I thought I would post some pictures of my new rifle, like a proud Poppa. I found it while looking on line at Cabela's Gun Library, Boise, ID. The pictures you will see were done by Cabela's. I have several semi custom rifles but am really into prewar model 70s. I figured someday the bug would bite me and I'd sell a few guns to have a custom rifle made, then I saw this and was smitten. I am no Mauser expert but really like the G.33/40 receivers. Caliber is 280 Remington which I have not owned but do own a 280 Ackley so I have a bunch of 7mm ammo, Norma brass, and RL22 on hand. I just recently read some information on Darwin Hensley and saw some of his work in a book as well as the 1995 issue, and only issue I believe, of the Custom Rifle Gazette. So it was sorta like fate when I saw this rifle and everything came together. After some research and more to come, here's what I know so far.

This was Darwin's 2nd or 3rd stock he did, back in 1987 or thereabouts. He made 189 all together before Parkinsons. I called Darwin and spoke with him over the phone and he remembers this rifle very well. He said it's just about the only one he receives calls on. I sent Darwin a letter as he kept records on every job he did so he is going to return to me all he has on the rifle. If I remember correctly it was originally made for a guy in Oregon maybe, then it ended up in Florida, and it even spent sometime in Alaska, where a bitter wife/girlfriend took the rifle and then out of guilt returned it to the guy by leaving it on his front doorstep. Jim Wisner did most of the metal work and I spoke with Jim about it and sent him a few photos and he also remembers it. Jim told me who did the 2 position safety and case coloring but I didn't write it down so I'll have to follow up for that. I think he mentioned that Roger Kehr who I believe is Scrollcutter on AR might have done the 5 panel bolt checkering as well as the safety lever and bolt release. I'm not sure about that but Jim thought it was a possibility. The action is smooth as silk and nicely polished. Barrel is 24" and overall weight as pictured is around 7lbs 4 oz. The rifle originally had a skeleton buttplate which pains me greatly that it is still not there but the pad was installed extremely well. I posted a thread a couple weeks ago about having a pad leather covered and it was because of this rifle. I think I will still do that as it seems appropriate with the overall quality of the rifle but I am in no hurry. Rings and bases are Conetrol and look very well made and match up with the receiver very well. The rifle is in overall excellent condition with very little bluewear or stock dings. The grain streaking and fiddleback is just awesome on this stock and the pictures do a good job of capturing it but there is so much more to see when you hold it. The wraparound checkering on the forearm and pistolgrip panels are absolutely sharp and flawless. I should also mention that this rifle was pictured in the August 1989 issue of Guns Magazine in an article called "Great Wood" or something like that. The article featured up and coming stockmaker Darwin Hensley. I have ordered a copy of the article and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

I could go on and on but I will let the pictures do the rest. I am looking for a scope and then can't wait to get it to the range. Darwin told me to make sure I hunt with it and not to worry about getting it dinged up, but to enjoy it and use it. I plan on doing all of that, except for the dings. Thanks for looking.

Very Nice! That is a great find and I'm sure it will bring enjoyment for many years to come.

I looked at that rifle. It was a heck of a deal on a high quality rifle by a talented maker. Way to go!

That is quite nice!

I just came in my pants, that is a nice rifle,

I think thats the nices Darwin Hinsley stock styles ive seen. I like the grip style.

Congratulations

Thanks, Prewar-

Things have been a little stressful recently, and there's not much I'd rather do than look at photographs of beautiful rifles.

And this is one of the most beautiful.

Mr. Hensley had a table at Reno this year, even though he is no longer actively building rifles. Everyone seemed very pleased that he could be there.

That stock makes one wonder why anyone would ever settle for a synthetic.

flaco

very nice rifle!!!!!!well done!

It's a beauty.....excellent!!!

Spectacular workmanship, and what an incredible piece of wood!

You are a lucky man to have that rifle!

Absolutly beautiful!!

amazing work

Friends-

What Cummins Cowboy said times 2!!!!

I/we were in need of some firearms centerfolds. That is truly a beauty.

PreWar70, thank you for sharing and allowing us to oogle your rifle photos. Those are interesting scope bases and rings, however, they don't look like Conetrol's to me but, I may be dated.

Thanks again.

What can I say that hasn't been said? It is at least all of the above. You are a lucky man.
Butch

You're not going to hunt with that, are you? roger

I will definitely be hunting with it. I have a trip down to South Texas 12/13 to hunt critters at my friend's ranch and I would like to take it with. I know I have a month to get the rifle ready, which seems like a lot of time, but I will be pushing it to get it done.

