I just received a David Miller Classic in 338 win. This is the rifle everyone talks about, but cannot find pictures of.. It is the 30,000 dollar model. I am going to send you guys a bunch of pictures to look at. There have been many people asking about this rifle, and what it looks like, so as far as I know these will be the first pictures on the internet. I do not have a webpage, this is why I am sending these in e-mail form. I have talked to David about showing pictures on the internet, and he does not have a problem with it.I hope that 1,2 or 3 of you will post these, as there are many that frequent all boards, but some that just go to one...I hope you do not mind me sending to all three at once, but it just saves time in resending to each.. I am very pleased to have such a rifle, and I am very proud of it..Pick out which one you think are the best, and please post them. I am not a very good photographer, but did my best...I may find a professional to take real picture in the future..If you have any questions, please ask...The things to look for are, the differential bluing, the gold, and stainless inlays, wood to metal, scope mount,round to octagon, back to round barrel.The guard release, that even if it were to pop open it could not open all the way.The fantastic piece of Bastogne. I am not bragging, I am just very proud of a very well made rifle..I have not even shiot it yet...There may be many that do not believe it is worth that much money, but I figure at least they can look at it, and appreciate the craftmanship....Thank You
Lee
[This message has been edited by Saeed (edited 03-31-2002).]
Thank you very much Saeed for posting the pictures. I know they are posted elsewhere on different boards, but I am so happy to have one, that I want to share it with all my friends on all the boards.I took her out to shoot today, shot only 3 groups as I was working up loads, and was in a hurry, but the final group was a .650, so it shoots very well also. With so few bullets through her she should really shoot when I dial her in..I hope you guys enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoy showing them to you..I believe this is one fantastic piece of work.There is an unbelievable amount of work in this rifle if you look close at the details..Some may love it, some may hate it, but at least I got to show you one..Please excuse the excitement as I write, as I cannot get over being able to own, handle, and shoot one of these great rifles.
Looks nice, nice workmanship. But I guess I prefer my all weather 338 winmag Ruger that shoots well under a inch at a hundred and around 2.5 at 300 for the small sum of 369 dollars. I like blued and fancy wood it is very nice to look at but when the weather is crap for the 4th day in a row. The salt spray is hitting it. That when that stainless syn. comes in.
Posts: 19739 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001
The difference between men and boys are the price of thier toys. I think you`ve done yourself a great favor, and you sound to be a deserving owner, that is the most impressive custom rifle I have ever seen. Enjoy it and thank you for sharing it with us. Tim.
Lee, it looks better every time I see it. How do you put it down at night and go to bed?
Hope you hunt with it. It will stand up to it. If you are like me you tend to just take better care of them in the field.
Looks awesome.
If you ever consider a professional photographer talk to Turkshead productions in Ballard Washington. They did the guild rifle photos this year. They also did the Leupold catalog. They are pretty much the best there is for rifle and gun photography.
Chic
Posts: 4917 | Location: Wenatchee, WA, USA | Registered: 17 December 2001
Chic, Who says I ever put it down I guarantee it will be hunted with..That is what they are for. right. I think it would be a disgrace not to use it...
[This message has been edited by LeeC (edited 03-31-2002).]
Posts: 188 | Location: Las Cruces, NM | Registered: 31 March 2002
quote:Originally posted by Santa Claus: ..Some may love it, some may hate it, but at least I got to show you one...
No one could honestly hate that gun. Everyone will be envious, some will be jealous. I'm envious and happy for you. That is one beautiful rifle! Thanks for posting the pictures. - John
Posts: 103 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: 27 December 2001
Lee, What a beautiful rifle and in one of my favorite calibers. You have truly"arrived". How many hours of labor do you think went into this rifle? Ralph
Posts: 284 | Location: Plant City, Fl,USA | Registered: 12 April 2001
Now for 30 grand,does Dave Miller personally bring you a box of candy and lube your ass with some KY. For 30 grand old Dave should be wearing his knee pads,when he knocks on the front door.
Posts: 837 | Location: wyoming | Registered: 19 February 2002
Congratulations... that's a gorgeous rifle. It combines a lot of traditional elegance with some "modern" touches... the scope mounts, the "beveled" floorplate, and the very unusual way Miller's and Winchester's name and cartridge designation appear on the rifle... those, for me, are a little different and take some getting used to, but if you buy a Miller, you're buying that craftsman's "vision!" Actually, the more I've looked at the lettering style, the more they've grown on me, even if they are a bit on the large side.
Wow, what a beauty.
What's the bbl. length?
Lee, what do you think that baby weighs "all-up" (w/ sling and rounds)?
Ralph, I can only imagine how many hours are here, I have tried to figure it out and cannot.If I had to hazard a hguess it would be 150-200hours. RMK, Impressive display of stupidity, and disrespect. Brad, The barrel is 24", and I have not weighed it but handling it, I would say 8.5-9lbs..
