I'm posting this for Dave Wesbrook.

Model 70 "Classic" action with Kreiger cut rifled barrel. Caliber .338-06. Bottom metal by Sunny Hill. NECG sights and bases. Metalwork and rust blue by Cole and Frank Haugh:

Nice work. I would have probably pitched that wood because of the limb on the left forearm.

My luck by the time I finished all the work it would fall out.

Paul, The blank was air dried for 9 years,then rough turned and sat for 6 months before it was finished turned,just to make sure that that knot was stable. After finish shaping the actual knot was less than 1/8" wide and very stable. The rings that you see are the growth rings around the orignal knot. Thanks ...Dave

Nice to see a change of pace- Mod 70 (which seems to go hand in hand with a Krieger), North America style stock and an island.

Although for the life of me, and I've said this time and again I just don't understand OEM Tally bases on a custom. Never will, it's a fn custom rifle for the love of Christ. I think that's laziness on the client's side.

Classy pad- like the matching luggage with the metal.

I think the stock work is great. I love the flow of color. Tacky remark about the bases though. I use Talleys on most of mine. Spending another 500-1000.00 on bases can kill the deal for some folks. When you're looking through the scope at a fine elk you wont notice the bases anyway!!!
Good shooting.

Another great rifle Dave!

quote:

Paul, The blank was air dried for 9 years,then rough turned and sat for 6 months before it was finished turned,just to make sure that that knot was stable

Thanks Dave.

After your explanation and a 4th & 5th look it does look more stable than my first thought. Still don't know if I would have spent the effort on it. But that is just me. Anyway like I said a very nice looking rifle.

Very well done. Thanks for posting.

David, great choice of style enhancements on this one. I like the way the gun seems to say "shoot me"!

Dennis, Does the stainless steel and walnut rifle agree with you also? I shot a sub 1" 200yard group with it last year and I really like the .35 Whelen round ...Dave

Some do and some don't. This one has enough balance in color tone to just say pick me up and go hunting. It is a matter of just liking what I see. First impressions don't ya know.

Both rifles are nice examples of working rifles and I would not be embarrassed to be seen with either in any hunting camp. But other than the clean workmanship I see absolutely nothing outstanding about either that would entice me to own one of them. Tastes vary and mine are somewhat different. I do like the fact both are on my favorite action,a Model 70.

Nice rifle. I like the bottom metal, especially the floorplate release in the trigger guard. I don't remember seeing one quite like that before. If it were mine, I would prefer the grip cap with a trap, or checkered, or engraved, or initialed, otherwise just wood. But that is just a matter of personal preference. The cap installed on the rifle is finished nicely. I don't see anything wrong with the choice of Talley bases. It's hard to tell from photos but the fit and finish look very good.

I have to agree with ramrod340 about the wood. I think the knot is unsightly and it detracts from the rest of the rifle. Sometimes natural variances and imperfections can add beauty and character to a stock. But the size, shape and placement of this knot just doesn't do that. It is a really nice piece of wood otherwise. It would have made a beautiful stock for a double gun or rifle.

very well executed rifle. One might nitpick the choice of wood (and that is what it would be), but not Talley bases.

If I could afford to commission a, as Biebs says "bespoke", custom bolt rifle, I would want a grip cap and the side lever floor plate release with a spoonbill bolt handle.

Thas said, this one would look fine living at my house.

Blank and action choice are always the toughest choices. followed by caliber.


Well done,

Rich

Id be proud to pack that rifle around on any hunt..As to the knot, it adds some color and it is a part of nature, and more important the grain runs properly, the wood is cured..The lack of marble cake suit the hell out of me, I don't like marble cake anymore than I like a nickel plated saturday night special!! I will now go into hiding!

I remember the Leopold catalog from about 6-8 years ago. Majority of the bases and rings were Talleys, which I found kinda funny.

I personally like Talleys, but I am a lowly factory rifle kinda guy.

Very nice Dave. I really wish I could do stock work/making. Unfortunately, I've not an artistic bone in my body. I do truly appreciate work such as this.

I like it! Clean, simple, functional, uncluttered lines with superb craftsmanship. Has everything it needs and nothing more. I actually like a rifle like this more than one with all the extraneous bells and whistles.

