A chamber cast would conclusively determine calibre, 6.5x57 Mauser or the later Roberts wildcat. Almost identical except minor dimensions. Both good cartridges.
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A chamber cast would conclusively determine calibre, 6.5x57 Mauser or the later Roberts wildcat. Almost identical except minor dimensions. Both good cartridges.
The dimensions engraved on the barrel by Sako are the dimensions of .257 Roberts. They did NOT engrave 6.5x57. I don't think anyone at Sako has great fun in marking a barrel 6.3x57 of which the caliber in fact is 6.5x57. So what for a chamber cast when the caliber has determined?
If it answers finally, I obtained two boxes of .257 Roberts ammo. They chamber perfectly.
Looking at the original photos again it is surprising that they didn't line the slot in which the guides for the foregrip run. Or perhaps there are long brass or aluminum "male" guide rails under the grip which distribute the load well enough that nothing else is needed.
Curious to see how it handles and groups...
I wouldn't normally expect tack-driver performance from a rifle of this layout, but given the overall level of workmanship, and the fact that it's a quality barrel that seems to be floated. we could very well be pleasantly surprised.
I can only speculate that this rifle was designed for some sort of running game, hence the pump action. I wish we could hear from someone who had knowledge of it's origins. I'm dying to pick the brain of the man who dreamt this up.
I bought this rifle in an auction in Finland. Therefore there is no information on its origin available.
Since it lacks the buttplate and I don't really bother on making one for it plus I'd need to fit a scope to shoot it, I think I'll rather sell it off this way. Yet have to make up my mind on what I should ask for it.
I can see where it would be hard to know what to put on it for a price; it's definitely a bit of an odd duck, that's for sure. The fact that it's so different might discourage the run-of-the-mill buyers, certainly, but the excellent quality of the components and workmanship, plus the sheer ingenuity of the whole design, would certainly appeal to real enthusiasts. As a diehard Ross fan I'd love to own it myself, but as you an I have already discussed, the political situation here in my country makes that impossible at this time. Your best bet to get a good sale might be another auction, perhaps one of the high-profile auction houses in the U.K., which would probably get better exposure to the American market. I'm supposing it would be easier to get it into the U.K. than trying to send it to an auction house in the U.S. Just don't forget to mention that it's .257 Roberts!