28 August 2009, 03:08
M1TankerDean Zolliner & James Anderson Rifle #2
A few months ago I posted some photos of the completed rifle that was built by Dean Zollinger and James Anderson. At the time I mentioned that the “twin” rifle that was being built for my Dad was just about finished. Well, a week ago Dad took delivery of the completed rifle. To save me some typing I pasted and edited the details of the rifles below:
As I mentioned in previous posts several years ago my Dad and I decided we wanted to build a matching pair of rifles. But at the same time we wanted them to each still be unique. The intent was that after they were built we would hunt with them and enjoy them and then when it came time for Dad to pass on his guns we would pass these rifles on to my boys. That way they would each have something special that was done by Dad and Grandpa together. Thanks to the work of 2 incredibly talented gun builders the rifles are now complete.
I was hesitant about going with a stainless rifle. I was concerned that it would end up looking like a rifle left in the white. But Dad and I wanted the rifles to be significantly different. Even after seeing it in progress I was sort of regretting choosing the stainless. But now that I have the rifle in hand the stainless has really grown on me and I really love how it looks with the stock I have.
James Anderson contoured the barrel to an octagon that is very trim and elegant. He also did his cloverleaf conversion to the tang as well as made a custom checkered bolt release.. He also did the same treatment to Dad’s rifle. Once James finished his work he sent the projects on to Dean Zollinger.
Dean welded on a new bolt handle, made the custom contoured scope bases, finished all the metal to a nice satin bead blasted finish. He also did all the stock work. I asked Dean for a slim and trim stock with a nice open grip.
The blank for Dad’s rifle was a real find. I bought the blank from the widow of an old gun builder. He had passed on 20 years before I bought the blank and she had decided to clean out shop. I almost feel guilty for the bargain I got on the blank once I saw the completed stock!!! It is a beautiful piece of very old Bastogne.
I know the scope is mounted very high – but those are the rings Dad had and it fits him. But I did just mail him a set of low Talley rings so he can lower it down a bit. He is also going to swap the scope to a matte finish eventually.
I know mine and Dad’s photo taking ability is lacking. But you get the idea.
Specs:
Action: Winchester M70 Classic / mine is a M70 Classic Stainless
Caliber: 300 Winchester Magnum
Barrel: Dad’s – Badger CM 1:10 twist 24” / mine - Half Moon stainless 1:10 twist 24”
Bottom Metal: Blackburn
Rings: Talley
Bases: Dean Zollinger custom
Scope: Leupold VX-III 3.5-10x40
Stock: Dad’s – Bastogne / mine - English Walnut
Grip cap: Fisher 2 screw
Swivel bases: Duane Wiebe custom
My Rifle:
Dad’s Rifle:
