1B 280 Transformed to LH "BH"

[gewehrfreund]

I've had a custom set of #1 LH wood for a couple of years now and have never been able to decide what to do with it. I thought about putting in on my 1S rechambered 222Rem, but it has decent wood and a special red pad from Galazans (this one was originally a black pad gun). Then earlier this year, I acquired a 1B in 280 Rem. that had unremarkable wood. It finally dawned on me recently, that this would make a very nice platform for the LH wood, and it would imitate the old non-prefix BH (basically, a 1S wihtout sights). Well, I finally fitted the stocks and put on a barrel band, and it turned out pretty well. The wood is defintely a lot nicer than what was on it, and it's very unique. Best part is, nothing is permanent, and I can turn it back into a 1B in about 10 minutes.

 

[picketpin]

Looks good. I have a small problem with my left hand/fingers and can hold a Alex Henry forearm much beter than a Semi Beavertail.

Because of that nearly all of my "Hunting" #1 end up looking like your, less the LH stock.

Years ago Ruger would not sell me the barrel bands and that was a pain in the B.... You had to buy rough castings from Brownells. Since Bill died they will now sell the barrel bands finished from the factory Parts department.

Antelope hunting started yesterday and there is a 257 Roberts and a 6 MM Remington in the case ready to go to the hills that look just like your 280, with a few more dings.

the best

Ross

 

[gewehrfreund]

Ross
Good luck with the pronghorns.
My barrel band was one of the Brownells unfinished ones. It's a pain getting them polished and blued to match the Ruger barrel. It's good to know Ruger will sell finished ones now. I'll have to give them a call for one or two.
Lance

 

[wunbe]

Gewwehr.

If you did go back to a B, wouldn't it still have a barrel munted swivel?

1B

 

[gewehrfreund]

Gewwehr.

If you did go back to a B, wouldn't it still have a barrel munted swivel?

1B

No, I made sure of that by not soldering or gluing it on. This is not a serious problem, because I don't plan any rugged hunting with it.
I fitted it pretty close to barrel contour, then put a couple of strips electrical tape inside (one over the set screw), then tapped it on for a TIGHT fit where it shoud be and tightened the screw. In testing it, I don't think it's going anywhere without some serious torque. Also, when I do hunt with a slinged rifle, I tend to carry it muzzle down/foward on my right shoulder for quick mounting to my left for firing. So pressure on the band in this situation is back instead of "forward". Usually, I hunt with my RSI 7x57 anyway. Maybe if I ever get invited to hunt out west on one of those TV "hunting" shows that I never watch, I may take this along for photogenic purposes :wink:

 

[picketpin]

Wunbe: I just use a set screw and use RED locktite on the threads. The heat gun will loosen it if needed without messing with the finsih of the barrel.

The first couple I didn't bother to do anything else. I figure when and if I ever take the band back off the dimple will be UNDER the Semi Beaavertail forearm.

Then one day RG, the middle brother and I were installing studs for the main bolts in a motor. When you install studs, you drop a lead ball into the hole so you can torque to spec without bottoming out the stud and cracking the engine block. As we were doing that the lights went off, or maybe came on!!!

Just put a piece of lead, I use tiny little sinkers, in the bottom of the hole in the sling swivel and tighten the set screw down to it against the barrel. When you remove the band the only thing left is a "silver" smudge from the lead. That removes easily with a light rag and a bit of solvent.

If you REALLY want it on there simply put the rifle outside over night and put the barrel band in the toaster oven on low. Heat the band to 200 degrees or so. Then slide it on the cold barrel. Do everything else the same way. When the tempertures eaqualize it's there to stay. The only down side is if you use a factory band it ends up just a bit closer to the forearm than factory. That doesn't really matter UNLESS you line up your "A"s or "S" rifles and the bands go up and down to your eye as you look at the line of guns. ;-)

I'm not sure anybody else would think of that as a major issue, but those of use that are a BIT anal have spent hours and hours getting them all even. ;-)

If you are REALLY worried about the finish UNDER the band, try using a peice of heat shrink tubing and shrinking it into place. Then install the band and then after it's installed cut away the excess tubing on either side of the band with a razor blade (gently) it won't mar the blueing if you do it right.

Yes, the casting from Brownells!!! My smith charged me more to finish, buff, polish and blue them than I could have custom made ones made from David Gentry!!!!

the best

Ross

No, I've never changed the forearms on a/any #1s ever in my life. Trust Me.