A friend of mine that was a gunsmith gave me a set of Brownells checkering tools for Christmas one year and taught me the art of hand checkering. I loved it! It is so relaxing and rewarding at the same time. I have since moved to the Philippines and miss doing things like that. I moved here to be with my wife and kids, but would never have left the US if someone hadn't broken into my home and stolen my gun collection as well as everything else that I had while I was away on a business trip. Anyway, keep up the good work on the videos bud! They keep me sane in this crazy country!
Everyone needs a hobby a friend who was blind but loved to work with wood and made custom knives and reloading with his son watching over everything for 65 years and is 85 years old😳 never stop the things you love to do🙌
As much as I appreciate older cartridges such as the 7x57 Mauser, the .30-06, the .303 British, the .222 Rem, the .300 H&H and the great .375 H&H, I also appreciate older actions. The Mauser '98 action is after all, now 123 years old. (The 7x57 cartridge is now 129 years old!) The '98 action has been modified in a few ways such as putting the three position safety on the side, moving horizontally ala Win. Model 70 or using a variety of tang safeties like my Interarms Mk X ('98 type action made by Zastava) but the heart of the action has never been improved upon. Paul Mauser got it right all those years ago.
Tom, it’s such a pleasure to listen to your opinions and philosophies. Even if I wasn’t a gun enthusiast, I believe that I would enjoy your videos just the same. Regarding what you said about traditions; Donald Kingsbury said…Tradition is a set of solutions for which we have forgotten the problems. Throw away the solution and you get the problem back. I try to teach my kids this, however, adolescents and teenagers know way more than we do lol. Maybe they’ll figure it out when they’re my age. Thanks for what you do, sir.
As a proud owner of a 1914 original Oberndorf factory sporter, and verified Mauser 98 purist. Your FN is second to few in machining quality, fit, and finish. Boiled linseed oil is the only type of finish that doesn't depreciate the value of a firearm. You can buy an old rifle, use naturally based paint stripper, and refinish in boiled linseed oil and maintain or even help restore a rifles value. Great channel and rifle selections. 😊
That is a fine rifle! You should be very proud of the completed rifle. I am envious! I especially like the inlays in the stock. Promise yourself, it will be with you till the end, when you can leave it to a family member or great friend.
Tom, you’ve made that rifle more unique than it was before your project. Hopefully it’s one that will pass through your family through the generations, apprenticed. That’s what people hope to stumble upon at pawn shops and gun shows or gun stores that someone traded in to update. I know you appreciate and enjoy it for years to.come more than we your viewers have. Keep up the fireside conversations. Thanks 🙂.
The time and effort you put into that rifle was worth it. The checkering, the bedding, the oiling combine to bring back a classic to where it should be. Something to be proud of for the rest of your life....excellent series of videos...looking fwd to the next installment. God Bless
Hi Tom from Scotland I have a Parker Hale in 243 cal. Just finished the stock after 2 coats of dye then double boiled linseed ( 10 coats) I'm well siuted with the outcome, and have been complimented on the finish I enjoy your videos informative and the 1 on bullets was great too take and good hunting 👏👏
I have a 1952 model 70 super grade in 270 win, that I inherited from my late father. The stock is not original, but was very skillfully made in keeping with the period, action, barrel etc. The stock is nicely figured, and is oil finished, which like you mentioned, is very practical for a hunting rifle. I do like other types of finishes, but the oil seems to bring out the natural warmth and color of the wood. Also, like your's, the optics are the Redfield Widefield, but in 3x9x40. In their heyday, Redfield was a quality scope. I've been eyeing a 1954 Remington model 740 pump in 30 06 for sale with a refurbishing project in mind, your enthusiasm is definitely contagious. NICE WORK!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving only way to learn is get out of your comfort zone. and if there are flaws you have the satisfaction that there is no one else who would really care or blame you.
Thank you very much for that Bob. I have to admit I really enjoyed this video. I was absolutely exhausted when I made it. I left out just what a tough week that was from my fridge/freezer going out in the middle of the night and having to replace a compressor relay in it to dental work. But despite all of that I got it done and finishing this rifle was a really good feeling.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Glad the hard work is behind you...Well until the next modern convenience appliance breaks. I just had to replace a tankless water heater this week that was leaking from the heat exchanger. Plumbers wanted $4-5K to do it, what a joke. Bought a new one from the plumbing supply for $800 and had it installed in 3 hours. .......On a totally off topic question. Have you had any hunting experience with a speer Hotcor bullets? I have a .257 roberts Ruger hawkeye that loves them 100 grainers.
