Levergun on safari

[schauckis]

Hello fellows,
Time to chime in after a long break.
I've told you before about my customized m/ 1895 Winchester - well, it finally saw action in Namibia.
I'm too lazy to re-write the post, so please, follow this link to AR's forum:
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve ... 5321020341

- Lars/Finland

[gamekeeper]

Great report.

[CEMENTHEAD]

Great job and fantastic trip report!

I really like your 1895, can you give us the specifics on it?

Thanks, Tom

[schauckis]

Thanks, Tom!

I've posted the details of my gun before: http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =1&t=21944

In brief, it's one of the guns originally supplied to the Russian czar before the revolution, i.e. year of manufacture is 1917.
The original chambering is 7,62x53R which has been modified to 8,2x53R i.e. it shoots .323" bullets.

Laterly, since the gun was already "molested" and thus had little collector value and since I wanted to have a usable lever action, I had it modified:
- sights altered to Recknagel adjustable items
- quick sling mounts (also Recknagel) fitted
- picatinny rail for the red dot sight/scope fitted
- new stock: longer than the original with a decent recoil pad and less drop. I chose laminate as I like the looks, the weight of it tames the recoil quite a bit and additionally it's very weather-tolerant.
- the barrel was cut by about 2", almost 3"
- take-down feature
In summary, pretty much only the action remains original...!
The work was conducted and much of the practical ideas about how to materialize my thoughts were by JP Gunsmith http://www.jp-gunsmith.fi/

As the chambering is a semi-wildcat only loaded by Sako with the 200grs Hammerhead bullet, I ended up testing some bullets to find a good choice for general hunting.
The Nosler AB is a well-working and simply astonishingly accurate bullet. I have yet to take game with the Rhino bullets that I also obtained, but I hope to shoot moose this season using them.

- Lars/Finland

[TedH]

Congratulations! Looks like a heck of a good time.

[MrMurphy]

Interesting.

When venturing into nearly full-custom weapons, another reason to "really really really" test your weapon. I didn't think you'd have a hot/cold problem.

[Old Savage]

Interesting story, thanks. Like to see more on your rifle.

[Hobie]

Interesting.

When venturing into nearly full-custom weapons, another reason to "really really really" test your weapon. I didn't think you'd have a hot/cold problem.

I'd like to know why that system used for the takedown should have heat differential problems. Looks like you just screw the gun together. Also, whether or not Winchester ever heard of such problems in hot weather because I've never read such comments on the Winchester system.

[Ben_Rumson]

Wow..Custom Levergun Safari.. Very cool!!! .. Great report/story.. Sorry to hear the take down feature gave warm weather accuracy problems .........Darn the luck... You'll just have to take the fun and build another LeverGun for African heat