Question about building a silhouette rifle

[ret]

I am building ( modifying) a Russian URAL 1 target for a silhouette gun. These rifles are very accurate, but it need to lose weight.

Here is my question for experienced Silhouette shooters. The top of the receiver needs to be altered for an optics mounting. I will mill the receiver top flat. I have been gunsmithing for 30 years, but no longer as a living. (High liability and low pay.)

The Russian target rifles are as good or better that anything I have ever worked on, in terms of mechanics and function (accuracy). The finishes are always very Russian, .... short on looks. Accuracy is on par OR BETTER than ANY rimfire made, in my opinion. This is a 3 lug rifle, and is heavier construction than my Remington 37 or my Winchester 52b. This action is a URAL 1, has a barrel attached with a 1.125 dia. chamber area and a 1.437 long threaded shank that is .750 in diameter. Their wood is a low grade beech. Large cracks in the wrist areas are very common. Checkering is TERRIBLE!! ( Pressed checkering is usually better.) These guns are great for a hobby gunsmith. Almost anything is an improvement in how they look, but functioning ( accuracy) will rival any target rimfire.

If you can find one, it is more than worth the money.

Back to the question. I am altering the stock to be used with erect head and neck. What types of scope base and rings would be good to look at. The receiver will be milled flat fore and aft of loading port, or just aft. The front is rounded and the back is flat, but at a slight angle, so it must be machined. I think a want a Weaver type of one piece base. I have along neck and arms for my height. ( 6' )

Any experienced suggestions?

RET






ALL PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND AT: http://s602.photobucket.com/albums/tt107/cet1921/

Any thoughts?

[Jetmugg]

Sounds like a great project. Hopefully one of the better silhouette gunsmiths will speak up on this one.

My 2 cents would be to mill an 11mm "Euro" style dovetail into the top of the receiver. This would make the mounting the same as commonly used on the CZ and Anschutz rifles, and would keep your action "Euro spec".

Regardless of your choice, there will be plenty of ring choices available. Since you will be on a diet to lose weight, you might want to talk to one of the well known silhouette gunsmiths about a set of lightweight custom rings, built specifically for the height you need.

SteveM.

[Bob Mc Alice]

If it were mine, I would take advantage of the existing reciever sight dovetail. Make a custom aluminum picatinny style base or one with a simple dovetail groove with a right angle to grip the dovetail on the gun. You could tailor it to the height you need. Maybe Brownells has something you could modify.

I think it would be kind of a shame to mill away that unique reciever geometry and USSR markings.

[Bob259]

If it were mine, I would take advantage of the existing reciever sight dovetail. Make a custom aluminum picatinny style base or one with a simple dovetail groove with a right angle to grip the dovetail on the gun. You could tailor it to the height you need. Maybe Brownells has something you could modify.

I think it would be kind of a shame to mill away that unique reciever geometry and USSR markings.

I agree with Bob.