Mostly because I frankly do not know that I have the strength to complete the project. Age is slowly eating away at my back and I am losing ground and the heart has issues. (Probably a little dew to the poisoning uncle sam did to me 53 years ago. Agent Orange for which the VA has me listed at 60% disability or reparation, as the vet community calls it)
This brings up one other issue, what to do with the new Westley Richards 1897 Rodney Storie casting kit I have. I want to sell it (funds will be applied toward the new project). I am asking $285 shipped to the lower 48. The current list price, from Rodney, for this is $350. I am motivated to sell this so I can proceed with the new plan where the funds will be applied. If interested please contact me and we can talk.
