(.333 member)

07/11/10 01:28 PM

Falling block double prototype

I've been excited about building this one for some time now. Prototyping can be a real pain as many of the parts are made and remade several tmes. This shouldn't be the case with this one since it is literaly my falling block single side by side. That makes it all the more fun to build.

It will be chambered in 6.5x57R since I had a pair of 6.5 barrels collecting dust, and it's a great cartridge to boot. Barrels are 24", and the rifle will feature an articulated front trigger and Gibbs style extractor. By all indications it will handle and balance perfectly with the bulk of it's weight at the action, and it will weigh no more than 7 1/2 lbs.

I will have it stocked in the white for DSC show booth come Hell or high water. I will update my progress on it as often as I can.

Here are the first few pics. Hope you enjoy it!!

(.333 member)

07/11/10 01:39 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Looks like a neat project. When is the show?

(.400 member)

07/11/10 08:51 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey mate,

I hope this has extractors rather than ejectors otherwise someone in the field may be in a world of terminal hurt.

Stunning stuff and I hope to see the final product. BTW is the trigger group similar in execution to your Hornet double?

regards

Administrator

(.450 member)

07/11/10 09:01 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey,

This is really going to be great watching this come together.

Have you had your hands on a Hagn double?

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....;o=&fpart=1

Curl

(.333 member)

08/11/10 01:31 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

The extractor is of the Gibbs style two piece design. In my single shot falling block, it works well enough to act as either an extractor, or with enough authority on the underlever, as an ejector. The double design will allow for more travel and length on teh extractor, so it should work even better. The trigger group will be fixed to the trigger plate , which I have also gone to on my little doubles.

Curl,

I've not handled the Hagn double, but have read the article several times. It affirmed my resolve to build one on my own design.

(.333 member)

08/11/10 08:18 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey,
As usual, the novelty and the quality of your work leave me in awe. As an aside, you could sell every "in-the-rough" quarter rib that you can machine, configured to fit side-by-side guns.. After sitting all this week in my tree stand, with the 12 gauge double rifle that I built years ago,with iron sights only, I've come to the realisation that I'm going to need to fit a scope to the gun before next season. My old eyes are having a problem with the irons. To do so will mean installing a quarter rib on the gun. Since I don't own a milling machine, it will necessitate spending a hundred hours or more, smoking, filing, and scraping, to create and fit one from scratch out of a block of steel. I'd pay handsomely to be able to purchase one semi-finished, like the one in your photos. What a time-saver that would be!

Best of luck on your new project. I'm looking forward to following along.

Best,
Ron Vella.

(.416 member)

08/11/10 08:39 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Wonderful start Bailey!

I have several side lever falling block S/S rifles, Hepburn, WR and a Dan'l Fraser style. I wonder if a side lever might be considered instead of or in addition to the underlever? A lefty version could also be added easily I'd think. I sharp smack with the heel of my had will eject the emptys easily and it might be faster than an underlever.

Just an idea...

(.333 member)

08/11/10 11:10 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Ron,

If you know the contour of your barrels, or can accurately measure the barrels at given points, I can create a CAD drawing and machine one for you.

Mike,

I might consider a side lever sometime in the future, but I am stuck on the underlever for this one for the time being.

Here is today's progress.

(.416 member)

08/11/10 11:54 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

That will be a real beauty when it's finished, shame about the difference in miles from both countries, if it has been done all by C.A.D. / C.A.M. there would be a market for the program.

My son loves firearms and hunting and is trained in MasterCam, the rest I will leave to your imagination,

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

.

(.333 member)

08/11/10 12:26 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey,
I'll measure them in the next day or two and send the dimensions to you. Is the barrel diameter, measured every 1/2" from the breech face forward sufficient?

(.333 member)

08/11/10 12:46 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

That would work Ron, and the outside measurement at the breech and the point of the end of where the quarter rib will be. That will give the distance between the barrels.

(.333 member)

08/11/10 10:41 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey,
Roger that. Do you want to send me your mailing address via private e-mail? I'll draw it all up on a sheet of graph paper and get it in the mail to you this week.

