I began a new thread with these pick on request.
The metalwork for this rifle was largely accomplished by the late metalsmithing genius John Madole of Kentucky. Anyone that knew his work would not question my opinion. To the best of my knowledge John built three Ruger sidelever brld actions: A .22 Hornet, this .30-40 and a .45-70. I have seen pictures of both the other rifles.


The story and photos of the .30-40 brld action and this complete rifle are found in my book Custom Rifle in Black & White (availble from
me.

Over the years several folk have said they were going to reproduce this configuration but no one has so far. The conversion is quite complicated and John's exceptional blend of mechanical and artistic genius are not easily reproduced.


I did all of the stockmaking, checkering, metalwork refinements adn stock and metal finishing. For anyone interested in undertaking this work there are very detailed picks of the metalwork in the book.

I've killed some 17 head of big game with the rifle.


[url=https://beta.photobucket.com/u/SDH/p/01ac7de0-7e8d-40a7-94f0-

Fraiser #1 ?

I wish Old Man Ruger were still alive. This is the kind of rifle he would have made.

Thanks for posting. That's very nice. I modified my No3s lever to copy the 1885 Highwall pattern for my pistol grip stock. It gives me more finger clearance. A side lever gives even more finger clearance!

Nice office. Is the rest of your shop as nice?

I like that rifle a bunch!

Lee

That is a beautiful rifle. In my opinion the lines and proportions are just right.

Nice, tasteful post Steven, thanks

That is one beautiful + unique piece of functional art. Thanks for sharing your pics.

Very nice.
I wonder whether the Blaser scope mount attached to the barrel wouldn't be a good solution for a custom falling block? What do you think? Could allow for rail mount or rings too.

Nice wood.

quote:

I wonder whether the Blaser scope mount attached to the barrel wouldn't be a good solution for a custom falling block?

Blaser rings aren't vertically split.

Now that is absolutely gorgeous!

Very interesting and different. Thanks for posting it!

I’ve always like these rifles. Very tasteful.

And I have your book

Something very classic and classy about the sidelever look.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

I wonder whether the Blaser scope mount attached to the barrel wouldn't be a good solution for a custom falling block?

Blaser rings aren't vertically split.

Would that matter? I was thinking along these lines (shows rail mount, but they do a ring version too):

I must say, that is the nicest Ruger custom I’ve ever seen!
Beautiful.

Thanks for all the kind works. It has been a pleasure to create, own and hunt with the sidelever Ruger. Metalsmith John Madole was a genius,IMO as well as a close friend.

Yes, the rest of my office and shop are as nice, the many students that have been here for Seminars can attest to that. A couple more pics of the office, an eight year old's dream come true!

I often say that I dreamt of this workshop for twenty years. Now I've been working in it for 25~~

That is very nice. So unique and beautiful.