Posts: 188 | Location: Las Cruces, NM | Registered: 31 March 2002
Beautiful rifle, truly a piece of art, craftsmanship and design all combined into one! I'm sure even Ray A is drooling! Thank you for sharing, sure-shot
Here I go again. Dragging my old junk out into the yard to throw rocks at it. The only bright spot is that they seem to standup well to such abuse! Really, it's good for us gunsmiths to see rifles like this as one man's interpretation of what good work is. And it is good work and then some. Regards, Bill.
WOW- certainly one of the most impressive rifles I've ever seen. In regards to RMK- it one of those items that people ask "how much"- and the reply is- "if you have to ask- than you can't afford one". I have a sneaky suspicion that Lee can certainly afford one- and am VERY POSITIVE that if I have 30k- I could use a new truck more than a David Miller rifle. BUT_ I still have 35 years to work- and 3 kids to raise- THEN- I might to able to buy one- (more than likely-NOT) Great Investment Lee- enjoy it.
Yeah that is amazing. The metal seems to just grow out of the wood.
I once had someone ask me how anyone could spend $10,000 and up for a firearm. I replied by telling them, "imagine you are an insurance executive, real estate broker, doctor or such. Your home is paid for, you have 3-4 million put away and your annual income is around $200k not including bonuses. Do you think $10-20k would be too much for a 'gift' to yourself for working like a dog for 15 years"?
I have a M-70 Featherweight with a factory stock with wood just as good as that! It does have a border on the checkering however and some scratches from being in the woods.
And to add that I like the cheekpiece on that Miller rifle. The recoil will carry the stock away from you. I wish more rifles had that.
And some sarcasm: How much to rebarrel it to .375 H&H?
[This message has been edited by Don Martin29 (edited 04-01-2002).]
I can only guess at the hours, and my guess would be 150-200hrs..I have a sneaking suspicion it might be more..That is with a skilled craftsman doing the job..If I did it it would be a year straight, and I would still screw it up... Thanks for all the kind replies...
Posts: 188 | Location: Las Cruces, NM | Registered: 31 March 2002
Lets suppose that David spent 200 Hrs on this rifle. If you subtract the price of the raw parts.....You are talking less than $150 per hour.
That folks is a good deal !! Try getting legal advice, medical care, business consulting, etc... for $150 per hour! Especially from one of the top names in the industry !
If I work hard / smart, I hope to some day own a rifle that well made.
Congratulations Lee
------------------ J.W. Hero of the Hapless Master of the Obvious
Posts: 322 | Location: Ohio, USA | Registered: 18 June 2001
It's amazing to think of someone transforming a dream (purely intangible) into such a beautifully tangible creation. Only nature could produce such a piece of wood, and you have it. Hats off to the craftsman, few people have the dedication, determination, or desire, to develope their tallents to such a level, as this is much more than "just a gun". To own a dream, I think 30k is cheap. mvm
I know that this may be unbelievable to some, but I have the exact twin to...that scope on that piece of artwork. Does my heart good to see it adorned with such an accessory as that tube and handle. My scope only cost @400.00, however. Ok, Ok.. Gorgeous rifle Lee. Congrats. Gary P.S. I'm still gaga over Dakota arms paltry wares. I don't own one, I'm merely displaying my trailer trash tastes. Such rubbish.
I suspect your time estimate is low by a factor of at least 150 hours. Truly an outstanding piece of work, and unlike most custom rifles, the Miller Rifles do not depreciate. What other investment can you use that appreciates in value. As to the sour grapes, I suspect a strong case of jealousy. They wouldn't blink about spending several thousand on a new car that looses 20% of its value as soon as it is driven off of the dealer's lot.
Enjoy it in good health.
Posts: 3858 | Location: Eastern Slope, Colorado, USA | Registered: 01 March 2001
Now that is a fine piece of a rifle. I would love to hunt with it someday, but would keep crying everytime I scatched it orrubbed the finish. I have a Kimber 89 that fell on some rocks in the Mtns, I was choked at all the scratches. But if you don't shootem they may as well meltem. Just being jealous, but are n't the fancy bright caliber and other labels a bit out of place on such a classic and otherwise perfectly ballanced piece?
Lee, I am envious. What an absolutely gorgeous rifle! I hope it brings you much joy in the coming years and that you are able to travel far and wide with it, collecting all manner of trophies!
Posts: 1148 | Location: The Hunting Fields | Registered: 22 May 2002
Loud, I have no doubt what you are saying is true..I just picked a number out that I figured would be right, but would not doubt the extra time..I figured about 5 weeks working 40hrs a week
She'll be hunted with for sure. I have no problem using it for the intended purpose.. Everyone else, Negative comments do not bother me in the slightest, I knew that as soon as These pictures were posted that some would howl. It does my heart good to hear the good things though, I appreciate it..If it was not for these fine forums, and the nice administraters, I would not have been able to show these pictures, so again I thank them.
Posts: 188 | Location: Las Cruces, NM | Registered: 31 March 2002
I guarantee it will be hunted with..That is what they are for. right. I think it would be a disgrace not to use it...