Best,
Ron

(.333 member)

14/11/10 02:56 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

The trigger plate is cut and machined, but certainly not to it's finished shape. There is a TON of machining on the trigger plate, but the result is a solid part with lots of mass and very ridgid and strong. When I design an action, I try to use a few parts as I can, even if it makes them a litle complex, and make them as large as possible. The goal is a trim, sleek action with mass in the right places and robust parts inside.

Here are a couple of pcs of the action with te trigger plate in place. The hammers are in place as well.

As I indicated, this rifle will be stocked and in th white for the Dallas Safari club show. I am also working like a dog on keeping orders moving along and building a rifle for inventory as well as the double falling block. It's a little .22 Hornet falling block. 5.1 lbs with 24" barrel, and it's a ball to shoot. It's on the engraving bench, an I sneek in an hour here and an hour there while parts are being machined. Here is the first side.

(.400 member)

14/11/10 05:57 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Very tasty Mister!

(.333 member)

15/11/10 04:45 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Triggers and the underlever....

(.400 member)

15/11/10 06:53 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Thank you Bailey for taking the time to share the photos of your work , I know it takes time away from working , feel a little guilty watching it come along with out having to pay to view LoL !

Thanks !

(.450 member)

15/11/10 08:06 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Amazing work,an enormous thumbs up.

(.416 member)

20/11/10 06:10 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Magnificent work! But then, whenever you post here, we can expect something special!

Will be addicted to this thread and wait for updates regularly!

(.400 member)

21/11/10 05:17 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

It is a rare priveledge to watch another outstanding project come together.

Von Gruff.

(.333 member)

21/11/10 06:26 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Looks GREAT.....keep the pics coming

(.333 member)

23/11/10 03:56 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

On with the progress.

Hammers, main springs and triggers ae installed and working. It cocks without fault and the hammers have ample energy. They hit with plenty of force.

The trigger plate has been rough shaped, as well as the top of the breech block.

One lump....or two...

(.333 member)

28/11/10 02:25 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

The stock and forend are now fitted and shaped. She weighs 7 1/2 lbs, balances at the hunge of the underlever and handles perfectly. Shaping the forend was a little bit of uncharted teritory from an asthetic point of view, but it came out nice I think.

Even though it is a medium caliber double, it has a masculine look and feel. Kind of makes me flare my nostrils when I pick it up. I am anxious to get the reamer in so I can run the first rounds thoruh it.

(.416 member)

28/11/10 07:34 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Stunning, you are a true artisan...

Well done.

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

.

(.300 member)

29/11/10 01:50 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

I am continualy amazed at all of the talent out there, Intellectually, and down right skilled in all endeavors....Really nice work......I can sharpen pencils that about it.Please keep the photos coming
TC

(.275 member)

29/11/10 05:02 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Hey Bailey,
thats looks great. Do you sleep. I cant believe how prolific you are in your production of finely shaped metal and wood, let alone the fact that you are actually designing at the same time. Amazing. All the best with this project.

(.333 member)

29/11/10 02:00 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Thanks Sirrocco,

The further I get with this one, the more I like it. I sure don't feel prolific, just working like mad to make a sucess of my business. I am sure you know the feeling well with your excellent rifles.

I have the chambers precut awaitng the finshing reamer. They are deep enough to accept a case to within 1/2" of being fully seated. One feature that I had hoped would reveal itself is quick reloading due to the twin channels in the top tang. Well it works, just slap then in teh channels and a slight push forward. 10 out of 10 times, the pair went straight into the chambers without fail. With the lever thow of less than 40 degrees, it is within fingertip reach while maintainig grip on the wrist so closing the action is fast with minimal movement.

(.333 member)

01/12/10 06:18 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

I am considering changing the chmbering to 6.5-06. Not a common double rifle round I know, but much more popular on this side of the pond than the 6.5x57R. This rifle isn't spoken for yet, so I am flexable.

Any thought? Other 6.5 cartridge suggestions?

(.333 member)

01/12/10 11:03 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey,
The one that comes to mind, although it's a rimless cartridge, is the classic 6.5 x 55. It's a very fine cartridge, highly under-rated on this side of the pond, which has killed scads of Elg "Moose" in Scandanavia. Can you make a rimless cartridge extract reliably in this action?

