I have agreed to buy what is said to be a Frank Well's custom in 458 Lott. The original owner, said to have bought it years ago, has lost his receipt. The large gun shop with an excellent record of feedback, selling the rifle on consignment ,agrees to specify in the receipt sent to me that it is by Wells. I am buying it on line. Upon receiving it, I have 14 days to authenticate it if I so choose. I have surveyed posts here on Frank Wells as well as by googling him. I understand he is retired, and there seems to be confusion as to his availability by phone or web page.

Should I even worry about further authenticating , and if "yes," can you suggest how I should do that?

The knowledge and willingness to share on this site is overwhelming.

Thank you,

Bill
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Might not apply in your case, but I think there are 2 Wells', Frank and Fred. I got confused on a 416 Hoffman one time with this. Not saying that this is the case, but if the first name went fleeting when the owner tried to recall it, might be a similar deal. The rifle I looked at had the name on top of the barrel, in script. For the record, it was I who confused the two, but between Frank and Fred, well, not so hard to do in my case.

Good luck.

Thanks. The owner consigning it confirmed to the gunshop in Texas again today that this is a Frank Wells' rifle. I think either a Fred or a Frank would be great. But I have no evidence so far in looking at two other Well's rifles for sale on line, ($4500 each), that Frank practiced putting his name on the barrel.

HEre is a Frank Wells that has engraving. For what it's worth, this looks identical to the 416 Hoffman I was looking at:

Seems the $4500 is about par for one of his rifles.

http://www.cabelas.com/product...D0%26y%3D0&Ntt=wells

Hello Baxter

Thank you. The internet is amazing! Yesterday I came upon the info that a Patrick Holehan--now a custom rifle maker in Tucson--formerly worked with Frank Wells. So, having got his cell phone number, I called and asked him if some Frank Well's rifles were made without having his name on the barrel. Mr Holehan answered, MOST DEFINITELY (they were) !

So I intend to proceed with purchasing this 1986 beautifully stocked Lott including a Leupold in Talley QD rings for less than half of the one at Cabelas.

Thanks again,

Bill
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I have had a couple Frank Wells rifles in the past. He made a solid attractive rifle. My last was a 416 Remington on an Interarms action. I have seen several of his guns on that action. Check Cabelas Gun Library. Last time I looked they had a gun or two made by him. My rifles were marked on the barrel. Fred Wells is deceased I believe. I think his shop was in Prescott and Frank is in Tucson.

LJS

Mine also is on an Interarms Whitworth action. Yes Cabela's has one with a laminate stock for $4500. The one I am getting is figured walnut.

Sounds like you got a good deal on a fine rifle.
Excellent

Congrats on the pick up. His rifles all feel very comfortable in your hands. You mentioned Patrick Holehan. If you ever have a chance to get one of his rifles, grab it. Several years ago he built a 416 Rem on a model 70 action for me that was lovely.

I have two Frank Wells rifles. Both of them have Frank Wells neatly engraved on the top of the barrel in script.

All the ones I have owned had his name, Tucson AZ and the caliber in script.

quote:

Originally posted by LJS:
Congrats on the pick up. His rifles all feel very comfortable in your hands. You mentioned Patrick Holehan. If you ever have a chance to get one of his rifles, grab it. Several years ago he built a 416 Rem on a model 70 action for me that was lovely.

I agree. I have a Rigby on a Dakota action and have a 340 Wby and 270 being built nearing completion.