@@bobd8553 I have a little experience with the Hotcres. I took a buck last season with the 145gr 7mm Hotcore in my 7x57 but I can't really say how well it performed because it was a spine shot and any bullet would have done the job so I need to get a few under my belt with it before I can say for sure. With that said the Hotcores were the go to bullet for a lot of years for a lot of people and personally I think the only reason they fell out of favor was marketing from all of the new bullets? As for the .257 Roberts, I really hope that 100gr Hotcore works well in it because that's what I finally decided to go with for my Featherweight in.257 Roberts. I haven't shot a deer with it yet so again I can't say for certain but I can say I have enough confidence in it that I have it loaded up for my rifle. And I decided on it because it shot so well in my rifle also. I just couldn't get the heavier bullets to shoot but the 100gr did. I hope that helps and you'll have to let me know how yours works out if you get a deer before I do with it.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Thanks for the reply. My rifle also doesn't like the heavier bullets like I hoped it would. I have had great luck with the 100 gr. barnes ttsx and the hotcor with a charge of h4350 around 3050fps CCI mag primers. 2" high @ 100 yards I'm around a 5.5" drop at 300yds. I shot some water jugs at 10 yards and the hotcor had a retained 50% of weight. I'm sure if I do my part, it will do just fine for deer.
@@bobd8553I am just now looking at comments and can recommend them for deer or elk they are kind of a hidden secret for hunting bullets but us old timers know well they are made and have seen them on hunts. Best bullets out their for their modest price🙌 The only reason I know is because of reloading 60+ years as well as being a hunter want a be and being a rifle fanatic of bolt action rifles with more then 2,500 bought traded and gave away! I have 3 sons who love to hunt and I spend as much time with them as I can shooting and trying different rifles to see what they are really like to own and hunt with!
As far as Mauser type hunting rifles I think the old BRNO 600\601 and the newer CZ 550 Lux rifles are a great blend of modern technology, Old World craftsmanship, and beautiful sculpture.
Congratulations Tom... Taking Yr time and having Pride in yr work has paid off and it shows. What a GREAT Looking Rifle... Every thing You Have said and touch on ...I AGREE 💯......Thank you for sharing....GOD BLESS
Thanks Jason, and I have to say if this one had been chambered in 264 Win it definitely wouldn't be my semi scary game woods gun. It would be my reach way out there and touch something rifle. That is one flat shooting cartridge and I can only image what it can do with todays slower burning powders.
Thanks Kent. I eventually developed my style and by the end I was doing a pretty good job. Fortunately I sort of figured out what mistakes would disappear with the final pass and sure enough they did and it all worked out. As frustrating as that was it was a great learning experience and I'm really happy I took that on.
It's a great looking rifle the old redfield scope good old scope red field scopes are very good scope like weaver scopes love the review very much thankyou
Thanks Tony, I'm really happy with how it turned out. And I agree about the old Refields and Weavers being good scopes. Just the fact that they're still here and working sort of says it all.
as fine a looking rifle as there ever was. Tom, you did an outstanding job on this beauty. If I'm not mistaken, those FN's started coming into the country under the Browning name in 59. This one would predate that. I can't hardly think anyone could disagree with your assessment of the Mauser action. Looking forward to some shots downrange. May I make a suggestion? For load and accuracy development, I would go back to higher magnification glass for that purpose and after you get your load for that rifle, mount the 1.5x5 back on it and then sight that scope in. Just my opinion but can't see obtaining best accuracy with a 5x scope. Thanks for sharing Tom.