Best,
Ron.

(.333 member)

01/12/10 11:30 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Nice choice Ron.
6.5x55 is definately mainstream. Good cartridge.
If you are going to go with a wildcat like the 6.5-06, why not just find a round that you like, and run a rimmed case into the sizer. Ran a 7x57R into a 257 roberts die to have an easier conversion in a single shot a few years back. Standard reamer and just had to cut the rim recesses on the lathe.
With available 9.3x74r brass as a basis, you can make practically any .470 base round up to the -06 length.
Good luck.

Cheers,

Tom

(.416 member)

01/12/10 11:39 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

I totally agree about the 6.5X55! It's a caliber that kills way beyond what it should.
A buddy here was very into the Swede's mausers and had several mathch quality rifles. I saw him shoot a caribou at around 600 yds. paced off with iron sights. It's an amazing little round.

(.333 member)

02/12/10 05:22 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

For this one, I think I am sticking with the 6.5x57R. It's a dandy, and I will include all of the brass I go through for regulation with the rifle. Load it up wth 160gr and rain down devastation on ferral vermin swine!.....in style :-)

The 57r is basicly the ballistic twin of the Swede. I could make the extractor work just fine for rimless cartridges, but with the rimmed case, I can make it effective enough to act as an ejector. Couple that with the fast reloading the dual tang troughs provide makes the rifle that much more dynamic. Because of that, I like the rimmed option.

(.400 member)

02/12/10 07:23 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Very nice!

(.400 member)

02/12/10 08:37 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

I think 6.5x57R is a fine choice, but you could also consider 6.5x65R

Administrator

(.450 member)

02/12/10 09:28 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

The 6.5x57R gets my vote. Cases can be readily formed from .444 Marlin brass for those who are economy minded.

Years ago I had a custom Win. Highwall built as a varminter and chambered for the .257 Roberts rimmed. At that time rimmed European brass, such as 7x57R and 8x57R were hard to come by. I made my brass from .444 Marlin. It's great for such. I'm currently making my 9x57R from the same brass.

The .444 can be troublesome in the 8x57R because the 8mm has a thinner flange. Some will take the .444 and some won't.

Curl

(.333 member)

06/12/10 12:53 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Polishing by finger tips off. Sore fingertips are a sighn of a goods days work.

The metalwork is at 50% polish, wood is at 90%. The stock needs about 3 more days of the linseed oil/rottenstone rub down and a day in the sun.

(.416 member)

06/12/10 09:11 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Getting better by the day, wonderful work mate.

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

.

(.333 member)

07/12/10 01:51 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

I have a Brno 304 in 7x57R. I find that .444 Marlin brass works fine in that rifle.

(.700 member)

07/12/10 02:14 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey - you are an artist & your engraving - well, that is superb.

(.400 member)

07/12/10 04:46 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

I am impressed by the craftmanship of yours!!

(.416 member)

07/12/10 05:43 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

What's the weight of this lovely lass? I'd guess that 6 1/2 would make it a sweet lively rifle.

(.333 member)

07/12/10 12:38 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Mike,

It weighs 7 1/2, and it's still sweet and lively :-)

With no forend iron and a shorter action (shorter than a typical break action), the weight is more concentrated so the handling is improved.

(.300 member)

08/12/10 07:20 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Watching something progress from an idea into a decorated, finely fit, fully functional, mechanical, fine art, working tool in metal and wood in such a short period of time is remarkable. The fact that it came from one man's mind and hands is simply amazing. Think about it.

A10ACN

(.333 member)

15/12/10 12:29 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

The reamer came in yesterday. One hour after picking it up at the PO, the rifle was chambered, and by the end of the day, the extractor was timed and flinging cases. I'm working on the firing pins/transfer bars today and may be able to get a few rounds through her this evenning. Definately tomorrow. Fun stuff!

Administrator

(.450 member)

15/12/10 10:31 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

This is just great. Sitting here on the edge of my chair!

Curl

(.400 member)

16/12/10 02:28 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Quote:

Years ago I had a custom Win. Highwall built as a varminter and chambered for the .257 Roberts rimmed.

