Hello all,
I have always admired British firearms, especially Rigby rifles and although I may not be able to afford a genuine Rigby, none the less I want to build something that captures the picturesque sense and feel of the English adventurer and hunter. I have decided it will be in the venerable 275 Rigby (7x57mm) chambering. I have done a fair amount of research on this topic over the past two years or so, but I was hoping to get pointers from those who have embarked on similar endeavors.

To start, I have a sporterized Romanian contract (1939-1940ish) VZ-24 (large ring 98) in rather good condition save for two or three shallow pits on the receiver ring below the woodline.

1. Is it necessary to have the receiver re-carbuerized if I keep the pressure sane (<48,000 CUP)? On the same note, is there any recommended gunsmith in Minnesota who can give the receiver a good once-over to determine its integrity and suitability for this build?

2. Currently the rifle has a straight bolt but with some shallow pitting around the firing pin hole. I plan on purchasing one of the new FN Mauser 98 bolts from Sarco Inc, if the received is found to be suitable. Has anyone ordered one of these bolts from Sarco? Is it better to have the handle welded or forged to a bent handle style?

3. As far as barrels go, would an Adams and Bennett or Green Mountain be suitable, or is it worth the extra cost for an ER Shaw or similar? Are there any length preferences or profiles?

4. I plan on getting the express sights, barrel band sling swivel, and various accessories from New England Custom Gun. Has anyone had experience, good or bad, with this outfit?

5. For checkering, would it be more practical/ historically correct to with a finer (22/24 LPI) pattern or a more coarse pattern (18/20 LPI)?

I realize this may be a lot of questions, but thanks for taking the time to read! I hope to learn a lot from y'all!