You have a beautiful classic with the diamond inlay on stock. The only thing I don't like with the old classic stock is the cheek area needs to higher for scope use. I'd mount the scope as low as I can without the scope touching the barrel or bolt handle hitting the ocular bell of the scope. Your scope is a good match. That will be a fast handling rifle to shoot off hand. A true hunting rifle that would not be a sandbag queen . Practice off hand after you find your best load to where it feels like it is part of you.
my project rifle is a winchester mod 54 in 3006 mauser platform its actually getting rebluing as we speak bent bolt to accommodate a scope Timney trigger i re did the stock with linseed oil 5 coats. recoil pad next and a grip cap and bolt polish and crowning im exited for hunting season lol btw i got this rifle in a estate sale for 30$ Canadian yup i know its a crazy price and some have said its a collector however its mine and customized for me to my specs ,,, thanks for the videos and hello from Northern Ontario Canada ...be safe god bless
Now that was a deal! I've been keeping my open for a model 54 for some time just to try one. I want to see how they compare to the 1903 Springfield and the M70. I'm assuming they were a transition rifle between the two but I want know until I try one? Congrats on that one and that will make one great project rifle!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving thanks for the reply I love your channel I may post pics and video in the future I will keep you posted...probably in 3 months time...I'm excited lol
I love this! Perfect video in my mind. I don't have the words to describe it very well, but I love it. Very well done on more than one level and you're making me want to learn how to cut the checkering and use Boiled Linseed Oil too.
Thanks Roger. The linseed oil wasn't too bad but that checkering was a challenging slow tedious process! But now I can't wait to try it from scratch on the 1903a3!
Hey that rifle looks great 👍👍. I enjoy restoring old rifles as well. Would really like to hear more on your process of finishing with boiled linseed oil for a project I’m about to start and the same as you I’m looking for a more traditional finish then say something like tru-oil.
Tyler I looked hard at the 1x8 Vortex but they are made in China and I just can't support an evil communist government no matter how much I like the Vortex. Then I looked really hard at the Leupolds but to get a 1x that goes up to 5 power is just way to much money for a scope for a short to intermediate range rifle. And then I saw this old Redfield and I instantly knew that was the scope for this rifle.
Liked your video and you gave me an idea, I've got a two power Weaver scope that I just decided to put on my 35 Whelen for close up work. Since the 35 Whelen velocity drops so quickly long range work is not it's stronger features.
I have to start by saying I don't have first hand knowledge of the 35 Whelen. It's one of those cartridges that I hope to get a rifle chambered for one day but just haven't ran across one yet. But I have read some interesting things about it including that it was a very capable cartridge out to 300 yards. And I'm going to leave a link for you to an article that I think you will enjoy reading about the 35 Whelen: www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.35+Whelen.html
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Thanks for the article well I will try my 35 Whelen on some Nilgai we got out here in South Texas where I hunt. If I get one I'll send you some pictures and a little report on how it works out. Thanks again, Keep safe and Keep hunting.
Thanks Rod. I think I was as much relieved as proud? I had a lot of things that fell apart last week like getting up Wed morning and standing in front of a puddle of water because the freezer and fridge died during the night and it seemed like the world was determined to stopped me from getting the FN finished, but I managed to finish it! And I fixed the fridge. LOL I guess it's just a good feeling to be really challenged by things and end up meeting those challenges?
Great job on that gun, Tom! Work up a reduced load for practice, vermin maybe with a lead boolit. Is that a can of chew in your pocket or Redding Imperial sizing wax? 🤣
Probably one if each🤔😳🤣 where I grew up the girls chew as much as the guys do and they get into more fights too, the only problem for some reason they don’t always have their front teeth but they are still very sweet😳😱
You built yourself a beautiful rifle! With an awesome action as well. Pat yourself on the back, you did a great job. I think you oughta build another for a giveaway..... Lol. Just a hint.
Found the peep sights for sale $90 on skinner website, found new wooden stock $150 , gun parts corps. That rifle is awsome. Perfect set up . I want to finish mine up with a scope then ill be able to zero for 26 yards . Its from a website of point blank range.
It sounds like a really nice setup Dalan! And I'm glad you found the parts. I think just learning where to get parts when you need them is the biggest obstacle to really setting up a rifle? But once you know where to find them, and now you do, it doesn't take much to really dress up a fine old rifle. Congrats!