Back in the '50's I had a rimmed 250-3000 Savage built on a High Wall Winchester, and formed the cases out of Norma 8X57R brass. The .444 wasn't an option at that time.

I now have a BRNO 21F in 6.5X57, which I load for using 7X57 brass neck turned to assure clearance. I would think that 7X57R S&B brass would be a logical source for 6.5X57R brass.

I warmly second everyone else's comments about the Meisterst�ck this whole process, from concept to reality, represents. Congratulations!

(.333 member)

16/12/10 06:14 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Ables has S&B 6.5X57R in stock. I just bought 3 boxes.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=116455

(.400 member)

16/12/10 08:15 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Wonderful talent you have! Thanks for sharing those photos.

(.333 member)

16/12/10 01:27 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Half a box of ammo through her today. Man what a sweet shooting rifle. Comes up and points like a dove gun and the recoil is about like 20 ga. Best thing is the extractor, which seems to be confused because I had to make a point to lower the lever slowly so the cases didn't zip out of the chambers. It must think it's an ejector.

I'm so freakin excited about these rifles it makes me want to run a victory lap around the shop. One of those blind "hog and a truffle" situations, but I'll take them when they come.

Anonymous

(Unregistered)

18/12/10 09:06 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Nice Bailey sounds like you hit this one out of the park.

(.333 member)

20/12/10 02:12 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Got her regulated. Only took about 30 rounds. ( I like it when it ony takes acouple of trips to the bench and go through 10-15 rounds). I used a vertical wedge as opposed to a wedge that extend horizontaly from the muzzle. Not that one works better than the other, just my preference.

I alway stress over regulation. I want them to shoot the exact spread of the bores s thy shoot paralell. I had it just over an inch twice, but that would cause the groups to grow as range increased. Makes you think more when shooting, and shooting shouldn't be a thinking game in that regard. Well, I finaly have it just right...

Afterward, the front sight base if made and fitted, then soldered in place.

It will be machined to the proper hight, dovetail cut for the sight and of course polished for blueing.

The front sight will be a thin blade with a small bead, rear sight is a three blade ( two folding, one fixed) express sight. I made a batch of these and will have several at the show for sale. There is plenty of rib for mounting a scope, but I don't need one yet, and enjoy hunting with open sights.

(.416 member)

20/12/10 04:19 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Well done... almost complete, when will they be marketed ??

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

.

(.333 member)

20/12/10 05:38 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Quote:

Well done... almost complete, when will they be marketed ??

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

.

I'm taking orders and ordering materials for the first run.

(.333 member)

28/01/11 01:48 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Glad NE forums has returned. Good on you John for all the work it must have taken.

Here's a few pictures of the rifle polished up in the white at the Dallas Safari Club show. It was well received and I took several orders. Had a great show.

(.416 member)

28/01/11 05:54 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Very Cool Bailey!
I hope you're still healing up well!

Anonymous

(Unregistered)

31/01/11 12:37 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Please do post pictures once you get the gun finished.

(.333 member)

02/02/11 06:32 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Bailey,
Welcome back, hope the hips are healing up well without too much discomfort. Also nice to have our favourite web site back up and running. Thanks again for the work on the quarter rib. I finnished fitting it about a week ago, finished the rust bluing last night, and installed it this morning. Attached are two photos of the rib, mounted on my 12-bore double rifle, with and without the scope mounted. Now I can use my first-born again with my poor old eyes.

Best,
Ron

(.333 member)

02/02/11 07:31 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Hey Ron,

Hips are doing incredibly well. I motored out to put blankets on my two horses this morning. I attribute a lot of it to my surgeon. There is a reason he has a three to four month wait list while doing 3 to 4 hips or knees a day.

The rib looks great. Is it soldered on or did you use screws? Glad it worked out.

(.333 member)

02/02/11 11:18 AM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Glad to hear that things are going well for you Bail. I didn't solder because then I would have had to do a complete refinish. It's held down with one 8-40 and four 6-48 screws, all into good solid steel. It isn't going to move in an earthquake!!

(.224 member)

13/11/16 08:37 PM

Re: Falling block double prototype

Man l want one soooo bad .

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