Clayton Nelson rifle

15 June 2016, 07:43

My dad bought this rifle last fall, and I finally got around to getting some pictures of it to put on here. It is 7x57 built on a Pre-64 Model 70 action with an octagon barrel with integral quarter rib, sling point and front sight base.

15 June 2016, 07:47

craigster

Nice rifle!

15 June 2016, 07:51

Jmbrown

Thanks! We're pretty proud of that rifle.

15 June 2016, 07:58

fla3006

That's a beautiful rifle. I have a Brevex 338/378KT made by Clayton when he was the smith at Champlin & Haskins. There was a lot of bull written here a couple years ago about some of his work but IMO it is first class.

15 June 2016, 08:08

lindy2

quote:
octagon barrel with integral quarter rib, sling point and front sight base.

not to mention Ted Blackburn's bottom metal. And gorgeous wood.

15 June 2016, 08:11

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by fla3006:
That's a beautiful rifle. I have a Brevex 338/378KT made by Clayton when he was the smith at Champlin & Haskins. There was a lot of bull written here a couple years ago about some of his work but IMO it is first class.

I believe this one was made while he was at Champlin too. When George Caswell saw it at the show we bought it at he said it was one of his barrels. I have heard some things about him as well, but have to agree that his work is top notch.

15 June 2016, 09:47

.366torque

Stunning!!

15 June 2016, 14:07

Billu

Beautiful rifle. That is some serious eye candy there!

15 June 2016, 17:59

Jmbrown

Thanks!

15 June 2016, 19:02

KimR

Forrest,I am probably one of the authors of the "bull" about Clayton.Clayton COULD make superb rifles!I had a M70 22-250(in '74 Gun Digest)that shot .25MOA@200yds with 70's quality bullets.However his quality varied with the creditors&his other demons and by late 70's early 80's lamentably had slipped ,noted by many at the HGS. His good stuff was great,some was not.Pity!

15 June 2016, 20:23

butchlambert

Mr. Brown, That is a beautiful rifle!

15 June 2016, 20:30

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by butchlambert:
Mr. Brown, That is a beautiful rifle!

Thank you sir.

15 June 2016, 21:54

ZekeShikar

That thing is stunningly beautiful and the ribboned fleur de lis is pleasantly unique.
Thanks for sharing
Zeke

15 June 2016, 22:11

Biebs

That's about as good as it gets

15 June 2016, 22:57

Jmbrown

It's amazingly accurate as well, with the 140 gr Gameking load we worked up for it shooting consistently under 3/4 moa.

15 June 2016, 23:49

xausa

Beautiful rifle in every sense of the word!

It compares favorably with my Al Biesen 7X57 on a pre-War Model 70 action currently on consignment with Pendleton Firearms:

http://www.gunsinternational.c...cfm?gun_id=100709717

15 June 2016, 23:55

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by xausa:
Beautiful rifle in every sense of the word!

It compares favorably with my Al Biesen 7X57 on a pre-War Model 70 action currently on consignment with Pendleton Firearms:

http://www.gunsinternational.c...cfm?gun_id=100709717

Thanks! I've looked at that rifle of yours on there several times, and it is beautiful. If I had the extra funds right now it would be mine.

16 June 2016, 02:57

Craftsman

I attended one of Clayton's stock making classes two years ago. I don't think his talent has slipped any at all. He showed us many projects both completed and at various stages of completion that displayed gunmaker guild quality. Consider too he is approximately 83 years old now.

He is known for his stock making, over 800, but is just as talented with metal as well. He is a very good instructor. I learned a great deal from him. Another student and myself wanted to keep working that week end but the school wouldn't consent to it for insurance reasons, so Clayton graciously opened his shop at home for us to keep working on our stocks.

He is very fast too. There is a video of him inletting and shaping a blank for a model 70 with milling machine, chisels and files in one day.

16 June 2016, 03:49

srtrax

Thats a damn fine rifle...I get weak in the knees with that kind of metal work. Enjoy!

16 June 2016, 04:44

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by Craftsman:
I attended one of Clayton's stock making classes two years ago. I don't think his talent has slipped any at all. He showed us many projects both completed and at various stages of completion that displayed gunmaker guild quality. Consider too he is approximately 83 years old now.

He is known for his stock making, over 800, but is just as talented with metal as well. He is a very good instructor. I learned a great deal from him. Another student and myself wanted to keep working that week end but the school wouldn't consent to it for insurance reasons, so Clayton graciously opened his shop at home for us to keep working on our stocks.

He is very fast too. There is a video of him inletting and shaping a blank for a model 70 with milling machine, chisels and files in one day.

That would be a fun class to go to. Where could I find this video?