Im going with a scope. Im ordering the same warne maxima rails that you have. It has a thinner base and thicker base in rear. But i dont need the quick detach rings so i might go with some regular weaver rings or something. I found a 1.75 x 6 x20 ( i think ) scope for cheap so ill get it too. Then ill be set. Im also ordering a folding sight but them i might need the quick detach rings or see thru rings. If i want to use the iron sights. Which i might. So it can be a dangerous game rifle like yours. I love it.
Hey, Tom! Great job on the FN Mauser. I have a Santa Barbara Mauser that has quite a story behind it, and you've inspired me to pick it up again and get it finished as well as you have that FN. Have you taken any game with this rifle since this video was made? Thanks again.
That turned out great! Nice work! How are the 20mm objective scopes in low light at dawn and dusk? I've never had one but I'm seriously considering one for my Winchester model 70 woods rifle that I'll use here in Western NC.
Thanks Alan. I haven't gotten a chance to try it in low light but it should do well? The reason for the large objective lenses is for more light but you don't need as much light with lower magnification so it should be good? We'll find out soon and let you know.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I currently have a Leupold 2-7x33 on it and may just leave that on there. I can't decide. Can I ask you which checkering tools you bought? I'm thinking about trying my hand at checkering on this stock also.
Joe, everything I have seen from Tally has been top notch stuff including their mounts. The double screw recessed sling mounts I put on my 1903a3 were made by them and I would bet money they make those for Winchester Super Grade's because they were identical to the Winchester ones.
I shot 3 shots because its all i had. I can cover them up with a quarter, 2 shots almost in the same hole and 1 shot lower . 100 yards . Id say its ready for hunting now. The rifle was zeroed and i wanted to make sure that the scope and the rings are holding zero and yes it is. My buddy is reloading me some bullets since i was going to go buy a box and he told me he reloads for his 308 and 30.06. I gave him my once shot hornady brass thats silver .The mauser action is really good and i dont think ill ever trade or sell my 30.06 commercial mauser 98. I love my Centurion 123 30.06 springfield.
I appreciate your sentiment Bill but the Lord hasn't blessed Mrs. RIver and myself with children. But I do have a coupe of nephews that will probably enjoy it one day?
@@dirtfarmer7472 Fortunately the Lord has spared me the pain you have felt. Mrs. River and I married later in life and we hoped for kids but the likely hood of that happening are low and with odds going down daily.. I can say that not having kids is my one regret in life. With that said all I can do is make the most of all that he has blessed me with.
A friend of mine that was a gunsmith gave me a set of Brownells checkering tools for Christmas one year and taught me the art of hand checkering. I loved it! It is so relaxing and rewarding at the same time. I have since moved to the Philippines and miss doing things like that. I moved here to be with my wife and kids, but would never have left the US if someone hadn't broken into my home and stolen my gun collection as well as everything else that I had while I was away on a business trip. Anyway, keep up the good work on the videos bud! They keep me sane in this crazy country!
PS, NICE WORK!
Everyone needs a hobby a friend who was blind but loved to work with wood and made custom knives and reloading with his son watching over everything for 65 years and is 85 years old😳 never stop the things you love to do🙌
Love it. Old fashioned rifle, a real person down to earth with what looks like a dip can in his pocket. Great content!
As much as I appreciate older cartridges such as the 7x57 Mauser, the .30-06, the .303 British, the .222 Rem, the .300 H&H and the great .375 H&H, I also appreciate older actions. The Mauser '98 action is after all, now 123 years old. (The 7x57 cartridge is now 129 years old!)
The '98 action has been modified in a few ways such as putting the three position safety on the side, moving horizontally ala Win. Model 70 or using a variety of tang safeties like my Interarms Mk X ('98 type action made by Zastava) but the heart of the action has never been improved upon. Paul Mauser got it right all those years ago.
That man was a genius!
Tom, it’s such a pleasure to listen to your opinions and philosophies. Even if I wasn’t a gun enthusiast, I believe that I would enjoy your videos just the same. Regarding what you said about traditions; Donald Kingsbury said…Tradition is a set of solutions for which we have forgotten the problems. Throw away the solution and you get the problem back. I try to teach my kids this, however, adolescents and teenagers know way more than we do lol. Maybe they’ll figure it out when they’re my age. Thanks for what you do, sir.
That’s a fantastic rifle and great work on the stock.
