I have a pre-64 Model 70 Winchester in caliber .300 H&H Improved. The barrel is marked Roy Dunlap, who did the metal work, and Bliss Titus, who made the barrel. The stock maker is unidentified, but the work shows the characteristics of John Hearn's checkering as illustrated in Monte Kennedy's "The Checkering and Carving of Gun Stocks." Hearn was also featured in Roy Dunlap's book "Gunsmithing", which points even more emphatically to Hearn as the stock maker.

The information I have on John Hearn is very sketchy. I wonder if anyone can fill me in on this gifted craftsman.

If I remember correctly, The Wimpleton Cup 1000 yard match at Camp Perry, Ohio, was won in the late 1940's by a shooter using a Bliss Titus barrel chambered in caliber .300 H&H Magnum Improved. I wonder it this victory played a role in Bliss Titus' promotion of the cartridge.

The rifle has an integral muzzle brake, a feature that I am not fond of, but the noise is bearable for a few shots from the bench, given suitable ear protection.

Any comments about Dunlap, Titus and Hearn will be appreciated.

I'll try to get some photos of the rifle to post right away.