Dr Phil-
Thanks for posting the photos of your project. We're all looking forward to your report on how it shoots.
A question: How did your smith adapt the barrel to the action. The problem was briefly outlined in one of the older threads:
Budding bolt rifle project.
You have indicated that your smith used something like a Savage barrel nut to solve the problems. I don't see any evidence of such a nut in your photos. Could you explain how it works?
From appearances in your photos, I'd guess that he turned off some of the barrel for a short length at the breech end and then installed a sleeve of a suitable diameter somewhat larger than the barrel diameter. Then it would be a simple matter to thread the sleeve to fit the action. However, appearances can be really deceiving.
Thanks for any information.
--Bob