I received an e-mail from JudgeG today. He informed me that when he came to dinner at my house tonight, he would have a surprise for me. The e-mail said that is was quite a surprise, and he wanted me to spend the day wondering what he was up to. When he showed up, he had a customized Winchester 404 Jeffrey that he had acquired, and after I drooled over it for a bit, he presented me with a CZ 458 Lott that had been customized by Roger Ferrell. I was stunned and stood looking at the rifle in disbelief. I couldn't believe that he was giving such a beautiful rifle to me. But, then I thought about what a great person JudgeG is. My friendship with him has spanned a decade, and we have shared many hunts. We have hunted Africa, Manitoba, and Georgia. He is like a member of my family, and is always there for us as a friend. My wife and daughter as well as the rest of my family think a lot of him, and he is now and has always been the consumate outdoorsman. There are many trophies in this sport we all hold so dear, and the friendships we forge as a result of our efforts, are worth more than anything we can hang on a wall. Thanks JudgeG, from the bottom of my heart. We took the rifles out for a bit of test firing today, and they both shot as well as they look. Here are some pictures.

My CZ









JudgeG's 404









The only condition that JudgeG put on my rifle, was that I had to kill and elephant with it. Since I am booked for 21 days in Tanzania next year, I am going to do everything possible to hold up my end of the bargain. Afterall, what are friends for ??????

Looks like congratulations are due all around for some very nice rifles.

Wow! Now that is neat. Nice looking rifle, congratulations on your gift and congratulations on your friendship.

I always figured ole Judge for one of the good guys.

Judge, that was one hell of nice gesture.
CHEERS!!

Darn, all my hunting buddy gave me was a LH Savage in .30-06 and a Savage 93 LH, HB, in .17HMR! I think I'm going to have to talk to Brett about this.

Roger Ferrell does lovely work based on the guns that we've seen in pics of work done for JudgeG.

'Twas a very nice thing for the Judge to have done. Certainly a gift to a cherished friend. Be happy.

Mr. Lott and Mr. Jeffery would indeed have been proud.

You're indeed a lucky man to have such a great friend as Ernest. Since I know you both, both of you are equally fortunate. The rifle's beautiful BTW, and I'm sure you'll put it to great use, but it's the friendship that's priceless! Hope to see you guys soon. jorge

1115,

Congratulations! You are blessed to have such a wonderful friend. The maker was Roger Ferrell of Fayetteville, GA? Yes? Not Richard. I was lucky enough to stop by Rogers' shop when he was completing that fine rifle for JudgeG. Truly nice work!

Hugh,

You are right, it's Roger not Richard. JudgeG sent me an e-mail this morning gently correcting me. I have edited the post to correct my mistake. Thanks for the compliments on the rifle.

Beautiful rifle! JudgeG, you are a class act!

Congratulations!

Yes, I would say Ernest is wonderful friend! Even without the present!

judge g is a class act!

is it better to have another safe queen or give a special friend a true gift that he will appreciate his whole life? judge g knows the answer...good for him and i am glad you will enjoy it. just post pics and hunting reports

p.s. i wish i had a 404 jeffe soon enough soon enough...maybe my std action short neck jeffe

"...There are many trophies in this sport we all hold so dear, and the friendships we forge as a result of our efforts, are worth more than anything we can hang on a wall..."

My friend I think you've summed up an attraction of "the outdoor sports" in a way no non-hunter can ever understand.

The absolute beauty of true friendship and sportsmanship locked in awarm embrace... How sweet it is. I truly hope that you make good on your end of the bargin. You are rich in many ways, but especially the most important one, humanity.



Good hunting.

Dale- I hope SBT reads this thread so he will know how to treat me!

That was a really nice gesture from the Judge. IMO, friendship is the most important thing a person can have. Congratulations!

John