I have the opportunity to purchase this rifle:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun...sp?hierarchyId=10473

I have it on hold until tomorrow. Cabelas says they can get documentation from Elrod.

My LOP, my favorite caliber are plusses.

That Leupy looks scratched, wood could be better, minuses.

Opinions?

You certainly could not replace it for that same money. If you like it buy it.

Bill, I was hoping you'd chime in. Any idea of what the build might cost today? I do like it.

Well,

I cant speak for Heilmann or Elrod. I have no idea of their current prices. But, I do know that out my shop the labor cost only for that stock and rust blueing would be over $3000. You still have to buy the barreled action, buy the stock blank, and have all the metal work done. Second hand customs are a bargain.

Would that be Winston Elrod by any chance?

Don

Elrod stocks are terrific. I own two (see the 280 Elrod built Mauser on the website marked as sold-that's mine. I sold it to Cabelas, and in a fit of regret bought it back). He's right up there with the Goudys et al of the world. They tend to be beautifully balanced. Heilman also does great work.

DMB-The one and the same.

Thanks Bill!

I saw that one yesterday and remarked to myself that is a lot of rifle for the money, a much better value then many of the customs on there.

Jump on it.

Any opinions on the custom scope mounts? I haven't seen their like before.

The mounts/rings are Conetrol on their "makers bases".

You couldn't begin to touch Heilmann's metal work alone for this price. I've always admired Steve's work and in many years I've heard only one negative comment (repeated too often and too loudly) about a rifle he's built.

The serial number on this rifle is #31021, putting the action squarely in the pre-War category. The safety has obviously been replace by a later pre-64 safety. I much prefer the pre-War actions - especially the shape of the bolt handle.

Yeah, the wood leaves a little to be desired and the mounts aren't my personal favorite but good God, the rifle is less than $4,000.

My favorite Winchester action, my LOP, one of the best metal smiths around, and a high quality stock...I need to remember to call the Dundee store tomorrow to check the status on this one.

Fancy bottom metal too.

Ditto what Forrest said. A lot of rifle for the price. Cost should not enter into the decision, but rather either you do or do not like the rifle.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by nyrifleman:
DMB-The one and the same.

Thanks Bill!

During the 1980's, I had a table at Bill Goodman's Gun and knife shows down in the Detroit area where I sold knives I make. Elrod had a table at those shows also. I always admired his stocks as they displayed an artistic touch not found in all custom stocks, and his craftsmanship was always superb.

Thanks for the reply,

Don

What are you going to do with it if you get it? I think thats the question that you have to answer. Custom Rifles are only a good buy if you intend to keep them, use them, enjoy them, and pass them down to someone you care about.

Thanks for all the input gentlemen.

I recognize the great value this rifle represents, and would love to own a rifle by both these makers.

However, in the end I decided to pass.

The rifle wasn't "perfect" for me. I would only end up selling it down the road and therefore decided not to buy.

this Burgess/Elrod G.33/40 would have been the one to get.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun...614_burgss98_dun.jsp