Forgive me all, as this might not be the absolutely correct forum for this, but as we've already shown some .458 Lott rifles built by Canyon Creek Customs, I wanted to show this one off as well. In addition, I think those of us in the African Hunting forum probably have the greatest appreciation of something like this.

Like me .458 Lott that LeRoy and Connie Barry built, this gun is done in Bastogne Walnut, that I bought from a local Las Vegas wood broker. The engraving and checkering are all based on the African lion (with the exception of the silver grip cap that is engraved with a Sable. The checkering includes African Spear points and lion's tails (similar to .458LottFan's .458 M77).

This was originally a run-of-the-mill M70 Safari Classic with an extrordinarily plain stock. Thanks for looking. I'm really looking forward to taking it to Africa in 2008.

Well thought out rifle. Fit for a king.

Are you apprehensive about getting it scratched?

Great wood

Thats almost too nice to take to the bush. Good luck on the hunt

Very nice.

Great looking rifle! I really like the checkering and the engraving. Hell, I like it all!

A man could learn to appreciate a rifle like that! What wood.

Man, the front scope base is overhanging the ejection port!
Is that a simple set of 2-piece Redfield-type non-QD mounts?
Room for improvement here!
I would start with some Leupold QRW's and work my way up from there if price is more meaningful than function and beauty in this department.

The rest of the GUN is indeed beautiful.

Thanks everyone.

quote:

Are you apprehensive about getting it scratched?

I guess I need to be worried, but I can't be. It was built to hunt with and that's what I intend to do. Certainly, I hope it doesn't take a beating, but I know a few marks may be innevitable, since the thick jess of So. Africa is not delicate on guns. I just retuned from two weeks in Alaska hunting grizzly and moose and have decided that for future trips in that combination the .375 H&H would probably be the ticket. However, I'll have to pick up another gun, since I would never take this one there!

By the way, what is everyone's thought on a scope for this gun? I had a VXII 2-8 on it and that is the reason for the reversed front base, as the port is longer than the distance between the scope bells. I was thinking of the VXIII in the 2-7, but it has the same issues with the tube length. Any input on that issue would be appreciated.

I use a VX III in 2.5x8 on mine. Works great.

Yeow!! Nice hardware. I wouldn't be able to wait to get it in the field, either. A classic rifle in a classic caliber that'll do the job on anything.

Oh, and to soothe the apprehension about getting it scratched, please keep in mind there are no safe queens allowed on this site!

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
Man, the front scope base is overhanging the ejection port!
Is that a simple set of 2-piece Redfield-type non-QD mounts?
Room for improvement here!
I would start with some Leupold QRW's and work my way up from there if price is more meaningful than function and beauty in this department.

The rest of the GUN is indeed beautiful.

Or he could just go with Shootaway's nifty single ring system

I had a similar problem with a Leu VX 3 2.5 X 8 and a Montana action - the scope was almost 1/2 inch too short using Talley rings and bases. I am trying a Leu VX 3 1 3/4 X 6 which is slightly longer together with a Talley 1/4 inch extended base. Parts ordered.

I would have skipped the engraving and paid for a dropped box from Sunny Hill instead. Always better to have another 2 rounds in the box.

Wood is nice, you might think about having someone cut you a set of custom Talley scope mounts to fit the action, and screw them down with 8x40 screws.

There is also someone making an opposite sided m70 safety, that works a little bit better for right handers.

Several questions:
What does the rifle weigh?
How long is the barrel?
What can you tell me about the engraving on the floor plate....of the lion especially?

Very nice checkering pattern. I think custom rifles IMO should have different looking checkering. (did you see my pictures of the birdseye maple 416 Rigby?) All in all a very nicely done piece you can be proud of.