c-g-designs

Some considerations on single shot Long Range Actions .

        Before the apparition of the Schultz-Larsen M62 in 1962,all the Match actions were repeater models derivates on which the feeding well was simply not cut. This placed the trigger well behind it, therefore extending tjhe OAL of the receiver. Moreover, even if the underside port absence increased rigidity,this remained inferior to those of a compact stiff action with reduced openings.  

        Interfacing with the stock was also not considered for those models (at least for european models) as important than for the Long Range, not more than the recoil absorption. Bedding, a necessity for the Long Range actions, was considered as neglectible by numerous european manufacturers (Gruenig-Elmiger and Tanner for instance) .

        A very popular model of the time saw its bedding treated as those of a 50 metre UIT system, with a ridiculously small recoil lug and no bedding screw at the rear

        The situation has not much evelved since, the single shot actions are still evolutions from repeaters. Even a popular actual model, designed around 1994 as a Long Range action has repeater dimensions,with 2 bedding screws, one at front and the second amidship, with none at the rear. A third screw can be placed between the two others, whose head serves as recoil lug !!. This much forward  bedding screws arrangement hardly allow the bearing  of long and heavy barrels such as used in the Long Range. Moreover, the bearing on the bedding is uneven because the absence of a bedding screw at the rear.

        As the Long Range prone shooting is practised on rough uneven firing points, it is important to be able to cycle and feed without having, from one shot to the other, modify the position of the elbow on the ground and for this, the loading port must be as much as possible to the rear. This condition can nonly be obtained  with an action specially designed, moving away from the concept of the repeater mechanisms.

        It is what was understood by Shultz-Larsen as early as 1962 and who was adapted  by George Swenson on the Swing for all their models and subsequent derivates up to the C.G INCH. To my k nowledge, it does not exist real competitive  equivalent . 

        A specific Long Range single shot action must :

        1°) Be SHORT. A Remington Short Action has a lenght of 200mm (8inches)  when its specific Long Range action is 187mm (7.36’’).

        2°) Be stiff, cylindric or octagonal shape with minimal size openings. Such a silhouette allow for an excellent bedding.

        3°) Have a sufficient recoil absorption surface, preferably the rear face of the receiver which allow  the recoil transmission at an angle close to parallel with the barrel axis.

        4°) Have 2 bedding screws as much apart as possible. It is preferable to have a third screw situated 35 to 50mm (1.5 to 2’’) fron the front one.

        5°) And the most important, object of this article : Have the loading port the most possible to the rear in order to allow feeding without disturbinhg the shooter’s position.

        On a Remington 700, as on most of the actions actually available, the distance from the action rear face to the rear of the loading port is some 100mm (4inches),when for the Millenium and INCH for instance, this distance is 48millimetres (1.89’’).

        The videohttps://youtu.be/ExlqHvgDqS0    demonstrate this feeding,bolt cycling and firing an INCH action. It is to notice the totally linear recoil movement. The shooter is Nate Guernsey, a prominent US Palma shooter.

R.G.C

07-2017