July -- Waiting

August -- Waiting

September -- Waiting

October -- Waiting

November -- ??????

Getting antsy now. I've had my work-up handloads ready for months. Using Ray's IMR 4831 formula with 400-grain Woodleighs and Norma brass. Will stop at 2400 fps.(or close to it).

For those who don't remember, I'm having the gun built on a .375 H&H Ruger M-77, RSM, Mark II. Work is being done by Hamilton Bowen of Bowen Classic Arms in Tennessee.

How many times have you called to ask on progress?

Just a couple of times. He made it clear that I would get the gun when I get the gun, and not before.

Actually, I got an e-mail response from him this afternoon. He said it was "shootable" and would be marked and blued in the next week or so. If I get it in the next month, it will have only been a six month project, which is about average for custom gun shops (my last custom took 10 months from order to delivery). I am not complaining about the time, as long as the finished product is good.

If it only takes you 10 months, that's not bad.

I like to budget 1 year for metal work and another year for stock work.

One thing Mr. Bowen does better than anybody else is mark a barrel. It will be worth the wait.