You did really nice job refinishing that old 30-06
As a proud owner of a 1914 original Oberndorf factory sporter, and verified Mauser 98 purist. Your FN is second to few in machining quality, fit, and finish.
Boiled linseed oil is the only type of finish that doesn't depreciate the value of a firearm. You can buy an old rifle, use naturally based paint stripper, and refinish in boiled linseed oil and maintain or even help restore a rifles value.
Great channel and rifle selections. 😊
That is a fine rifle! You should be very proud of the completed rifle. I am envious! I especially like the inlays in the stock. Promise yourself, it will be with you till the end, when you can leave it to a family member or great friend.
I have to say, totally love what you've done here. Great video.
Mr River, I think you are an example of cheeky joy if ever there was one. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, you deserve it.
Tom, you’ve made that rifle more unique than it was before your project. Hopefully it’s one that will pass through your family through the generations, apprenticed. That’s what people hope to stumble upon at pawn shops and gun shows or gun stores that someone traded in to update. I know you appreciate and enjoy it for years to.come more than we your viewers have. Keep up the fireside conversations. Thanks 🙂.
And thank you Emmett, I appreciated that.
The time and effort you put into that rifle was worth it. The checkering, the bedding, the oiling combine to bring back a classic to where it should be. Something to be proud of for the rest of your life....excellent series of videos...looking fwd to the next installment. God Bless
Great project, beautiful rifle and loved your spiel on the 30-06 caliber history in a seperate video. God bless you too sir!
Thank you very much for that Roy.
Hi Tom from Scotland I have a Parker Hale in 243 cal. Just finished the stock after 2 coats of dye then double boiled linseed ( 10 coats) I'm well siuted with the outcome, and have been complimented on the finish I enjoy your videos informative and the 1 on bullets was great too take and good hunting 👏👏
Tom, Fantastic job I truly appreciate the work you've put in. That's a great looking rifle.
You did a great job. That is a very nice looking rifle and that scope fits right in.
Thanks Jim
I have a 1952 model 70 super grade in 270 win, that I inherited from my late father. The stock is not original, but was very skillfully made in keeping with the period, action, barrel etc. The stock is nicely figured, and is oil finished, which like you mentioned, is very practical for a hunting rifle. I do like other types of finishes, but the oil seems to bring out the natural warmth and color of the wood. Also, like your's, the optics are the Redfield Widefield, but in 3x9x40. In their heyday, Redfield was a quality scope.
I've been eyeing a 1954 Remington model 740 pump in 30 06 for sale with a refurbishing project in mind, your enthusiasm is definitely contagious. NICE WORK!
It's a gorgeous blast from the past and I much prefer it over most modern offerings, very much looking forward to the next episode!
Love how you learned how to do hand checkering to do it right. Excellent job.
Thanks Chris, but I have to admit I was worried that I had bitten off more than I could chew for a moment.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving only way to learn is get out of your comfort zone. and if there are flaws you have the satisfaction that there is no one else who would really care or blame you.
What a fine video you have made here. Your passion is shinning right through my screen. The philosophical Bob Ross for us hunters.
Thank you very much for that Bob. I have to admit I really enjoyed this video. I was absolutely exhausted when I made it. I left out just what a tough week that was from my fridge/freezer going out in the middle of the night and having to replace a compressor relay in it to dental work. But despite all of that I got it done and finishing this rifle was a really good feeling.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Glad the hard work is behind you...Well until the next modern convenience appliance breaks. I just had to replace a tankless water heater this week that was leaking from the heat exchanger. Plumbers wanted $4-5K to do it, what a joke. Bought a new one from the plumbing supply for $800 and had it installed in 3 hours. .......On a totally off topic question. Have you had any hunting experience with a speer Hotcor bullets? I have a .257 roberts Ruger hawkeye that loves them 100 grainers.
