Yep, what I want is a "gentleman's" lightweight "carry-around" rifle in a centerfire cartridge.

Because of failing eyesight, it will have to be scoped. I will probably scope it with a small, straight tubed scope. Probably 2 or 3 power.

I am torn between two calibers:
1 - 25/20 or
2 - .32 H&R Magnum

I want this to be the "near perfect" small game gun. I want a light, single shot action. If I could find an original rook rifle in decent shape for a reasonable price, I would consider that. Otherwise, a low wall or something similar might be the way to go. I could, of course, go with a small martini action. In fact, that may be the practical way to go. I could use an intermediate eye relief scope mounted where the rear sight would go. Then it would be easy to carry at the balance point and certainly the small martini would be "hell for stout".

This interest anyone? How about you, Froggie?

Dale53

Dale,

I second Glenn's reply wholeheartedly.  I have a low wall, .25-20 (wcf) with a #1 octagon 28  inch barrel.  It's a real beater, no blue, relined barrel, vise marks, and a burned stock.  It is still my favorite carry rifle, and it is accurate.  Good for small game out to about 125 yds.  I'd also consider a .22 hornet, but would prefer it to be on a high wall action.   

If you don't want to build one, consider a contender carbine with a .22 hornet barrel.  I have a hornet in 21 inch now, and have had one in 16 inch before.  The 16 inch was fun to carry.  Another neat light carry rifle is a TCR.    

No matter what I say about the TC's, (I have both, and several barrels for each) but I always pick up the low wall first.   

Good luck!

dave

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And no, unfortunately it is not mine, courtesy of TJ, the owner of the rifle...

Dale53, et al,

    I have for several years been working on what I perceive to be the perfect AMERICAN version of the "Rook Rifle."  Maybe mine should be called a "Crow Rifle" or some such due to its place of birth, but that's the idea, a lightweight, walking around rifle for (as JDS or XX grampa once called it) "Woods Loafing."

    My project rifle is a slick side low-wall for maximum petite-ness, has a Green Mtn octagon bbl originally designed for use on 1892 Winchesters (read "light weight - less than a #1") and a little bit of scratching by our favorite engraver.  It is now at the point of needing just a little more polishing before it goes out to have its little receiver case hardened in color.  

    Like many of my (our?) projects, this one started out simple and quick but keeps growing and getting more time consuming.  I now hope to beat the onset of Social Security with its completion.  

    Have a Martini?  I don't even LIKE GIN!!  

Let the FLAMES BEGIN!!
Froggie

PS  It's a .25-20 SS in deference to the time of classic single shots that this one emulates.  GF

I was going to stay out of this, but after the Frog threw down the glove...well, somebody has to pick it up! Anyway, MY ideal rook rifle would be a small frame martini (takedown if I could locate one), 32 H&R Magnum, Half round / half octagon barrel about 26-28", horn tipped forend attached with a wedge, Cadet style buttplate, BSA #8 folding tang sight with a barrel banded front sight. Unfortunately, by the time I get around to making one, I may have to go the scope route for sights  Knowing your fondness for the 32 H&R Dale, why not? While not a single shot, I have one of the Marlin 1894CB 32 H&R rifles and it is very accurate. Took a squirrel with it a couple of weeks ago and it worked quite nicely.

This was listed today and suspect it’s already sold,  a nice rook. 


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Thanks Glenn! As Comblains go, I thought this one was the only one I'd ever seen that had any good looks. It's also the only small framed Comblain I've ever seen. I like the Comblain's forearm shape a little better than the small Martini's forearm shape. It seems to have a little more character.

Gert and Ed:

Why am I not surprised that you two came out in favor of the Martini? 


Gert, that little scoped Martini is cuter than a bug's ear. I have never seen a scope like that. It obviously has a long eye relief. 

I have a couple Belgian baby rook rifles here for some work, both .22 rimfire. One is a Martini action, the other a break action, both of high quality. It is desired that they be scoped and we were trying to find information on the type of scopes that were used on such rifles. Do you have any more examples of scope Rook Rifles or any other information that might help. Thanks!

Glenn