The mounts and rings are not marked anywhere, but from looking at Conetrol's website I believe the bases are their "sculpted" model and the rings are not what one usually sees from Conetrol, however, per the website, they do offer horizontally split rings. I need to decide on a scope. I have really been impressed with the Zeiss Conquest, 3-9 with the German 4 reticle. But I am not sure what would look best on the rifle with the rust blueing, matte scope or polished?? All of my other scopes are matte.

PreWar70-

Definitely go matte on the scope; I think a glossy scope would take away from the beauty of the rifle.

I may have to re-think rings and bases on a project that is still on the drawing board at this point.

Prewar, forum member Mark Dobrenski and I drooled over that rifle last week on the Cabelas site! Glad you picked it up. I really think the price was amazingly fair for a rifle that quality (especially built on a G33)... congrat's on a real beauty and a great purchase!

quote:

I have really been impressed with the Zeiss Conquest, 3-9 with the German 4 reticle. But I am not sure what would look best on the rifle with the rust blueing, matte scope or polished?? All of my other scopes are matte.

I am looking at the same scope and the same issue between the blueing on the rifle and the matte finish of hte scope. The ones I viewed lately are amazing, but I too am looking for the German #4 rect

I think you are right on the matte scope. Brad,
we must have all been drooling over this rifle at the sametime, I can't tell you how many times I was on the website closely inspecting each photo. When I first called, the rifle was on hold for another buyer, but thankfully the buyer decided on a different rifle. I have never seen a rifle before like this one where in an instant I decided I had to have it. I have had plenty that I have thought long and hard over before getting and others I have picked up right away, but nothing like this. I saw it and that was it. I also thought that the price was right. First, I don't think you often seen Darwin Hensley's work for sale and at the end of his career he was getting $5,000 to turn the stock, not including the cost of the blank. As good as the rifle looks, it feels even better in the hands. I am a big fan of the oval cheekpiece on the stock, similar to Winchester's Super Grades on prewar model 70s, they really fit me well. Of course, this one is a little more refined than Winchester's. The rifle had everything I wanted in a custom.

No flies on that one! Congratulations!

I would hate to get it scratched-up, but, you have to hunt with it , shoot it, and enjoy it!!

I forgot to add, I love the grain of that wood, just enough to look elegant, but not enough to make it look gaudy.

I'd call it beautiful!
Congratulations!

I've seen some impressive firearms pictured here and this certainly is one of them.

quote:

Originally posted by Prewar70:
I will definitely be hunting with it. I have a trip down to South Texas 12/13 to hunt critters at my friend's ranch and I would like to take it with. I know I have a month to get the rifle ready, which seems like a lot of time, but I will be pushing it to get it done.

The mounts and rings are not marked anywhere, but from looking at Conetrol's website I believe the bases are their "sculpted" model and the rings are not what one usually sees from Conetrol, however, per the website, they do offer horizontally split rings. I need to decide on a scope. I have really been impressed with the Zeiss Conquest, 3-9 with the German 4 reticle. But I am not sure what would look best on the rifle with the rust blueing, matte scope or polished?? All of my other scopes are matte.

PreWAR

The Zeiss Conquest is a great scope, and I have owned a few of them. But they are BIG. I think once you got it on there you might think it was out of place on that dainty little G33.

I don't generally get fired up over high end customs but that is one damn nice rifle.

Clean, concise, and direct to the point, all business, great action, wood, and caliber.

That is one mean killin' machine, I just wish I had seen it first.

Thanks for the view.

RJS

22WRF,

You might be right about the size of the 3x9, I didn't really think about that. What do you think about a Leupold 1.75-6 or something comparable in Zeiss.

Prewar, great story... I'm really happy for you! When I saw the rifle I couldn't help thinking that was one of the best buys on a top-drawer, second hand custom I've ever seen... Hensley is a master. I'm glad he's still with us for you to communicate with regarding his work.

As to scopes, I really think the more svelt lines of the Leupod 2.5-8x36 would look best on top the rifle... definately matte whichever way you go. Obviously aesthetic's are highly subjective but, IMO, nothing is more classically pleasing than the lines on (most) Leupold scopes...

Again, Congrat's!

I'll second the vote for the 2.5-8 Leupold. Great hunting scope with the perfect size.

I can't third the vote for the Leupy 2.5-8. The rifle has a sort of European flair to it with that straight bolt handle and that svelte stock. Can't have an American scope on it and have it look right. I would vote for the new smaller Conquest. Not sure what power it is but its smaller than the 3-9 Conquest. And if the scope is going to be Matte then I might redo those scope mounts to match. They look pretty shiny to me.