16 June 2016, 04:45

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by srtrax:
Thats a damn fine rifle...I get weak in the knees with that kind of metal work. Enjoy!

Thanks!

17 June 2016, 03:32

fla3006

He made this too, a 600NE:

17 June 2016, 07:38

Craftsman

JM Brown, PM sent.

17 June 2016, 18:55

bwanamrm

Nice rifle in a great caliber!

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

Life grows grim without senseless indulgence.

01 July 2016, 07:36

mightymouse

Beautiful rifle. Very nice work!

01 July 2016, 09:55

Jmbrown

Thanks!

01 July 2016, 13:54

mdstewart

Very classy and well apportioned rifle, and in one of my favorite calibers. I hope you get to hunt this one and enjoy the take.

JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More

01 July 2016, 17:59

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by mdstewart:
Very classy and well apportioned rifle, and in one of my favorite calibers. I hope you get to hunt this one and enjoy the take.

Thanks! It did get hunted some this last year but didn't get to take anything with it. Hopefully it will get to take something this year.

08 July 2016, 21:24

lb404

So, I am so glad that your posted pictures of the rifle. I enjoyed it so much the years I had it and am glad it went to a worthy home. I would love to see your dad hit a great Oklahoma deer with it this year. How are you doing with your rifle?

08 July 2016, 21:56

lb404

I love the pictures. How are you doing with your rifle?

08 July 2016, 23:51

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by lb404:
So, I am so glad that your posted pictures of the rifle. I enjoyed it so much the years I had it and am glad it went to a worthy home. I would love to see your dad hit a great Oklahoma deer with it this year. How are you doing with your rifle?

Hi Leonard! Hopefully dad will get to take a deer with it this year. My 7x57 is doing great. I've worked up a great load for it with some 150 Gamekings that makes nice little groups every time. I did a post on it not too long ago on here as well titled New Custom Mauser, trying to find info on who made it. I think it may have been made by Paul Jaeger.

09 July 2016, 01:55

lb404

I did my best to identify it, however, even those that are very knowledgeable were not certain. The price reflected is features not its pedigree. If you do find out please let me know so I can include it in my archives.

09 July 2016, 06:08

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by lb404:
I did my best to identify it, however, even those that are very knowledgeable were not certain. The price reflected is features not its pedigree. If you do find out please let me know so I can include it in my archives.

Ya, I'm not completely certain that is a Jaeger rifle, but regardless it is a beautiful rifle in the classic style and the caliber I was wanting.
We need to get together and shoot some time when it cools off again. Dad and I would still also like to come down sometime and see more of your collection and share hunting stories as well.

05 August 2016, 22:26

cal pappas

I normally only look at rifles with two barrels, but the one in the OP is one of the finest looking rifles I've seen. Wood, metal, the octagon barrel, et. al. This rifle has it all.

I get tired of looking at custom rifles or "custom shop" rifles that have a CNC machined action and a plastic stock. They have absolutely no hand craftsmanship at all. Granted, they may be more accurate than any shooter can shoot, but there is no skill in their making. The one shown here is absolute perfection.
Cal

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Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
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06 August 2016, 03:52

mdstewart

quote:
Originally posted by cal pappas:
I normally only look at rifles with two barrels, but the one in the OP is one of the finest looking rifles I've seen. Wood, metal, the octagon barrel, et. al. This rifle has it all.

I get tired of looking at custom rifles or "custom shop" rifles that have a CNC machined action and a plastic stock. They have absolutely no hand craftsmanship at all. Granted, they may be more accurate than any shooter can shoot, but there is no skill in their making. The one shown here is absolute perfection.
Cal

Cal,

I agree completely. Give me really nice wood and great craftsmanship, then you have a real rifle or shotgun. Both examples on this thread meet my threshold for outstanding guns.

06 August 2016, 06:50

Jmbrown

Thanks Cal and MDSTEWART.

06 August 2016, 09:47

tasco 74

very nice!!

06 August 2016, 15:05

Dick Wright

There was a time, years ago, when I had a minor run-in with Clayton... it was resolved to both our satisfaction.

That aside, there is no denying his talent. He is a lot better than many of the guild members at making a stock look just right. If the stock has less than perfect proportions, you can add all the bells and whistles in the world and you still need a better stock.

Just my opinion... this gun is wonderful.

07 August 2016, 21:23

srtrax

Hows the lettering set up ...or...look on the barrel? Would like to see a couple pictures. Looking to see how smiths signed there work.Thanks!

08 August 2016, 22:14

Jmbrown

quote:
Originally posted by srtrax:
Hows the lettering set up ...or...look on the barrel? Would like to see a couple pictures. Looking to see how smiths signed there work.Thanks!

This one actually isn't signed by Clayton. The only barrel marking is just the caliber.