Jerry Liles

Actually its got all the bells and whistles, it just not "gaudy" (SP ??) oh well..It is simple perfection and a rifle that was ment to hunt with,not rot in a closet and taken out only at banquets and parties for look at what I got! I love that rifle and would be proud to scratch it up in Africa, Alaska and Aussie land..Each scratch and ding is a story impressed in wood. Ya just can't beat that.

That is one awesome example of the 'KISS' formula, I like it very much!
I would very much like to have a rifle just like that.
Well done, Dave!

Cheers.

There may not be much art in the Talley bases but the rifle is not overly affected with decorative features so I guess they do not bother me. Very nice!

I'd be happy to have that rifle - very nice.

That is one nice looking rifle

What is not to like ? This one is gorgeous and I love the way Dave's rifles handle and feel.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
What is not to like ?

Good question.

First, I've never seen the use for a 338-06. The 338 Mag is a much better choice if the .338 is the bullet diameter of choice. The magnum has a much better selection of factory ammo, which may become important if traveling, especially Africa. I would prefer a 35 Whelen or 9.3x62 over the 338-06.

Also, I have used the Mod 70 classic CRF actions a lot, and gradually liked them less and less. It took a while because they are spoken so highly of. It really cinched the deal when I started using the CZ 550, which IMO is a much better action than the classic Mod 70. I especially dislike the coned breech of the Mod 70, and the sharp place on the right side where the cutout is for the extractor. It's a place where a jam is prone to occur. I also dislike the feeding off the lips of the magazine box of the modern Mod70 CRF action. The CZ 550 feeds like the classic Mauser, off the rails.

Once I tried replacing the factory magazine/trigger guard assembly on Mod 70 classic with one of those fancy bottom metal units as shown, and ran into all kinds of problems, which I never did remedy. It was one of those things which I should have left well enough, working, alone. Don't fix that which isn't broken kind of thing.

Also, over time I have had several rifles with iron sights and found the sights useless, except one rifle which is my 458. Otherwise, I always use a scope. And the butt stock set up to work well with iron sights isn't ideal for scope use and cheek position and speed. Stock shape ideal for scope use isn't ideal for irons sights either, and a compromise is less than ideal for either. So, it seems to me that all the expense of quality iron sights is just for show, and a waste of money unless it's total commitment to the iron sights along with a butt stock, drop, specially to align with the sights. Or an alternative is to set the iron sights high enough to provide good and quick cheek position and alignment.

Frankly, I can not see the need to remove a scope while in the field, and use the iron sights instead. An exception may be appropriate with a big bore and a situation of close encounter, thick bush, etc. But with a real big bore, hard kicking rifle, scopes could be a handicap in several ways anyway. But of course the 338-06 isn't a close range DG stopper, so IMO it's appropriate to commit to a scope entirely, and leave the barrel smooth.

KB

Gentlemen,
Thank you for all of the nice comments that you made about my .338-06.
Phil, your comments were especially important to me as you are one of the few AR members to actually see and handle my rifles and you know when a rifle feels right and handles correctly. I put alot of effort into making them do so.
I built this rifle as a personal hunting rifle but I fear that it will mainly see time at the range as I simply have too many other rifles to use on deer here in Wisconsin.
This rifle deserves more than that. It needs to be hunted with and belongs in the hands of someone who will use it to hunt elk or bear in the U.S. or plains game in Africa.
Therefore,I have decided to post this rifle in "classifieds" later this evening with a price in the mid-teens.
If you are interested or have any questions please PM me or call (715) 457-2768.
Dave Wesbrook

Good looking rifle ! I like that it has iron sights. Anybody who spends enough time in the bush in rough country with horses, or on foot will probably trash a scope.

It a nice looking rifle but for 15000.00 it is priced for those with more money then me.

But then I am a what works kind of guy.

Factory rifles have worked for me maybe with just a bit of smiting added new triggers and bedding.

Hope you find a home for this fine rifle.

Apparently we have different ideas about "custom" rifles. To me there are such things as practical custom rifles and élite custom rifles. I tend to shun elitism when it comes to rifles, especially when the cost/price is in the mid-teens or higher.

