Found a SPECTACULAR M70 .375. The gun was built by Keith Stegall in 1974. 22" barrel, quarter rib, folding leaf express sights (50, 100, 200, 300) Leuopold quick release mounts, Leuopold VXII 1.5-5X. Drop dead georgous wood. Weight is 9-1/4 lbs.

What is Mr. Stegall's reputation as a rifle builder?

What would be a reasonable price for such a beast? The gun is pretty close to mint condition.

Thanks

Sounds like any price at all would be reasonable.

There's probably over $2,000 in raw components in that gun.....add some for workmanship.....you have to judge and decide on a price.

I'm sorry I don't know about Stegalg, but a drop dead stock is in the $1500-2000 range alone, assuming a high standard of craftsmanship in fitting it.

Mine doesn't have a pedigree, my gunsmith and I talked today, we figure it is worth 2800-3500. Condition on mine is excellent and my smith is not known to overvalue.

These have gotten down right pricey in good condition as of late. I saw one on Gunsamerica or Gunbroker a while back they wanted about 1800 and it looked to me like it had been used as a plow tine. I thought it was way overpriced for the condition.

Looks like Mr. Stegall built quite a few higher end rifles during his life. There are a couple on Gunbroker.com and the seller is looking for $15,000+. I Googled his mane and found some information about him

If someone can tell me how to do it I'll post pictures.

He was a very prominent maker favored by Jack O'Connor about 30 years ago. I would compare his guns to those of someone like Frank Wells today. I would think anything under $5K for a full feature gun by him is a bargain. I belive Champlin has a couple of his rifles for sale to give you a look at his work. If it is on a magnum square bridge action, it could be worth even more. Good luck with it!

Here is a link to the gun (which I am buying)

http://www.jaquas.com/gunlist/Search.asp#102690


102690 WINCHESTER MODEL 70 375 H&H 22" PRE64 CUSTOM $2,695.00
Consigned Used
CUSTOM BUILT BY KEITH STEGALL FROM COLORADO. STUNNING WOOD WITH NEIDNER BUTT PLATE AND GRIP CAP. QUARTER RIB WITH 1 STANDING AND 3 FOLDING SITES. GOLD LINES ON SIGHT LEAVES. CUSTOM RAMP FRONT SIGHT WITH GOLD INLAY IN BLADE. EBONY FOREND TIP. LEUPOLD 2.5 X 5 WITH BROWNELL QUICK RELEASE RINGS. 1955 ACTION.

IMO, this one was made to look at. Who would want a 375H&H with a metal butt plate? And the bolt handle...looks like the original one that has been scalloped out to clear the scope's eyepiece? From the looks of it I'd say it's been a safe queen since it was built. Nice work for the most part, and KS did make several rifles for prominent sportsmen in days gone by. I haven't bought rifles like this for some years now, but in the past you could figure 50% of cost to build...at most, if it had much use. At $2695 I'd guess this would be about that.

It looks to be a well built rifle, no way you could have one built for that today.

That gun is a bargain! If you decide not to buy it please let me know and I will. I won't try to buy it unless you pass on it.

DG

Second hand custom guns can be a real bargain if you find one that fits your needs. This rifle looks like it has had very little use. If this one floats your boat you probably should buy it as I assume the gun cost 2-3 times the asking price to build.

Mark

Doublegun,

Besides a top quality rifle, you have a real bargain. I would buy it myself in a heartbeat.
You pay about the same price for a Pre 64 .375 H&H super grade. This one is done by a great maker; today the stock would cost you at least $ 3,000.00 or more.

Congratulations,
Roland

Congratulations on finding this one! Glad you did and not me ... would REALLY have screwed up my finances

Thank your for your comments. I am buying the gun for several reasons: 1.) I have been wanting a .375; 2.) when I sholder the gun it comes up perfectly - no adjusting to get my line of sight through the scope; and, 3.) it is a beautiful piece of equipment.

Guess it was meant to be; I just missed out on a very nice Ruger M77 in .375 the day before. This gun is a hell of a lot nicer piece.

By the way, I found Mr. Stegall's Obituary by searching on Google. It sounds like he was a heck of a guy.

I wouldn't worry about the steel buttplate at all. Just go to the range with 5 rounds. Hold the gun about an inch off the shoulder and fire that way five times. Repeat four weekends in a row and I promise, the next box will feel just great shot the conventional way!

Shooting that rifle will be fine, zero the thing in and go shoot some big game with it. The metal work alone will set you dam near close to what they are asking for it. Looks like you found a nice bargin.

quote:

Originally posted by George Semel:
Shooting that rifle will be fine, zero the thing in and go shoot some big game with it. The metal work alone will set you dam near close to what they are asking for it. Looks like you found a nice bargin.

Or figure $2K for a stock job, plus the cost of a $600 blank!

Either way you look at it, it's a hellova deal!

Stegall was a custom riflemaker most prominent in the50-6070sbut never the quality of Biesen Milliron,Brownell,Fisher,Shelhammer,Mews.metal work not as crispor classic & stock lines not as well defined as the top smiths.custom rifles are not good investments for the one who orders it especially. if it works for you,get it.time will eventually carry you out of it.

OK, now what swivels to use? The studs are int he stock but there are no swivels. The detachables are an obvious option but I am not sure that they will look right on the rifle.

Doublegun,
I could not tell by the photos, does it have a barrel band sling attachment or is the front attachment in the stock?

There is no barrel band. The stud is actually in the stock.