"Cal .275 Rigby. Mere words cannot describe the quality of Ralf's metalwork. Suffice it to say that it is the finest metal that I have ever had the pleasure to stock. The stock is finished and the rifle is at the engravers, Bob Strosin. I will post pictures of the completed rifle when I get it back from Bob."
Aut vincere aut mori
Posts: 4869 | Location: Lakewood, CO | Registered: 07 February 2002
A true work of art... even the inside of the bases are worked! Wow...
On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling
Originally posted by bwanamrm: A true work of art...Wow...
+1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition” ― Rudyard Kipling
Posts: 1231 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 02 April 2010
Can only imagine what the piece of wood that this is going in, will look like.
Mr. Martini is surely at the top of his game, rifles like this, and the association with Heym, and their express bolt rifle, sure looks like he understands what we like!
Master of Boats, Slayer of Beasts, Charmer of the fair sex, ...... and sometimes changer of the diaper.....
Posts: 353 | Location: HackHousBerg, TX & LA | Registered: 12 July 2009
michaelj and MikeE, I stocked this rifle with a very dense piece of "old growth"European walnut out of Pennsylvania. The quarter-sawed blank had perfect grain-flow and was the best example of paralleled grain fiddle-back that I have ever seen in European walnut. Stylewise it looks much like the other G33/40 stock posted earlier. ...Dave Wesbrook
Posts: 437 | Location: wisconsin | Registered: 20 June 2013
Mike, The engraving will be finished in about a month or so and I'll photograph it then and post. I've seen the sketches and I'm as anxious as you are. Believe me,it will be worth the wait. Several feet of gold wire outlining Bob's "English Classic"scroll and also surrounding the ovals on the floorplate and on the buttplate which have African game scenes in some of the finest Bolino engraving that I have ever seen, and I have seen, handled and photographed over one thousand of the most embellished firearms created over the last four centuries. ...How's that for a tease? You'll just have to wait, and so will I. ...Dave
Posts: 437 | Location: wisconsin | Registered: 20 June 2013
I am ever amazed at just how true the words uttered years ago by a man I trust/admire: It is better to do something simple well than something complicated poorly. Ralf has taken the simple and made it elegantly wonderful. This metalwork exemplifies the meaning of the word "CUSTOM".
Dennis Earl Smith Professional Member ACGG Benefactor Life NRA Life NAHC
Posts: 311 | Location: Tygh Valley, OR | Registered: 05 November 2010
jcb01us, In my other thread you ask whether Warren Smith had engraved the Ballard rifle. No,(see other thread),Warren Smith did however do the engraving,stipling and gold lettering on the top of Ralfs' G33/40. Inlayed in gold are 275 Rigby on the rib and D. Wesbrook and R. Martini on the top center of the barrel. ...Dave
Posts: 437 | Location: wisconsin | Registered: 20 June 2013
About the only thing better than Ralph's metal work is his wood work.
Looking forward to seeing it as I have a G33/40 with the identical 9.3x62 Sauer barrel that belongs to one of my guides laying on my bench.
Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship Phil Shoemaker Alaska Master guide FAA Master pilot NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
Posts: 4224 | Location: Bristol Bay | Registered: 24 April 2004
I keep checking this thread hoping to see the finished rifle.
Frank
"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money." - Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953
NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite
Posts: 12817 | Location: Kentucky, USA | Registered: 30 December 2002
