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oomans,

We've solicited advice on these fora, and offered our opinions, wanted or not, on many threads. Now we're launching a mega thread, in several parts, of our own. It's the Build Along With Badger thread. We collect historic battle rifles, Mosin Nagants, Schmidt Rubins, Mausers, Enfields and the like, but now we're thinking of acquiring a good target rifle. Following what we've learned from you oomans, we're contemplating having a custom built rifle with a common action and stock, but which, by means of interchangeable barrels and bolts, can be used for several different calibres. The benchmark we're looking at is the Dolphin:

Dolphin Modular Rifle



The rifle we end up with doesn't have to be a Dolphin, that's simply the bennchmark we'll assess things against. It may turn out that a Remington clone in an AICS stock is what we need, but we don't know that yet. Take us on that journey.

We're inviting you oomans to help design it. The final spec settled upon and its build will be shown on this illustrious forum. Our initial thought is that it will be chambered for either 6.55x55 Swedish or 7.62x51 NATO in the first instance, but other calibres are desirable if possible. Ideally it should be capable of firing:

6.5 Swedish (x 55)
7.5 Swiss (x 55)
7.62 NATO (x 51)
7.62 Soviet ( x 39)
7.62 Russian (x54R)
.333 Lapua
.45 ACP

First off, we think we need to choose the action. Dolphin list a variety of actions but we have no knowledge of them. Undoubtedly some of you oomans will be able to express a useful opinion on them. Equally, it may be that a P14 action is suitable.

Later threads will cover:

The trigger
The bolt(s)
The stock
The barrels

This one is ACTIONS.

Got that?

Over to you, oomans.

DO you have a budget in mind as this could turn nasty! Is this going to be a 1000 yd target rifle?

ooh this could be fun clapclap

Lots of excellent actions out there, I would look at one of the CG actions or perhaps one of Dave Wyldes Valkerie actions

Alan

Mike357 wrote:DO you have a budget in mind as this could turn nasty! Is this going to be a 1000 yd target rifle?

Budget would be less than £2460, otherwise he might as well go for the Dolphin! :lol:

You all know my feelings for the Mad Serb. I have been to the factory, watched him work and handled one of those beauties. I too want one - when my ship comes in.

As you say Badger. it doesn't have to be a Dolphin, there are other good lookin' performance guns out there. I shall watch this thread with eager anticipation.

Yes, we agree: it doesn't have to be a Dolphin but they do make an excellent benchmark. As for a budget, well, the Dolphin sets the limit. If we can get something as good for less then that's a bonus ! The objective is to have an interchangeable calibre rifle that's good out to 1,000 yards. There will be plenty of time to debate the pros and cons of all the various components: we're popping a penny in our piggy every time we have one spare...

So, back to the ACTION !

What are the pros and cons of the various actions?

simples for that money you WONT beat a dolphin

meles meles wrote:oomans,

We've solicited advice on these fora, and offered our opinions, wanted or not, on many threads.

:lol: - you crack me up!

This is something I might look at in the future (though not interchangeable barrels) - I like the idea of a bespoke rifle, but wouldn't know where to start...so will watch this with interest

Maybe, maybe not, ooman. But even if we go for a Dolphin, we still have to choose what action it's based on. They offer many variations...

I do not agree, there are other actions out there well worth considering. Something heavy and solid.