The 2.5-8 Leupy is nice I think as is the 1.75-6 with a 32mm objective. Both scopes are around 11.4". The new Zeiss Conquest 2.5-8 has a 32mm objective and is about a half inch longer. I think I will be looking first to the Zeiss because I like the 3-9 I have so much and really like the German 4 reticle. Nothing against Leupy, as I have several of them and only 1 Zeiss. I will definitely not be refinishing any rings or bases on the rifle as the rustblueing is perfect and matches all the metalwork.

I am really amazed with Jim Wisner's abilities as he handled 95% of all the metal right down to the perfectly mounted swivel on the barrel which looks almost integral rather than soldered.

Good grief most European scopes are ugly.

That rifle begs for a small steel tubed scope to match the surface texture and reflectivity of the the STEEL.
To top it off, ask Darwin what he likes to see in terms of the style scopes that were manufactured the same time frame as the rifle. Get him to put that in a letter then buy that scope if you want a totally matched DH set up.
I would have a hard time choosing between a Leupold 2.5X Alaskan (7/8 steel) and a Leupold 3X (1" aluminum). Both of these will be in keeping with the compact G33/40 action. Other than that, pick the best current Leupold that looks right on it.
Maybe you need another set of rings? One set of rings with a scope to match the style for show and another scope for the actual hunting. That will provide you with a backup too.

Ireload2,

What were you thinking in terms of power and manufacturer? I don't disagree with you, as that was an initial thought I had, but the scopes today are heckuva lot better than a mid 80s Redfield.

Prewar70 ,
I edited my post
I put about half of my thoughts down and then went back. I know today's scopes are better but that is a very classic rifle that would appear awkward with a Teutonic Hubble mounted on it.
I hope I answered with my edit.
Putting a scope on that rifle has to be special "chore" to enjoy.
EDG

Prewar70,

Trez Hensley here (Darwin's son). Great to hear that you got one of my dad's guns. Building stocks and wood working was his passion for most of the time I was growing up and for many years after I left the house. I'm back now working in Dad's shop starting up Hensley and Hensley Gun works and building up my client base. I always enjoy it when one of dad's guns finds a home with someone who can appreciate it. Know that to build the stock, dad probably spent around a month and a half maybe two at that stage. He is training me to do work in his creative style and it takes a long time to get it "just right". He would have had that gun in the living room for several nights sometimes weeks, just looking at it to make sure he liked it. If not, back to the shop until the stock within the wood showed itself the way he wanted it.

I also know that he would be charging $7-8000 to build a stock now if he were still doing it. It has been great to work under him and learn and grow into this realm. It was always around me. I remember one of his earlier gunsmiths (before he became known) showing me how to build a single shot rifle with only a file. A German smith, this is how he got his title as a master. Well truth be told at age 10, I never got around to finishing it, last I remember it looked like a really large and unique tuning fork. Never did get into smith work prefering to work with wood.

Anyway, know that it was made with a passion for the craft and that you got a smoke'n deal. Just last year at the show, a pair of rifles of his sold for a great deal more.......more engraving and finish work granted, but for about 8 times what you paid.

Enjoy and let me know if you ever need work done on that rifle, I'll work on it with the same methods it was built with.

Trez Hensley

Trez,
This is the shape I'm looking for in my next project.
Are you guys going to be at the next Guild show?
Great looking rifle. I would love to see one up close.

beautiful gun no two ways about it

2.5-8x Leupold without a doubt.
JustmyOpinion,but not an entirely worthless one, but I would flick those rings and go for the projectionless conetrol are famous for.They will better complement its sleek overall lines and when you have the 2.5-8x mounted in them, you will soon know what I mean.
If I can tommorrow,I will post a photo of a top end custom G33/40 257R as an example.

By the way, Thats a real neat barrel swivel base.

Trez,

Thanks for taking a look at this thread. I thought you would enjoy looking at your father's work. I appreciate your comments as well as some insight into what it takes to produce this type of result. I look forward to seeing your work and hopefully more of your input here on AR. What a great teacher you have and I wish you and your father all the best. It is extremely gratifying to read all of the fine comments folks have made about this rifle. There is definitely something special about it and it seems obvious that I'm not the only one who sees it. In my opinion, there are a lot of great rifles out there, some with great stocks, others with great metal, but the truly great rifles are the ones where the marriage of all the componets is greater than the sum of it's parts, and this rifle is exactly that.

Woodjack,

I think I just might pick up a set of Conetrol's projectionless rings and see how they look on the rifle. I appreciate the suggestion. I am also looking forward to pics of your Roberts.