This is an example of what I’m talking about. Here’s my 35 Whelen built on a new CZ 550 action from Brownells, PacNor barrel, factory take-off stock, for one tenth of the cost/price of the custom 338-06 on the Mod 70 classic action.

This 35 Whelen is glass bedded, has a 3-position safety, classic Mauser type controlled round feed off the rails, classic straight down bolt handel, excellent quality walnut in the classic style fit, steel bottom metal, and it feeds and functions perfect. Also, all the metal including the Leupold rings have been teflon coated by W.E. Birdsong and Assoc.

I recently listed it on GB for $1800, but after seeing this post on AR, I cancelled the ad and decided to keep and enjoy my classic custom in 35 Whelen.

Not meaning to be sarcastic, but that is nowhere near the custom class. Custom barrel maybe.

Sorry

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
that is nowhere near the custom class. Custom barrel maybe.

Jim

If I have to pay you $15,000 to have you declare that I now have "class", GFYS.

It's a matter of tastes and wallet.

That's what I mean about the definition of "Custom".

Custom to me has multiple and variable definitions. For example:

This is a one of a kind rifle. CZ doesn't make a 35 Whelen, and I've never seen one custom made.

New action from Brownells. This is not a donor action from a factory rifle.

Custom high quality barrel

Professionally installed with custom reamer, tight chamber, close tolerences overall. All aspects of the action were checked for trueness, including the bolt face and recoil lugs. The face of the receiver was trued although the gunsmith said it was true from the factory, so he turned minimum just to confirm and smooth.

Factory stock, but hand selected from a selection of several for its grain layout, the cross pins, color, and recoil pad.

Professional glass bedding.

trigger tuneup, including installation and smoothing of the three position safety.

recontouring the bolt handle to go straight down rather than swept back

Teflon coating in anticipation of actual use rather than merely looking at it.

No need for custom bases, but Leupold rings are an improvment.

Check for function, but no tweeking necessary.

In reality what's the actual difference in the field re the utility, fit and function of the CZ custom compared to the Mod 70 custom?

My personal answer is that I like my CZ better and it fits me. I really like this rifle and it's accurate. It's one of the most satisfying rifles that I've owned, which has nothing to do with the cost, but the results instead. But the answer for others will vary, and for some apparently it varies in ratio with the cost.

Kabluey,
Call your rifle "custom"if you want to. You're just trying to get into a pissing match and hijack this thread.

PLEASE DON'T RESPOND TO THIS GUY

Dave wesbrook

And Dave your just trying sell a 15000.00 dollar rifle.

Neither good or bad just the fact.

I wouldn't post on a open forum if I was not willing to take what comes.

A friend of mine sells high end hunting dogs. I buy lower price dogs or get them for free.

My dogs hunt and preform just as well as his high priced dogs.( Our dogs have hunted side by side many a times.)Lot to do with the training

You deal with people who want high end and are willing to pay for it.

But truth is most factory and semi custom like Kabluewy's preform well and kill more game then all the custom ones out there

Just for the simple fact that there are more of them out and about..( And a lot to do with the person using it.)

A rifle that groups well and works well is a rifle that well get the job done.

If it costs 100.00 or 200000 dollars.

But there is always the factor of pride in owner ship and some are more then willing to pay for that.

That is what makes the world go around.

I hope you sell your rifle to some one that well use and enjoy it.

quote:

Originally posted by dave wesbrook:
Kabluey,
Call your rifle "custom"if you want to. You're just trying to get into a pissing match and hijack this thread.

Dave wesbrook

You're just pissed because I've given an example of a "custom" low down 35 Whelen within your thread showcasing your high class 338-06.

I wish you best regards on your sale, and hope you find someone with enough class to appreciate the rifle.

KB

dave,

I would nitpick (because this kind of money gets me one of Butch's DRs) the wood selection.

If I hit the lottery tomorrow evening, I would talk to you about building me a rifle.

But BUT, B-U-T, I will send you the blank.

regards,

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by 416RigbyHunter:
That is one awesome example of the 'KISS' formula, I like it very much!
I would very much like to have a rifle just like that.
Well done, Dave!

Cheers.

