I have come across a rifle, for sale locally (Pawn Shop), put out by the Rifle Ranch, Prescott Arizona. From what research I have done, the rifle ranch was owned by famous hunter and conservationist, Jim Wilkinson, who died in 2001. Perhaps some of you folks knew him. The rifle in question is a custom 1909. This rifle appears to be unfired and in new condition. Wish I had taken some pics, and might be able to take some tomorrow. Here are the specs:

- 1909 Action with inside button release added to trigger guard.

- Bolt shape is similar to FN commercial.

- Very light and crisp Jaeger trigger.

- Safety modified with Bueler scope friendly lever.

- 24" Sporter weight barrel. "Rifle Ranch, Prescott AZ on top of barrel with four hundred something after that. The left side of the barrel reads "Made for Clarice Wilkinson". 284 Win Caliber.

- Nicely figured light honey colored walnut stock with dark streaks throughout. Not spectacular, but very lovely, with great grain flow though the wrist. Classic American style with cheek piece. Ebony Wedge inlayed in the the underside of the end of the forearm. Old English Rubber pad. Steel grip cap. 12.5" LOP. The stock is very, very well made. The inletting is spectacular, as is the checkering.

- Very fine, perfectly executed wraparound point checkering. I think maybe 28 lpi. Makes me think the wood is Juglins Regia of some sort.

I recall Jim Kobe saying in an AR post regarding 1909 actions, that little to no rail work is necessary for the 284 win and it's posterity. The rails on this rifles action look virtually untouched, which reminded me of Jim's post.


A little internet research indicates that Clarice Wilkinson was Jim's wife. I know that resale on custom guns can be horrible, but this is a really nice rifle. If one could come up with the cash, it can probably be had for $1300 and maybe less. I bought an early (1906) single square bridge full octagon Oberndorf Mauser sporter out of this pawn shop for $800 a couple years ago. I'm trying to save my money right now, not spend it (I don't recommend letting your daughter get into any competitive sport involving horses!). Is this something I shouldn't pass up? Any investment potential? If I didn't have other irons in the fire I would buy it and hunt it. What do you guys think?
Thanks
Matt

Does that short LOP work for you?

A part time job, perhaps!

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
Does that short LOP work for you?

It might work with a short scope, like a fixed 4X, which is all I put on big game rifles anyway. My wife and kids could use it. My son might eventually grow out of it. I am 6'1", but my wife and kids are between 5' and 5'6" at the moment.

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
I am 6'1", but my wife and kids are between 5' and 5'6" at the moment.

That's funny, Matt. Wifezilla never changes height, just width.

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
Does that short LOP work for you?

It might work with a short scope, like a fixed 4X, which is all I put on big game rifles anyway. My wife and kids could use it. My son might eventually grow out of it. I am 6'1", but my wife and kids are between 5' and 5'6" at the moment.

And you can always change to a 1.5" pad and/or add a spacer. A good stock guy can add a piece of near matching wood for a spacer that would be almost unnoticeable. It is a fairly common fix for a too short stock on vintage English shotguns.

JPK

I'ved decided against buying the rifle. Between my daughters bottomless money pit hobby, and my mystery 416 Rigby project, I'm just not spending the money. For anyone interested, it is at Grandpa's Pawn and Gun in Longmont, CO
303-772-7952. They are asking $1499, but I bet you could get it for a good bit less. They are nice folks to deal with. Just so everyone knows, I have no vested interest.
Matt