That stock looks very sculputured. Almost dainty and fragile. (not a criticism ) it seems as though each surface sort of melts into its adjacent metalwork, or rounds out to its end instead of ending abruptly into a flat.

Another interesting thing about it, (and maybe it is an illusion because of the photography) is the choice of bottom metal. At first it looked like Blackburn. Now, in studying it, it looks like reworked 1909 Argentine with a custom straddle floorplate from Wisner.

PREWAR

I think you should turn around and donate that gun to the Gun Museum that is part of the Cody Wyoming Buffalo Bill Museum. They need some more custom guns to compliment their custom gun room.

22WRF,

The stock is very trim but I wouldn't go as far as fragile. The stock thins out as it progresses from the butt to the forearm, as one might expect. It might be hard to see in the photos, but the entire edge to metal fit does end into a flat, rather than round. It varies but the flats are around an 1/8 to 3/16ths. Here is another photo that hopefully shows what I am trying to explain. I don't know enough about Mauser bottom metal to answer your question but when taking it apart I do think you are correct that it is reworked Argentine with a Wisner floorplate. Seeing as Wisner did the metal that probably makes sense.

quote:

Originally posted by slancey:
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.

slancey,
We will be at the show, I'm applying for my membership this year (dad's an honorary member). God willing, I'll get in this year and be showing my work. It's never a for sure thing until it happens........However, being part time, I am working double overtime to get it all done. There is a chance that I will have to apply next year if I can't afford to or haven't time to get my two spec. guns done in time. Spec guns only because there was not enough time to get the Gibbs rifles done and I had two others started. One to give to one of my dad's friends and one for me or whoever.....

Better to wait and do work worthy of the "Hensley & Hensley Gun Works" name than to take short cuts. Even if I cannot get done for the show we will still be there the tickets and rooms are already paid for. It's a great time. If you come, I hope to meet you.

I'm working on a oberndorf action in 308 Norma Mag and a Stevens 44 1/2 for dad's friend. Anyone want to turn my spec gun into a consignment for a "starving artist". It's stock has been shaped, it still needs a forend tip, final sanding and checkering then it will be ready for the show in the white. I'll be selling it at the show, (again God willing) but it would be blessed to have some money now to help get there......... If so send me a PM and we'll talk.

Trez

Trez

One thing about AR. If you want to generate interest in anything, especially anything that you aren't giving away, you need to post photos of it.

Thanks 22WRF,
I'll look into how to do this and maybe start a new thread. I wouldn't usually show (post for all to see), a work that is not complete but with a desire to make it to the show with the guns, I'll do what I have to do-- to do what I want to do.
Trez

Hunting rifles rarely get prettier than this.

Prewar70,

33/257R Photos
sorry bout piss poor photo quality, these are scanned images ans somewhere along the way I have lost much resolution.Thats a shame cause this is one sharp rig.
Anyway, I can tell you those bases are 5.5mm above receiver, The Conetrol rings are medium height. They were needed to clear the shroud, which you can make out, that it "just" does.

Looking at your rifle im wondering if you have the space between rings for 2.5-8xLeup.(130mm tube). Also wondering if front objective and selector ring would clear your bases. Im more sure the longer tube 1.75-6xLeup would have less problem.
Another option would be Conetrol low with fixed6xLeup. ordered with a smaller dia.eyepiece from a compact leupold. I have heard Leup. will do this for customers,just need to ask to find out for sure.
Theres a fair chance it will work.If it does, then youd sure have a trick low slung rig.
None the less, medium conetrols would still look fine.

Woodjack,
Even with the poor quality photos, this is a great looking rifle. These rings would look just right on prewar70's gun IMO.

PreWar

By the way, GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY on your part. You must have a small studio with some umbrellas or a soft box set up there. Nice work.

22WRF,

I wish that was my photography. Those are courtesy of Cabelas Idaho.

Woodjack,

I love the Roberts and the mounts. I think I may have to pick up a set of those rings and see how they look. I need to measure to be sure, but I do not think the 2.5-8 Leupold is going to fit so I may have to go with the Zeiss. I would have thought that the 1.75-6 is shorter than the 2.5-8 but maybe I'm wrong. I'll have to check their website for the specs.

Prewar 70:

The Leupold 1.75x6E is about 1/2-inch longer than the 2.5x8. I ended up using one over the other on a gun specifically for that reason.