@@bobd8553 I have a little experience with the Hotcres. I took a buck last season with the 145gr 7mm Hotcore in my 7x57 but I can't really say how well it performed because it was a spine shot and any bullet would have done the job so I need to get a few under my belt with it before I can say for sure. With that said the Hotcores were the go to bullet for a lot of years for a lot of people and personally I think the only reason they fell out of favor was marketing from all of the new bullets? As for the .257 Roberts, I really hope that 100gr Hotcore works well in it because that's what I finally decided to go with for my Featherweight in.257 Roberts. I haven't shot a deer with it yet so again I can't say for certain but I can say I have enough confidence in it that I have it loaded up for my rifle. And I decided on it because it shot so well in my rifle also. I just couldn't get the heavier bullets to shoot but the 100gr did. I hope that helps and you'll have to let me know how yours works out if you get a deer before I do with it.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Thanks for the reply. My rifle also doesn't like the heavier bullets like I hoped it would. I have had great luck with the 100 gr. barnes ttsx and the hotcor with a charge of h4350 around 3050fps CCI mag primers. 2" high @ 100 yards I'm around a 5.5" drop at 300yds. I shot some water jugs at 10 yards and the hotcor had a retained 50% of weight. I'm sure if I do my part, it will do just fine for deer.
@@bobd8553I am just now looking at comments and can recommend them for deer or elk they are kind of a hidden secret for hunting bullets but us old timers know well they are made and have seen them on hunts. Best bullets out their for their modest price🙌 The only reason I know is because of reloading 60+ years as well as being a hunter want a be and being a rifle fanatic of bolt action rifles with more then 2,500 bought traded and gave away! I have 3 sons who love to hunt and I spend as much time with them as I can shooting and trying different rifles to see what they are really like to own and hunt with!
As far as Mauser type hunting rifles I think the old BRNO 600\601 and the newer CZ 550 Lux rifles are a great blend of modern technology, Old World craftsmanship, and beautiful sculpture.
Thank you for taking the time and effort into making this video for us! Cheers from Canada!
Outstanding.
you might want to explore Danish oil and Tung oil , the latter being the best but requires more time and input.
Congratulations Tom... Taking Yr time and having Pride in yr work has paid off and it shows. What a GREAT Looking Rifle... Every thing You Have said and touch on ...I AGREE 💯......Thank you for sharing....GOD BLESS
I have one in 264 Winchester magnum. Great action for sure. Nice job 👍
Thanks Jason, and I have to say if this one had been chambered in 264 Win it definitely wouldn't be my semi scary game woods gun. It would be my reach way out there and touch something rifle. That is one flat shooting cartridge and I can only image what it can do with todays slower burning powders.
Very nice job Tom. Really like the Boiled Linseed Oil finish. Your rifle came out fantastic.
Thanks Stephen. I really enjoyed using the boiled linseed oil. It was slow going between coats but definitely worth it.
Fine job, Tom. Beautiful firearm. Hope it serves you well for many years. Looking forward to seeing the first deer you take with it.
Thanks turn right. With any luck I'll be able to film some hunts this year with it?
That is a really beautiful rifle. Great job on it. I like the smell of Linseed oil. I have used it on stocks that I have redone.
Looks gorgeous and reminds me of Tarzan movies with that scope on it and those white diamonds. Good luck and God bless.
Looks good! Well done! Checkering is a whole nuther animal when it comes to gun work, good job.
Thanks Kent. I eventually developed my style and by the end I was doing a pretty good job. Fortunately I sort of figured out what mistakes would disappear with the final pass and sure enough they did and it all worked out. As frustrating as that was it was a great learning experience and I'm really happy I took that on.
Awesome job on the FN. Cant wait to see it at the range.
It's a great looking rifle the old redfield scope good old scope red field scopes are very good scope like weaver scopes love the review very much thankyou
Thanks Tony, I'm really happy with how it turned out. And I agree about the old Refields and Weavers being good scopes. Just the fact that they're still here and working sort of says it all.
as fine a looking rifle as there ever was. Tom, you did an outstanding job on this beauty. If I'm not mistaken, those FN's started coming into the country under the Browning name in 59. This one would predate that. I can't hardly think anyone could disagree with your assessment of the Mauser action. Looking forward to some shots downrange. May I make a suggestion? For load and accuracy development, I would go back to higher magnification glass for that purpose and after you get your load for that rifle, mount the 1.5x5 back on it and then sight that scope in. Just my opinion but can't see obtaining best accuracy with a 5x scope. Thanks for sharing Tom.
