Gentlemen,
I'm thinking of building a custom .300 WM on an older Winchester M-70 Classic Super Grade in .300 WM. I've been satisfied with the Williams One Piece Trigger Guard on the .375 H&H that John Ricks built last year, however, I prefer the lines of an Obendorf Guard Bow Release. The stock will be a McMillan Winchester Super Grade, or possibly one of Mr. Echols McMillans, in black epoxy. In short I'm leaning toward a Blackburn, however, they've received a bit of bad press lately due to their scope rings. Is it a safe bet to buy a Blackburn? Any input would be greatly appreciated...

Best Regards, Matt Garrett
Chesapeake, Virginia

I prefer the quality of Blackburn's triggerguard/floorplate assembly to Sunny Hill's, and I own samples of each. I also prefer the middle guard screw feature that Blackburn retains, which can resolve fitting problems if the screw holes are just a little bit off of spec with specific receivers, plus it can help to enhance the fit of the floorplate in terms of eliminating gap with the bottom of the stock when closed. My opinion is that Sunny Hill assumes too much absolute screw hole spacing consistency with Model 70 receivers.

My favorite custom assembly by far is the lovely triggerguard/floorplate assembly that Tom Burgess (our own "System98" himself) produces, and Tom employs the original Model 70 middle-screw feature as well. Hard to get, simply because Tom's work is the finest and in considerable demand. D'Arcy uses these on his Classic Grade rifles, and on the Legend by special order. All of my Echols rifles have them......

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Matt-

Somewhat off topic, I apologize, but would you be able to expand on the "bad press" Blackburn has received regarding the scope rings.

Truly just curious as I have just recently "discovered" the rings they are making and could out find out anything about them. Never heard pro or con, so just wondering what others are saying.

Oh by the way, I have never "used" either, but I have had the opportunity to handle guns made using both of the above, and my subjective opinion was that I liked the look and lines of the Blackburn better. The guard has a sleek, almost racy and muscular look that would go well with a svelt and muscular full sized sporter such as most 300 win mags are. The ones (Blackburn) I have seen (there other models though I understand) would not look as good on say an express rifle or light mountain rifle, just my $0.02.

Regards,

Bob

I looked at both and when the time came to buy for my custom 7X57 on a G33/40 action, I went with Blackburn. I have no regrets, Ted's quality is absolutely first rate.

I visited Mr. Blackburns shop briefly last fall. My main objective was to have a look at his scope rings. The rings were in their infancy so I observed them in an in-progress state and just couldn't get to excited about them. I am a huge fan of the ring/base combo but would liked to have seen some design differences. I'm a picky bugger.

Blackburn bottom metal is very nice but, I think, unnessarily heavy. Burgess bottom metal is fantastic and something I covet. However, availability and price make it somewhat difficult to obtain. So, because I am also a middle guard screw fan, I went with Williams two piece stuff on a recent project, and am having it recieve some cosmetic attention from the rifle builder.

Chuck

Bob,
The "bad press" came from a topic on the African forums some time back. I won't attempt to paraphrase the arguement, however, it was suggested that the problems originated from his son in law. Evidently Mr. Blackburn is in poor health and this gentleman is having a difficult time covering for him... That said I could be completely wrong, however, that was the gist of it... fwiw.

Regards, Matt.

Hey Matt, I am in the same boat as you

Still dealing with bottom metal selection: Sunny Hill, Williams or Blackburn. I still haven't come up with the choice yet, but I doubt that you could go wrong with any of the above.

BTW, who are you going to have 'smith the project?

Can anyone give a ballpark figure on the cost of the discussed bottom metal? I am looking myself and their websites dont list prices.

Fellows

I too have visited the Blackburn Shop, but further back when it was in Springville. That was a few years ago and Mr. Blackburn was very kind in showing me his work.

I don't know about his scope mounts, but I do own a Blackburn bottom metal, and I can agree that it is superbly crafted.

I would add that Blackburn sells their bottom metal either polished or unpolished. Obviously, the cheaper price is for the unpolished. When I purchased mine I would say it took a good 2 1/2 hours with very fine stones and paper to get it right. The main place where it will take some doing is the transition from round to straight next to where the release in the bow is.

Moreover, it should be noted that Blackburn makes two different styles of bottom metal. Once style is as the above photographs show. The other style is called the Oberndorf style, which very much matches the look of the 1909 Agentine bottom metal, although the difference is that Blackburns floorplates are of the Straddle type.

One final thing. These do not automatically come with the spring and the follower. You can use your spring and follower if you are using a cartridge designed for that follower. However, if you are changing out to a much longer cartridge or to a magnum cartridge, you will need to get a new follower from Blackburn (or somebody) as well.

Blue

The biggest difference in the two bottom metals is that they Sunny-Hill has a integral magazine box that is more difficult to inlet properly. If you are having a rifle made for you either will work well.......DJ

I use them both, but I lean toward Blackburn bottom metal and definatly like blackburn triggers that sit in the rear of the trigger guard where a trigger should be and I like steel triggers not aluminum...

M1Tanker, I recently received an updated price list from Blackburn. Drop me a PM with email and I will send you a copy.

Hey Matt, I am in the same boat. Been going back and forth with Mark with some ideas and continue to revamp.

Good luck with the project and keep us posted!

Gentlemen,
I want to belatedly thank you for your input. In the end I bought another Williams One Piece Trigger Guard. I had decided to go with a Blackburn until Midway's Midnight Sale offered the Williams unit in polished blue for $117 delivered. It arrived this evening and it's as tight and crisp as my first. No doubt I'll employ a Blackburn in a future project...

Verrocchio100,
I had planned to have Mr. Ricks build it, however, he has soo much work in the shop he's not taking anymore in for the time being. I'm thinking of giving Mark Penrod a call...

Regards, Matt.