Dave

That is a beauty, Prewar, thanks for those pics.

Trez--I didn't know you were Darwin's son--I stand corrected, 7# 4oz sans drilling...

Trez,

I met your dad when he worked with Greg Warne at Kimber years in the 80's. Very sorry to hear that an illness has prevented him from continuing his fine work? Is he still living in the Marmont/Brightwood area? If so, did the flooding on the Sandy River cause any problems for him?

John,
Dad is still in the same place, but he is 50' above the river. It's really loud but not an issue unless the mountain blows and melts all of the glacier. If that happens we will both be flooded aside from the other issues. He did have the heavy winds blow down an 11' dia old growth tree that had rotted from the inside. It used to sit between him and the river but gratefully it went into the river and was mostly swept away. I live in Sandy, where are you at?

22WRF,
I took your advice about the photos of my work. Once I figured it out (posting photos that is). Check it out and weigh in over on that thread. It's in the classifieds at https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2711043/m/677105175

When doing the pics, I created an avitar. Not sure if it works at this size. It's our family crest. The "Hensley" name is mighty tiny. Any ideas???

Trez

Trez,

I live in Beaverton, so I'm about a 35 miles West of you.

John in Oregon

Prewar70,

Awesome rifle! The best always have a certain "something" that elevates them from the norm (even or especially when discussing custom rifles) and makes them special. I really like the fact that this rifle now has an owner who not only appreciates it but is keen on its history.

John

Prewar70,

I know your thinking Zeiss, But being bred, Ive posted M98-Vx1.75-6x just to give you a visual idea for any future reference.Plus its always good to see another good M98.

Woodjack,

I appreciate the pictures. I checked the specs on Leupold's website and indeed the 1.75-6 does have more room between the bells and would fit the rifle. I have to admit that I am leaning towards the Zeiss 2.5-8x32. I might be totally wrong but I think the sharper lines on the scope might look better with the straight bolt handle. Oh well, can't go wrong with either.

JKS,

Thank you for the comments. Jim Wisner is also going to give me whatever info he has on it. Jim mentioned having the guild "hallmark" the rifle which basically documents and authenticates it's history. Jim gave me the fellow's name and number to start that process which I plan on investigating.

More than anything, I can't wait to get it to the range, work up loads, and then start hunting with it. Next year I hope to post many pictures of the rifle and the dragons it's slayed.

Was unaware Zeiss made 2.5-8x32,but ams aware now.

quote:

Originally posted by Prewar70:

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.

If you like pre war mod 70's here is mine.




It is a three digit serial number ( #10X ) according to "The Rifleman's Rifle" built second month of production Feb-March 1936. It has Conetrol rings on custom bases. I like Conetrols, they're a pain in the ass to assemble, but they're top notch rings and bases.
Bill Soverns assembled it DuBell did the metal work on a nice piece of bastogne. It is accurate as shit- I've shot three groups in the 1/8in range, don't do groups no more I fuck them up more than than the rifle.

It's killed many a deer and hog and has the bumps and bruises nicks and gouges to show for. My latest kill this past weekend is below. 155in deer, 26 1/2in mains, 23 1/2in inside spread, 8 1/2 y/o, 187#.

Good to see that rifle in action!

Where's the rifle?
All I see is horns!
gunmaker

Here is the rifle

Bill and FMC,

That is one gorgeous looking rifle. I like to hunt with my prewar 70s and I attached a picture from a couple years ago. Prewar 30'06, serial # around 19,000, with a Lyman Alaskan 2.5x with post and crosshair in Stith Mounts.

PreWar,

That one looks like the original stock too! Very nice. I only have one prewar model 70 and I thoroughly enjoy it.

Bill,

You are correct! All of my prewar 70s are original, no extra holes, pads, reblues, etc. I purchased a mint prewar Roberts once from the original owners grandson. He had original ammo and the original receipt from Griffin and Howe and I mean this rifle looked like it had a box of shells through it and that is it. Only 2 problems, and that was 2 small 6-48 holes in the rear bridge. It was so perfect I purchased it, thinking I would get used to the holes. Well everytime I took it out of the safe to fondle it, I found myself focusing on those 2 holes and making excuses. A couple months after buying I sold it, and since then, I pass on non-original prewars no matter how tempting. The darn rifle could have a beat to heck stock but as long as it doesn't have extra holes or an ugly pad, I'll take it!