I have a modest custom Mauser, one without fancy wood or extensive metal work, but I love it nonetheless. It was built on a FN Supreme commercial action (complete with the Sako #4 adjustable trigger) and has a very nice Redfield 4-12 AO scope in Redfield mounts. What really sets the rifle apart is the checkering around the grip area. The checkering below the elongated triangle of uncheckered wood is finer than the checkering above it. The finer checkering and the coarser checkering flow together in such a way, though, that the transition from one to the other is all but unnoticeable. The builder was J.E. Moates of Aiken, SC. If anyone is familiar with his work, please chime in.

Damn handsome rifle! We need the caliber and more pictures!

Sorry, caliber is .243 Winchester. I'll add pics as Photobucket will allow, but it is tough sledding tonight! Below is a pic of the grip treatment.

Nice rifle. For me this is a great way to "honor" a common but classic Mauser action there is nothing to detract or add, just a very usable rifle that will be taken hunting, acquire a unique patina, and last through several generations.

I have just such a project on the go right now, an "as new" FN action I've had for years, an FN 270 barrel I got here on AR, slightly heavier than is the current fashion, all the better to make a soft shooting young mans rifle (and they are young and fit enough to carry it up the mountains). Blued steel and Walnut can't be beat!

Hi Mouse, not familiar with JE Moates as a gunsmith but stopped in his gunshop many times in the mid 80s when going through Aiken. Pretty common little rural gunshop in the main area. However as I got to know him I was invited into the back rooms. WOW! Really high grade firearms of every description. Very heavy on German, drillings, vierlings, leaping stags and baying hounds galore. Very sharp trader, don't ask how I know!
Larry

Very nice, my cup of tea too.

Thank you for posting that. It is what I want to do with my 1960s Belgian artisan gunsmith .280 Remington.

A classic American hunting rifle with period Redfield 'scope and mounts. You have inspired me to get on with it!

Thank you! I hope when I do mine it will look as good as this. Thank you!

Thanks to all for the kind words. I was hesitant to post pictures of my rather humble Mauser, as there are some really, really beautiful rifles pictured in this sub-forum. Chief, thanks for your recollections of your visits with Mr. Moates. He sounds like someone I would have really enjoyed meeting.

I am not familiar with his work, but I will ask around for you. I think I know the right people.

-Brandon