Was wandering through a local gun show yesterday and stumbled across a custom Ruger No. 3 in .348 Winchester. 24 inch Pac-Nor barrel, Ruger Rib fitted, lever modified to be basically a trigger guard and opens by pushing down on it in front of the trigger. New Ruger No. 1 style butt and forend with a rosewood schnabel. Both reportedly custom made. Wood was maybe 2x, probably less. Rear sling swivel, but no front swivel. Redfield scope in Ruger rings. Ramp front sight with unidentified Sourdough style front sight without brass insert. Excellent condition.

Asking price is $1200. I suspect you couldn't duplicate it for that, but would you pay that much for one?

nope..... theres a gorgeous #1 in 45-120 with brass and dies for less than $1k....for private sale in canyon lake....no way you could duplicate it either..... but what custom is made with resale in mind????.....

I've owned several original Win 71 348s and I gotta ask "Who, knowing the cartridge's history of inaccuracy and lack of bullet selection, would ever WANT a custom in that chambering?"

IMO that rifle is worth whatever the action and wood are worth since I'd just hafta rebarrel it anyway. But as always YMMV.
Regards, Joe

Several years ago at a Gun Show in Austin Texas I saw a #3 converted to 375 H&H. I assume from a 375 winchester. "Chuck" (very large guy near the front) had it for sale. He said it was an event when it was shot.

Probably sellable at $600.00. I do not doubt there is $1200 in it. But you have basically ruined a collectable for something that has little market. I bet that 375 in the #3 was a real joy too with the curved buttplate and no pad at about 5 pounds

quote:

Originally posted by J.D.Steele:
I've owned several original Win 71 348s and I gotta ask "Who, knowing the cartridge's history of inaccuracy and lack of bullet selection, would ever WANT a custom in that chambering?"

IMO that rifle is worth whatever the action and wood are worth since I'd just hafta rebarrel it anyway. But as always YMMV.

Regards, Joe

Joe, I agree with you on the lack of bullet selection IF you shoot factory bullets instead of making your own.

But, I don't think there are very many, if any, fundamentally "inaccurate" cartridges (including the .348 Winchester), just inaccurate rifles and some inaccurate loads.

And, I guess it depends to some extent on how much accuracy a person desires for their use of the rifle & round. My last Model 71 would shoot right at an inch for 5 shots at 100 yards, and that was plenty good enough for its purpose...Roosevelt elk in the brush.

Anyway, I'd kinda like a Ruger single-shot in .348, though it would take an absolutely outstanding one to make me spend $1,200 for it...

Best wishes, y'all....