quote:

Originally posted by Sevens:
The one with the bluing still on it is correct (and unmodified).

Thank you! Now it all makes sense!

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
I just returned from an 18 day hunt with the .404 Jeffery that Duane built me. I carried the gun everyday on some long and hot walks. It was carried in the typical "African" carry mode with the stock on your shoulder holding the barrel. Not surprisingly there was a fair amount of wear on the barrel and the floorplate from that method of carry. Initially I worried about it. But as the hunt went on I realized that the rifle was simply developing character and a look and feel of rifle that is not just a work of art but a working tool too.

They develop "character" pretty quickly don't they. On one particular day it was hot and humid. My sweat dripped down onto the rifle for several hours, then it rained. I think I'll do a "character" post with pictures, just so that those who don't use their customs in the field can see what happens to the rifle. Since I plan on using it on another buffalo hunt in January I'm going to take it with me as is. If it comes back without any significant additional character I'll probably leave it as is. If it starts to look like Clinton van Tonder's Cogswell & Harrison I'll have it reblued. It ain't that big a deal.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
I'll do a "character" post with pictures, just so that those who don't use their customs in the field can see what happens to the rifle.

That's a good idea. I will snap some pictures of mine as well. I have the say that the "character" sort of grows on you. The more I look at it, the more I sort of like it.

I believe it was the engraver Winston churchill who expressed mild frustration at the fact much of his work only saw the darkness of a safe.

Some very nice rifles here.

The fact there are so few on the thread is kind of interesting in my mind.

Not as nice looking as many of the rifles here but my 257 Rob goes elk hunting with me.

Alan

GSSP,
That is a very nice custom! I would be proud to have it.

quote:

Originally posted by GSSP:
Not as nice looking as many of the rifles here but my 257 Rob goes elk hunting with me.

Alan

Not sure why you're overly humble. Glen builds a great rifle.

Would very much enjoy seeing the character photos of people's rifles.

I still maintain that the greatest trophy a hunter can have is a well used rifle where the bluing has been rubbed off and the checkering worn flat. Many great stories come with a rifle of such character.

Simply beautiful rifles...and being used as they were intended!
Your posts and photo's have gone a ways to help me overcome my phobia..you see, I too have a custom...that was a full 10 years in the making!
Original paneled action Sharps-Borchardt..someone had re-barreled to .22 Hornet with short skinny 22' brl.
I had to wait a few years (just married) to save up enough to do anything with it.
Debated with re-converting back to original Sharps caliber..but ever since I had seen a picture of one, I had always dreamed of a Borchardt in .22 Hornet.
Sent to Shillen for 26" CM med. varmint wt. hand-lapped match chambered..Ed said whoever did action & trigger work was top notch..said if I wasn't in any hurry..he would do all work himself in spare time.
Gun then went to Ernie Schultz..I had only wanted stock refinished..then the fun began..Original wood too oil soaked so started search of fagin blanks..then Ernie suggested rust-blue for brl...color-cased action..might as well have it engraved in original Sharps style..I wanted to be able to use irons..tang sight & globe front..plus scope. Soule vernier tang & globe front built by Mike Stevens, Leupold CPC 12X fixed. He suggested German claw mnts..of course then I needed quarter rib..Neidner buttplate, slingswivel on brl. Engraved rings to match..etc...During this time Ernie got sick..worked off and on..thats what took so much time.
So far it has only been to range..it's a shooter..40gr. V Max groups in 1/2" at 100yds.
Lately, I have been shooting cast bullets thru it. getting 3/4" to 1" groups with right loads. My dream is to take it afield with authentic wood/brass/leather X sticks & do some long-range sniping of Woodchucks & Crows..I have been shooting it now for over 18 years..I guess it's about time?

quote:

.22-10-45

Is that the old American (.45-70-400 style) version of a .22 Hornet?

Hello, Bren 7X64. No, it is the .22 Maynard C.F. Cooper resurected the same case when they brought out their .22 Cooper c.f.
The old designation for the original cartridge that Wotkins, Whelen..and others later wildcated into the Hornet..was the old blackpowder .22 WCF..that was the .22-13-45.

No wood stock, but custom none the less.

Lots of very high dollar guns wearing a "gold ring" scope. Speaks highly of Leupold.

Chuck, like your rifle and that Bear!
Nice one all around...

Plus one Wiebe on dressing down a Mauser tang, Paul Mauser knew his stuff!!

I hunt with my custom rifle, I don't baby them I use them, but don't abuse them..

There are times I use my old factory rifles that have been tweeked as a rule, I don't particularly like packing my customs on horse, or in wet cold weather, but I will even do that sometimes.

