I was given several rifles and shotguns before my friend passed. This is his prize custom 243 groundhog rifle. It's built on a M-98 action, has a Douglas barrel, and a Leupold M-8 12x scope. The rifle was built by a local gunsmith and he carved the stock.



I have turned the scope to the normal position since the pic was taken.

Nice rifle. Do you know when it was put together?

You think 60s?

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
You think 60s?

That's my guess, too.

Not saying it is not a nice rifle, just my opinion on when was built.

Built in the 60s. The gunsmith, Howard Bays, was the go to guy for stock work and custom rifles. Old school trained. His work and craftsmanship was perfect. I also have a custom muzzle loader he built for my friend. My gunsmith has it now for a 3 position safety. It has been rebarreled once by Douglas after the builder had passed away.

Nice example of old school gun making. I like it.

That's purty!

I have a 721 in 7mm-06 put together just before the 280 came out. Mines not nearly as nice, but very similar. Roy's influence was huge back then. I have to admit that my rifle is very comfortable to shoot.

I agree with Duane on these styles from the '60's That was when you could buy new FN actions in the white for about $55. Roy's custom styles were the thing to have and talk about at the Country Club's.

Dave,
Sweet Thang was pat-un-teed by me on AR many moons ago, it was a Jefferys double rifle that shot one hole groups at 50 and 75 yards.

I will be talking to Judge G about filing a law suit for moprey dopprey and grief to Sweet Thang! That said I will sell to you all rights for $1.00 and hamburger if you ever get down this way. I'll get the tip.

Is that a Fajen stock or something FN offered? I have the same stock pattern off a early 60's FN actioned rifle. In my extra stock pile now.

Atkinson, I didn't name her. My friend that gave me his rifles and shotguns named her that when he picked her up from the builder. If I'm out your way I'll look you up.

Austin Hunter, I'm not sure where the stock came from but the gunsmith that built her was the go to guy for custom stocks in southern WV. If you had a fine double barreled shotgun or rifle with great wood that had the stocks ruined by oil or other reasons you took them to Howard Bays for repair or replacement. I know he built a custom deer rifle for my ex father-in-law using a 1917 Enfield and carved the stock from a walnut blank cut on the family farm.

Nice to have something like that from a friend.

OK, well get him for that and split the profit, but after old Judge G bills us there won't be a hell of a lot left!! you know lawyers!

quote:

Originally posted by Austin Hunter:
Is that a Fajen stock or something FN offered? I have the same stock pattern off a early 60's FN actioned rifle. In my extra stock pile now.

That looks like a Bishop stock to me.

Id say a Bishop also.