Hypothetical dream Number 1 and feasibility

[vaturkey]

How about this one. Purchase a old used Number 1 RSI in whatever caliber (270, 30.06) with decent wood, and then use that mannlicher stock on a Ruger number 3 (like the lever better), and then rebarrel the number 3 (with the number 1 wood) to 6.5 x 55. Also send off the number one action and lever and 1/4 rib and metal cap (from the original RSI model) to be case colored by Turnbull. You'd of course have to have the new barrel turned to the exact same external dimensions as the original so the wood/rib/front sight would fit.

PS. I'd also add Case Colored Warne lever rings to the equation and the original front sight from the RSI model would be put on the new barrel as well.

What am I missing on this guys. Seems like and interesting concept and I don't recall seeing anything else out there like it. Appreciate thoughts and opinions on this conceptual idea. Thanks

 

[picketpin]

It'll work fine. All you need is money (lots of it) and a willing smith if you aren't doing the work yourself.

I've built or had the smith alter quite a few #3s into #2s (a fairly common conversion of a #3 with #1 wood and barrel) I've also had the lever altered on the #2s. The tail of the #3 lever is somewhat awkward in original form with a #1 butt stock with a pistol grip. (No natural position for the little and ring finger of the gripping hand)

Not much of an issue with a low recoiling cartridge but a BIt... on a heavy recoiling cartridge. I it will snack the crap out of your fingers under recoil. Many have simply been altered to follow the pistol grip but I've also exstended some in length and added a ball on the end to cycle the action. Lot's of options and styles can me made to satisfy your wants/desires.

I'd actually start looking for a 6.5x55 #1 take off barrel. (Try GB under rifle parts) If you find one you will reduce the total price some and it'll be threaded with the extractor cut made. Might need to be altered a bit to headspace but cheaper than starting with a bare barrel blank.

Essentually all you want is a RSI with some custom touches but built on a #3 action. Like I said no reason it can't be done.

You'll never recover the exspenditure but if it's for you, so, who cares. ;-)

Ross

 

[DavidMc116]

Do it. Nothing is more fun than having creative ideas come to fruition.

 

[vaturkey]

Thanks for replies. What are folks Number 1 RSI weighing for real? Seems like the extra long wood would be canceled out by having a two inch shorter barrel then the 1A, plus the long mannlicher forearm wood is slimmer then the Alex Henry type forearm. Just curious how they compare.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Just send the whole gun and a bunch of money to Turnbull and let him do it all. :)

 

[singleshot]

I'm currently working on one similar to what you've described. I'm rounding up a couple finalization items to finish it off, then I'll be contacting Pac-Nor for a barrel.

One of the members here has been guiding me with the No. 3 lever alteration and other pertainent info that I've overlooked (extractor).

I've got one last hurtle to jump and that's the muzzle cap for the RSI. The RSI cap is designed around the front sight. I'm planning on going without open sights, so the OEM cap will not work. I've got a line on two other caps from different manufacturers that might fit the bill, but I have yet to tackle that one.

The other option I've been considering with the front sight is to remove the upper portion of it and have the sight base milled down so it's shorter. If you look at the front sight, the rear portion matches the look of the quarter rib, so by milling the top down and recontouring it to look nice, it would still retain a classic appearance.

The other item is of no consequense, which is the quarter rib w/o the dove tail. I checked all the custom jobs out there that I could find, all of which were either close or identical to the OEM quarter rib. There didn't seem to be much point in spending the cash for a custom when the OEM one looks good and is functionally sound.

After staring at Turnbulls tropical no. 1, I can see where the color case is appealing. It would even be better with a highly figured stock..

Singleshot

 

[vaturkey]

Be interesting to find out what Turnbull charges for that service. Can't find a price anywhere on his website.

 

[singleshot]

From their website:http://www.turnbullmfg.com/store.asp?pid=20180&catid=19872

Small Action: Colt SAA, Ruger Single Action $150.00
Colt 1911 (frame only) $200.00
Medium Action: Box Lock/Side Lock, Winchester 90, 92, 85 $250.00
Large Action: Winchester 73, 76, 86, Marlin 93, 94, 95, 81, Browning 71 $300.00

Minimum Color Case Hardening Charge is $100



Finishing - Charcoal Bluing
Trigger Guard and Forend Iron $100.00
Single Action less Frame $200.00
Single Action w/ Frame $250.00
Large Auto (Colt 1911) $250.00
Small Auto (Colt Pocket) $200.00
Double Action Revolver $200.00
Small Lever Action $275.00
Large Lever Action/Pump Action $350.00
Over & Under/Side by Side Shotgun $275.00
Bolt Action Rifle (Action Only) $200.00
Bolt Action Rifle Parts $200.00
Minimum Charcoal Blue Charge $100



Finishing - Barrel Finishing/Rust Bluing
Single Barrel/Magazine Tube $125.00
Over/Under, Side by Side Shotgun Barrels $250.00
Rifle Barrel & Magazine Tube $250.00
Damascus Browning $550.00
Minimum Rust Bluing Charge $75



Hot Blue - (Salt Blue)
Single Action Less Frame $100.00
Single Action With Frame $150.00
Small Auto (Colt Pocket) $100.00
Double Action Revolver $150.00
Single Barrel or Mag Tube $50.00
Lever Action (receiver only) $150.00
Large Auto (Colt 1911) $150.00
Over/Under & SXS Shotgun $150.00
Pump/Auto Shotgun (receiver only) $150.00
Barrel and Mag Tube $75.00