Macchina
Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2006
- Messages
- 998
My first rifle was a synthetic Model 70 circa 2002 chambered in 300 Win Mag. The rifle was too much for me and on my first shot I shattered the plastic grip cap... I superglued it back together and sold the rifle the next year.
Fast forward 13 years and a week ago I bought a much nicer FN Winchester Model 70 in 30-06. This gun is finished very nicely with a perfectly inletted walnut stock that is internally sealed and epoxy bedded. The metal on this gun is perfect and it’s a much nicer package than I expected it to be... Until you see the plastic grip cap. This wart really interrupts the flowing lines of the stock with its non-tangent curves and glossary plastic finish. I understand you have to cut cost somewhere, but this guy really is out of place on an otherwise very nice rifle.
Something had to change. I looked at the steel grip caps offered online but at $40 shipped with some fitting needed and blueing required I figured I’d have a couple hours working on it so why not just start from scratch?
I worked metal for years in a previous job but no longer have access to the mill, laser, and finishing tools I once did. I do have a grinder and a small supply of O1 tool steel in my garage so I decided to do this by hand. It got down to -20° F last night so I had to grind with many breaks going back inside when my knuckles went numb (don’t ever grind with gloves on).
My operation was crude, but I had a blast working the steel and I think I’ll end up liking the hand-made version a lot more than if I had just CNC milled a part from the beginning. I started with a plate of steel and have the goal of doing this project completely freehand. I cut (hacksaw) and ground (bench wheel grinder) then hand sanded (120 grit -240 grit – Scotchbrite) it to a matte finish. I don’t know if I’ll polish it before bluing it or leave it satin. I have never cold blued O1 steel before so any advice would be great. I might just drop it off at finishing shop I used to use and see if they’ll dunk it with someone else’s batch for a few bucks. There is always a risk loss or dents with this so I think I’d rather see what I can get with cold blue or maybe even a hot vinegar bath.
I’ll try to remember to post pictures of the finished product after it has color and is mounted on the Model 70…
Fast forward 13 years and a week ago I bought a much nicer FN Winchester Model 70 in 30-06. This gun is finished very nicely with a perfectly inletted walnut stock that is internally sealed and epoxy bedded. The metal on this gun is perfect and it’s a much nicer package than I expected it to be... Until you see the plastic grip cap. This wart really interrupts the flowing lines of the stock with its non-tangent curves and glossary plastic finish. I understand you have to cut cost somewhere, but this guy really is out of place on an otherwise very nice rifle.
Something had to change. I looked at the steel grip caps offered online but at $40 shipped with some fitting needed and blueing required I figured I’d have a couple hours working on it so why not just start from scratch?
I worked metal for years in a previous job but no longer have access to the mill, laser, and finishing tools I once did. I do have a grinder and a small supply of O1 tool steel in my garage so I decided to do this by hand. It got down to -20° F last night so I had to grind with many breaks going back inside when my knuckles went numb (don’t ever grind with gloves on).
My operation was crude, but I had a blast working the steel and I think I’ll end up liking the hand-made version a lot more than if I had just CNC milled a part from the beginning. I started with a plate of steel and have the goal of doing this project completely freehand. I cut (hacksaw) and ground (bench wheel grinder) then hand sanded (120 grit -240 grit – Scotchbrite) it to a matte finish. I don’t know if I’ll polish it before bluing it or leave it satin. I have never cold blued O1 steel before so any advice would be great. I might just drop it off at finishing shop I used to use and see if they’ll dunk it with someone else’s batch for a few bucks. There is always a risk loss or dents with this so I think I’d rather see what I can get with cold blue or maybe even a hot vinegar bath.
I’ll try to remember to post pictures of the finished product after it has color and is mounted on the Model 70…
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