Yesterday , Jan 15th, I stopped by the Wells shop in Prescott to see Fred and Rachel and Rachel informed me Fred had died that morning.

Very sad news about a great genius.

That's a real loss. To say that Fred contributed a lot to the custom rifle world is an understatement. I was fortunate enough to have spent a few hours in the shop while he was working. It was a true pleasure.

Forrest Bowers

Wow he will be missed. I was no more then 14 when I first met Fred with my dad. I marveled at his cluttered shop. Both Rachel and Fred have meant so much to so many in the custom gun making and engraving field. God bless you Fred and your family.

That's sad news Phil but thanks for letting us know. Fred was an icon in the gunmaking industry.

It always saddens me to hear about the death of people who are icons, pioneers, experimenters, ie, significant figures in our sport.
They leave behing big shoes to fill.

I am sad to hear this news.

Condolences and best wishes to the Wells family.

About 23 years ago I was thinking of building a 510 Wells. Mr. Wells was gracious enough to spend about half an hour on the phone with me in the middle of the day and answer all my questions, no matter the simplicity or complexity of the question. A true gentleman and treasure to the custom gunmaking industry. My deepest sympathies to his family.

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Fortunately I had the oportunity to meet Fred at SCI last year.Sadly not this year or ever again. Dont put life off.

The world is a lesser place...

may his passing be easy

jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
Yesterday , Jan 15th, I stopped by the Wells shop in Prescott to see Fred and Rachel and Rachel informed me Fred had died that morning.

Very sorry to hear that. I met Fred a few years ago at SCI (3-4) I think.
I have been happy with one of Fred's works with Rachels' engraving. Nice work and of his action also. I like her engraving as well.

Sad to hear, I've read about him for years. A neighbor has 3 of his rifles, took an 85 pounder with one.

The world of mausers got significantly smaller. God rest his soul, and condolences to his family.

Sad indeed! We keep loosing the great ones...the ones for whom no repacement is possible!

Fred Wells was undoubtedly the king of the big bore magnum Mauser custom rifle.

Sad news.

Never met him- but saw pictures of his work, the gun world can ill afford to loose people like him, may his new hunting ground be vast and game plentiful- RIP

God's blessings, and condolences to his family.

Brad

I spent one of my most enjoyable ACGG shows with Fred and Rachel immediately behind me. My booth faced south and theirs faced north. He was an absolute joy to be around. He was constantly pulling some wonderful goody out of his briefcase and showing it to me. I would be sitting there and would hear him say, "Chic, catch" and some small item would come flying through the air. Fortunately, I caught all of them. I had a great time with him and found him to be a incredibly open, warm and extremely talented person. I will miss him. But I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to get to know him.

Fred and Rachel gave a friend and me an inpromptu tour of his shop last winter. He was endlessly opening a cabinet to show me one rifle or project after another. He was particularly proud of Rachels gunsmithing and engraving (he had two of her rifles in a cabinet..I undersood that she has built them from scratch as he did his). In all Fred gave us about an hour of his time. It was a "life's experience" for me. I will always remember the art and beauty of his work, but more so his and Rachel's hospitality.