You have a beautiful classic with the diamond inlay on stock. The only thing I don't like with the old classic stock is the cheek area needs to higher for scope use. I'd mount the scope as low as I can without the scope touching the barrel or bolt handle hitting the ocular bell of the scope. Your scope is a good match. That will be a fast handling rifle to shoot off hand. A true hunting rifle that would not be a sandbag queen . Practice off hand after you find your best load to where it feels like it is part of you.
my project rifle is a winchester mod 54 in 3006 mauser platform its actually getting rebluing as we speak bent bolt to accommodate a scope Timney trigger i re did the stock with linseed oil 5 coats. recoil pad next and a grip cap and bolt polish and crowning im exited for hunting season lol btw i got this rifle in a estate sale for 30$ Canadian yup i know its a crazy price and some have said its a collector however its mine and customized for me to my specs ,,, thanks for the videos and hello from Northern Ontario Canada ...be safe god bless
Now that was a deal! I've been keeping my open for a model 54 for some time just to try one. I want to see how they compare to the 1903 Springfield and the M70. I'm assuming they were a transition rifle between the two but I want know until I try one? Congrats on that one and that will make one great project rifle!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving thanks for the reply I love your channel I may post pics and video in the future I will keep you posted...probably in 3 months time...I'm excited lol
@@realmetis8002 Please do!
I love this! Perfect video in my mind. I don't have the words to describe it very well, but I love it. Very well done on more than one level and you're making me want to learn how to cut the checkering and use Boiled Linseed Oil too.
Thanks Roger. The linseed oil wasn't too bad but that checkering was a challenging slow tedious process! But now I can't wait to try it from scratch on the 1903a3!
Great job Tom, you did a great job of a legendary rifle!
Thanks Robert
Hey that rifle looks great 👍👍. I enjoy restoring old rifles as well. Would really like to hear more on your process of finishing with boiled linseed oil for a project I’m about to start and the same as you I’m looking for a more traditional finish then say something like tru-oil.
Love your videos. Always interesting and informative
Thanks Stoney
I just knew it was gonna be a redfield scope.
Tyler I looked hard at the 1x8 Vortex but they are made in China and I just can't support an evil communist government no matter how much I like the Vortex. Then I looked really hard at the Leupolds but to get a 1x that goes up to 5 power is just way to much money for a scope for a short to intermediate range rifle. And then I saw this old Redfield and I instantly knew that was the scope for this rifle.
Liked your video and you gave me an idea, I've got a two power Weaver scope that I just decided to put on my 35 Whelen for close up work. Since the 35 Whelen velocity drops so quickly long range work is not it's stronger features.
I have to start by saying I don't have first hand knowledge of the 35 Whelen. It's one of those cartridges that I hope to get a rifle chambered for one day but just haven't ran across one yet. But I have read some interesting things about it including that it was a very capable cartridge out to 300 yards. And I'm going to leave a link for you to an article that I think you will enjoy reading about the 35 Whelen: www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.35+Whelen.html
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Thanks for the article well I will try my 35 Whelen on some Nilgai we got out here in South Texas where I hunt. If I get one I'll send you some pictures and a little report on how it works out. Thanks again, Keep safe and Keep hunting.
That is a very good looking rifle!
Thanks Jeff
Great video! Great rifle! I can tell you’re proud, and you should be!
Thanks Rod. I think I was as much relieved as proud? I had a lot of things that fell apart last week like getting up Wed morning and standing in front of a puddle of water because the freezer and fridge died during the night and it seemed like the world was determined to stopped me from getting the FN finished, but I managed to finish it! And I fixed the fridge. LOL I guess it's just a good feeling to be really challenged by things and end up meeting those challenges?
Was it tapped are you do it ,can you show how.
Hey Tom, what kind of scope mounts are you using? I have same rifle and I have problem. Find the mounts.
Great job!
Great job on that gun, Tom! Work up a reduced load for practice, vermin maybe with a lead boolit. Is that a can of chew in your pocket or Redding Imperial sizing wax? 🤣
Probably one if each🤔😳🤣 where I grew up the girls chew as much as the guys do and they get into more fights too, the only problem for some reason they don’t always have their front teeth but they are still very sweet😳😱
You built yourself a beautiful rifle! With an awesome action as well. Pat yourself on the back, you did a great job. I think you oughta build another for a giveaway..... Lol. Just a hint.