As to refinishing my custom rifles, I hate to do that because every ding or scratch has a memory, and I don't think honest wear detracts from good work. All rifles are ment to be hunted with, I have no use for closet queens or bragging rifles.

Todd Ramirez 30-06

I had an extended trip once where I got to carry an M14 for several days. Just when it was developing some real character it was taken away and I was given an M16. It had potential but had no where near the character. I wonder where they are today.

.375 I built on a Mauser did the job on this Alaskan Coastal Black bear.

quote:

Originally posted by skb:
.375 I built on a Mauser did the job on this Alaskan Coastal Black bear.

That is a very nicely proportioned rifle in terms of stock forearm and barrel length.

I took my newly completed Dorleac 404J to Zimbabwe late last year, enjoyed it imensly. Lost a little blueing from carrying it over 14 days, but just adds to its great character. Can't wait to take it next year to Mozambique.

Nice... really like the lines of the .404 and the .375. Also like the longer barrels! I usually start at 24' minimum, with many of my customs at 25 inches. Just balance the rifle out better for me.

I guess this rifle qualifies as "custom", since I designed and developed the cartridge, had the rifle built and took it to Africa three times.

Unless you are simply an investor, I believe all rifles are tools that are meant to be enjoyed and utilized. Nothing wrong with enjoying some honest wear from your hunting endeavors! When they are due to be restored/refurbished simply send them back to the manufacturer or the gunsmith of your choosing to be brought back to their original beauty!

I hunt with a lot of custom rifles but they are not as pretty as some shown here. While it may be that it is mostly a reflection of my abilities, my rifles lean well towrd the utility side of the spectrum.
Some re-shaping of the tang on a Mauser is OK if not carried to extremes. The metal at the end of the slot has to high enough that the cocking piece cannot miss the slot no matter how the bolt is operated. In general, if the stock does not have to be slotted, the tang has been excessively reduced. I had one (regretably, done by myself forty years ago) which would have shown this pretty well but, years later, I welded up the tang and re-did it.
Anyway, some very nice rifles shown at work here. Regards, Bill.

Mr. Leeper

It seems like its been awhile since we have seen many photos of your stuff here on AR, but from what I can remember I think you are being just a bit modest.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
I hunt with a lot of custom rifles but they are not as pretty as some shown here. While it may be that it is mostly a reflection of my abilities, my rifles lean well towrd the utility side of the spectrum.
Some re-shaping of the tang on a Mauser is OK if not carried to extremes. The metal at the end of the slot has to high enough that the
cocking piece cannot miss the slot no matter how the bolt is operated. In general, if the stock does not have to be slotted, the tang has been excessively reduced. I had one (regretably, done by myself forty years ago) which would have shown this pretty well but, years later, I welded up the tang and re-did it.
Anyway, some very nice rifles shown at work here. Regards, Bill.

Hey Bill...Your comments about the tang mods are right on the button...been harping about that for years, Many here on AR tend to differ, but like you, I've seen and heard of sticky situations when the cocking piece ran up the tang and JAMMED big time. Great work!

Thank you all for posting!

Not full on customs......

416RM...



9.3X62...

Hey Mark, nice rifle and looks like a great hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark R:
Not full on customs......

416RM...



9.3X62...

Sensational animals, Mark! And beautiful rifles!

nice animals and rifles. Is that a gaur or banteng with the 416?

It's too bad I don't have pictures of the tang I screwed up (well, it's not really too bad. That sort of thing doesn't need to be memorialised). The bolt handle on that rifle was also too slim and got replaced later. A learning experience.
I once re-barrelled a Beisen-built 308 Norma. Talk about character! That rifle had been carried after elk, sheep, goats and bears up and down the continental divide.
Another custom rifle which had been well used was the one belonging to Val Geist (another Beisen, as I recall). Of course, all of my customers hunted with custom or semi-custom rifles because they were enthusiasts and put their rifles to work. Regards, Bill.

quote:

Originally posted by Heym SR20:
nice animals and rifles. Is that a gaur or banteng with the 416?

Banteng.

It has been on quite a few trips. A little over 400 cull animals so far. Bottom metal is worn, barrel is getting worn, scratches all over the stock. I think it looks better now than when new.

quote:

Originally posted by jmm01:
It has been on quite a few trips. A little over 400 cull animals so far. Bottom metal is worn, barrel is getting worn, scratches all over the stock. I think it looks better now than when new.

Calibre???

quote:

Originally posted by Rigby350:
Hey Mark, nice rifle and looks like a great hunt.

3 hunts..... and time for another

.30-06

Not a custom on par with most of those here, but well traveled - and priceless to my collection