Ladies and Gentlemen,

Below is a link to some pictures of my new rifle

http://community.webshots.com/album/24744328bTBSPtqdOC

It is by Roger Biesen in Spokane, Washington. A Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester action in .375 H&H. 23.5 inch Douglass Premium barrel. Leupold VariX-III 1.75x6 scope mounted on Biesen quick release scope mounts (rotate the back lever forward then turn the scope 1/4 turn to the left and lift out). Weight is approximately 9lbs (empty and without scope). Jewelled bolt and follower. The stock is California English walnut. Cost is less than a comparably equipped Dakota.

I haven't fired it yet, but will post a range report later this week. The wood to metal finish is excellent. What I am most pleased about is the "pointability" of the rifle. When quickly mounted to my shoulder with the scope removed, the iron sites are perfectly aligned. The grip size is excellent (I sent Roger an outline of my right hand).

My only issues with the rifle are: (1) it is a bit barrel heavy (but I have been hunting with lightweight rifles almost exclusively for the past three years, so I probably just need to get used to a standard weight rifle) and (2) the finish on the stock has some imperfections (when viewed at certain angles to the light, you can see swirl marks in the matte finish).

Regards,

Terry

P.S.
I was hesitant to post the pictures because I realize that everyone can not afford a custom rifle. I didn't want to be perceived as "bragging." But I thought most would enjoy seeing the pictures.

A truly beautiful rifle...thanks for sharing. If it only shoots half as good as it looks you have a real winner. Question? How long did it take?

Great rifle,
Beautiful finish, the stock looks superb.
Congrats

DB Bill,

14 months. But in June I ordered a .416 Remington from Roger and it will be here by the first of the year (6 months).

Regards,

Terry

Beautiful, beautiful gun!

If that's bragging, brag away!

Thanks for sharing, Joe.

Very, very nice. A working rifle done to very high standards. Enjoy it.

redleg

I take it Roger is the son or, perhaps the Grandson of Al Beisen? Jack O'Conner always made a point of mentioning "stocked by Al Beisen". Lovely work, indeed.

Met a guy from Boise in April in Zim that had a similar Mod. 70, in 458 Lott. The Beisen "kid" does it as well as his old man.

Nickudu,

Roger is Al's son. Al is 85 years old. I am uncertain of Roger's age.

I believe Al did about 35 rifles and shotguns for Jack O'Connor.

The Biesen's have a website

http://pages.prodigy.net/biesencgp/biesenweb.html

Regards,

Terry

I love Roger's work, and your .375 H&H is a real beauty! Biesen rifles are built to hunt with. The stock shape is just about perfect for scope use, and Al and Roger are bright enough to put on truly weather-proof finishes that'll stand up to just about anything. All I can say is, congratulations!

AD

WOW. Simply gorgeous. Excuse me while I dry the drool from my chin and shirt....

Canuck

Terry,

I think you will learn to appricate the heavier barrel.

My pre-64 is ten pounds with 4X scope and sling. Also muzzle heavy. Easy to shoot prone or off hand.

May I ask if this was under or over $5,000???

A beauty.

Andy

Andy,

A little bit over(due primarily to the cost of the wood).

You can get the basic Dakota Safari Grade for less. By the time you pay for all of the "options" to the Dakota (jewelled bolt, checkered bolt knob, fluer-de-lis checkering, wood upgrade, custom length of pull, scope rings and bases) you are way past the cost of the Biesen. I'm not knocking Dakota, just using it as a benchmark.

Regards,

Terry

[This message has been edited by T.Carr (edited 11-07-2001).]

HI,

I am also looking for a DGR and looking at many different gunsmith. I am very impressed with your rifle,it is nice.KEV

Terry, congratulations, that rifle is beautiful. Roger does excellent work, and I think the equal of his father. He is an incredible metalsmith being trained as a machinist.

The wood is fantastic, god I love looking at these things.

Chic

Hey, you stole MY rifle! Looks just like the one he built for me many years ago! I hope yours brings as much joy to your hunting as mine has for me.

Absolutely beautiful!!! Enjoy it!

Terry,

Outstanding rifle!! I hope it will be as "lucky" as it is beautiful.

Good shooting,
Jim

Hey

Biesen makes really nice rifles. I'not much for gold and all the fancy engarving.
Hope that it will serve you well during many hunts.

CLASSIC! a beautiful rifle.

Excellent work. A .375 and a .416. Any plans for a third? .270, 7X57, etc? TTS

TTS,

No plans for a third rifle. You would not believe what I went through to get my wife to "approve" ordering the .416 REM.

Regards,

Terry

[Quote]
"The stock is California English walnut. Cost is less than a comparably equipped Dakota."

Is that a "Dodge" Dakota?

Stunning, Terry. What an incredible piece of wood, too. How do you avoid sitting on the couch all evening just caressing it?

Hmmm. If I cancel next year's safari, I can have one just like it!

Rifle... Safari... Rifle... Safari...

Oh well. sitting here on the brink of the half-century mark, I've got to get to Africa once.

Congratulations,
Rick.