Pretty work
It's beautiful and I suspect it's not done making memories.
Thanks Jerrold, and I hope not.
Found the peep sights for sale $90 on skinner website, found new wooden stock $150 , gun parts corps. That rifle is awsome. Perfect set up . I want to finish mine up with a scope then ill be able to zero for 26 yards . Its from a website of point blank range.
It sounds like a really nice setup Dalan! And I'm glad you found the parts. I think just learning where to get parts when you need them is the biggest obstacle to really setting up a rifle? But once you know where to find them, and now you do, it doesn't take much to really dress up a fine old rifle. Congrats!
Im going with a scope. Im ordering the same warne maxima rails that you have. It has a thinner base and thicker base in rear. But i dont need the quick detach rings so i might go with some regular weaver rings or something. I found a 1.75 x 6 x20 ( i think ) scope for cheap so ill get it too. Then ill be set. Im also ordering a folding sight but them i might need the quick detach rings or see thru rings. If i want to use the iron sights. Which i might. So it can be a dangerous game rifle like yours. I love it.
Tom you have that flare like the checkering
Thanks Joe!
Hey, Tom! Great job on the FN Mauser. I have a Santa Barbara Mauser that has quite a story behind it, and you've inspired me to pick it up again and get it finished as well as you have that FN. Have you taken any game with this rifle since this video was made?
Thanks again.
The culmination of some fine work and worth the wait.
Thanks, and now to get it back to the range and see just what we have here!
Love it! I’ll buy it, if you ever decide to sell it.
Thanks Tom, but I suspect I'll be hanging on to this one.
That turned out great! Nice work! How are the 20mm objective scopes in low light at dawn and dusk? I've never had one but I'm seriously considering one for my Winchester model 70 woods rifle that I'll use here in Western NC.
Thanks Alan. I haven't gotten a chance to try it in low light but it should do well? The reason for the large objective lenses is for more light but you don't need as much light with lower magnification so it should be good? We'll find out soon and let you know.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I currently have a Leupold 2-7x33 on it and may just leave that on there. I can't decide. Can I ask you which checkering tools you bought? I'm thinking about trying my hand at checkering on this stock also.
Talley mounts ,you have a thought on them.
Joe, everything I have seen from Tally has been top notch stuff including their mounts. The double screw recessed sling mounts I put on my 1903a3 were made by them and I would bet money they make those for Winchester Super Grade's because they were identical to the Winchester ones.
I have Talley on my personal guns I have few complaints
I shot 3 shots because its all i had. I can cover them up with a quarter, 2 shots almost in the same hole and 1 shot lower . 100 yards . Id say its ready for hunting now. The rifle was zeroed and i wanted to make sure that the scope and the rings are holding zero and yes it is. My buddy is reloading me some bullets since i was going to go buy a box and he told me he reloads for his 308 and 30.06. I gave him my once shot hornady brass thats silver .The mauser action is really good and i dont think ill ever trade or sell my 30.06 commercial mauser 98. I love my Centurion 123 30.06 springfield.
And it will probably out last us both! Great actions.
Looks great 👍
Thanks Rick
It’s beautiful!
Amen, Tom. Amen
Right on the money.
Thanks Woodsman
Don't dry fast but looks so good and old school.Old timers way.
This rifle will become a part of your estate to be enjoyed by your kids & grandkids
I appreciate your sentiment Bill but the Lord hasn't blessed Mrs. RIver and myself with children. But I do have a coupe of nephews that will probably enjoy it one day?
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving No kids that’s kinda boring
I’m in the same boat, a little different, I hope, mine died 1979, it sucks !!!
@@dirtfarmer7472 Fortunately the Lord has spared me the pain you have felt. Mrs. River and I married later in life and we hoped for kids but the likely hood of that happening are low and with odds going down daily.. I can say that not having kids is my one regret in life. With that said all I can do is make the most of all that he has blessed me with.
She's a beauty
It's really nic3 looking rifle
I have to say I have been thrilled with how this one turned out. It has become one of my favorite rifles.
My dad gave me the same scope!
Mauser > all others
Happy shooting
Thanks Tony!
Some modern actions are better, but almost all copied from the Mauser.