Gunsmith Called Part II

[Vince]

Well I got the new lady home and I'm in love.

Left hand Model 70 Winchester in .338 Win Mag. I used Patrick Holehan at http://www.plholehancustomrifles.com/

I asked David Miller to do it and he sent me to Patrick. I really enjoyed meeting and discussing this project with him. Nothing fancy, no custom build, just improvements on an already fine rifle. He cut the stock to fit me, bedded the action, floated the barrel, installed the scope and recoil pad, and oiled the stock, as well as giving it one of the nicest trigger jobs I've ever felt.

He builds custom rifles, and we talked about a future build, but this was just very good general gunsmithing work. I knew I had a harder to find than normal rifle and didn't want to leave it with just anybody. DrMike will be along later to post up some pictures but I have to warn you I'm not a good photographer. Thank you DrMike for doing this for a troglodyte. :grin: For some reason I can't seem to be able to grasp how to post pictures.

Vince

 

[gerry]

Great, can't wait to see the pictures

 

[DrMike]

Here are the pictures of Vince's rifle. Pretty sweet. Looks as if he did all right.

This is the gun shop where good things happen.



Vince included a picture of the bill being calculated.



Here is one perspective of the rifle.



Here is the opposing side.



The muzzle brake.



Closer view of the action.

 

[Vince]

In case anyone is wondering that's a Zeiss HD 5-25 x 50 on that rifle.

 

[DrMike]

Handsome rifle. It will serve you well.

 

[gerry]

That looks to be in great shape. Should be a great shooter with all the improvements you made on it, congrats. Can't quite remember off hand what loads are you planning on running through her?

 

[Vince]

Nosler 225 Grain Partitions and Hornady 250 Grain Spire Points right now.
I'm hoping they will serve me well out to 600 Yards. If I have to I'll try some boat tails.

 

[gerry]

Both of those should work well. Great looking LH gun

 

[Elkman]

Vince that is a beauty, it will serve you well for many years in the field. ! !

 

[Kodiak]

A classic big game rifle if there ever was one. Well done,

 

[FOTIS]

Nice and nice glass

 

[Hegland]

A classic big game rifle if there ever was one. Well done,

+1. A very useful rifle and great workmanship. Congrats.

 

[sask boy]

It sure looks like you took it to the right shop :wink:.
I can't wait for the range report! It looks like it is going to be a tack driver.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[EOD Diver]

Hot damn that's a great looking rifle! I've only read about David Miller and his legendary rifles, but imagine that if he recommended someone that they'd be at the top of their game. Looks like he really delivered the goods for you. Congratulations man!
Joe

 

[DrMike]

David Miller assuredly has a well-deserved reputation in building rifles. I'm with Joe on this, if David Miller recommended someone, they would have to be capable and competent.

 

[SJB358]

Very nice Vince! Looks like a perfect package. Awesome set up. Can't wait to hear how it runs at the range.

 

[Vince]

Thanks guys.
I've got some loads worked up and I'm going to run a ladder Monday if I get time. Then I'll start playing with various powder charges.

 

[sask boy]

Good luck Bud, we are all excited to see what that Winnie will do :wink:.
Photos with the range report will greatly appreciated .

Blessings,
Dan

 

[IdahoCTD]

I'm curious why he opened the end of the brake so big. They are quieter but much less effective like that.

Nice looking rifle though and I like the scope choice. I have a HD5 and might buy a couple more. Short of the weight they are pretty nice. I need to run the dials a bunch on mine to see if they stay repeatable like the Nightforce and Leupold's I've had.

 

[Vince]

I'm curious why he opened the end of the brake so big. They are quieter but much less effective like that.

Nice looking rifle though and I like the scope choice. I have a HD5 and might buy a couple more. Short of the weight they are pretty nice. I need to run the dials a bunch on mine to see if they stay repeatable like the Nightforce and Leupold's I've had.

In reverse order:

I don't think you'll have an issue when you run those dials on your Zeiss.
I agree they are nice scopes. Thank you for the compliment on the looks of the rifle.
The end of the brake was opened up due to a concentricity issue with the Winchester barrel. It was one of the first things Mr. Holehan mentioned to me when I picked up the rifle. He said that he doesn't like to open them up that much but that in this case he had to.

Vince