$15,000 worth of KISS??? I don't get it.

Very nice rifle. I also understand the comparison to the 35 Whelen. Both are "custom", just to different degrees and cost. If it shoots MOA or better, functions flawlessly, what more is needed/wanted?

I like both and would shoot both.

As erupted on an early thread on custom rifles, I struggle with the cost/benefit aspect. But for some, $15k is not big deal. Spend your $$$ on what you like.

I had a full deal "custom" rifle once. I've had several that the metal work was full deal custom, but although not factory the stocks wouldn't be considered full "custom", because they weren't hand carved.

Anyway, the full "custom" had a hand carved stock, obviously by a real deal gunsmith who knew what he was doing and had the skill. This was perhaps the best looking piece of American walnut I've ever seen. Everything about it nature endowed was perfect, and the stock maker did it justice. The inleting was perfect to my eyes, and so was the checkering. I was amazed how close the inletting was even under the barrel.

I would estimate the blank easily cost $1,000 if not more. It was a FN Mauser action, custom barrel, chambered in 7x57.

I bought it off GB sort of unintentionally. I was showing it to a friend and we logged onto my account. Then I got distracted and he bid while I wasn't looking. When I came back I had won the auction. As I recall I got it for $1,500. I won't waste your time with the rest of that story.

The reason for the low price was because under the rear scope base someone had botched the screw holes. The mess could be covered by the scope base, but the seller appropriately showed a picture of it.

I had it fixed and the whole barreled action reblued to match. Over time little nicks and scratches began to appear in the wood although I was very careful. I couldn't stand it, so I listed it on GB with a buy now price and it sold the first day. Aparantly I didn't list it high enough, but I did make a little profit.

With the 35 Whelen, I was blessed with a choice, and chose the great factory stock for $100, over all the alternatives.

Of course I still have the option of replacing it with a $10,000 or more "custom" hand carved high class walnut stock.

What would you do?

KB

Sorry, but........

First, it is a very nice rifle and no doubt built by expert hands.
Second, Jim Kobe's comment is spot on and he knows what he is talking about.

However, I have to agree with some of what the others are saying. I find myself asking whether the $15,000 rifle shown to us is in the same "class" as a new Rigby of London "Big Game" rifle offered for $14,000. http://www.johnrigbyandco.com/the-big-game.html Is it covered by warranty? Who will do repair work on it in ten or fifteen years? What kind of value will it still have in twenty years?

Nobody has said the rifle is not a fine custom rifle. They are just questioning the price and I can understand their point.

quote:

Originally posted by Grenadier:
Sorry, but........

First, it is a very nice rifle and no doubt built by expert hands.
Second, Jim Kobe's comment is spot on and he knows what he is talking about.

However, I have to agree with some of what the others are saying. I find myself asking whether the $15,000 rifle shown to us is in the same "class" as a new Rigby of London "Big Game" rifle offered for $14,000. http://www.johnrigbyandco.com/the-big-game.html Is it covered by warranty? Who will do repair work on it in ten or fifteen years? What kind of value will it still have in twenty years?

Nobody has said the rifle is not a fine custom rifle. They are just questioning the price and I can understand their point.

IMO of the two rifle examples you are referring to, the Rigby is the one that is significantly over priced. Given the choice there is no doubt I wouldn't even consider the Rigby.

quote:

Originally posted by Grenadier:
Jim Kobe's comment is spot on and he knows what he is talking about.

I didn't present my rifle to suggest that it's in the same class as the Mod 70 or the Rigby. My rifle is in a niche of its own and of value to me. It was never intended to compete with the concept of "class" as defined by Kobe or others.

In order to attain anything close to the "class" Kobe's talking about I would have to commission a custom stock and pay around $13,000 more than I have into my rifle. The stock is where the money is. Obviously, your definition of "class" is practically worthless to me. I would rather have seven to ten excellent functional and accurte field rifles (for the same money) than the "class" of one like the Mod 70 or Rigby.

When I sold the custom 7x57 previously mentioned, I used the proceeds to buy three CZ 550s off GB, and had them all glass bedded and modified the bolt handels and generally tweeked. 6.5x55, 7x57, 7x64.

KB