Model 70 .375 H&H

[Guy Miner]

Edited: The rifle was built by Michael Scherz, not Frank Wells.

Model 70 in .375 H&H.


Used a pretty decent chunk of walnut:


Some nice scope mounts:


Some kind of fancy quarter-rib with a heavy-duty rear sight:


A barrel band and a hooded front fire sight:


I wandered into the local gun shop to see if things were set up for a class I'm supposed to give there on Saturday, and there was this rifle... A Model 70, custom built, in .375 H&H...

There is officially No Room Left in my gunsafe. The door is closed. There will be no further rifle purchases! I did not NEED this rifle in the least. Or maybe I don't need all the others. Something like that. At any rate, it's pretty funny, given the terrific Model 70's posted here of late.

I need to go shoot this thing and find out if Frank Wells builds an accurate rifle as well as a good looking one. Guess I solved the problem of not having a .375 in a repeating rifle...

Just what I need, two .375's, when the biggest critter I've ever shot is a bull elk... Sigh. Oh well, now I know what to do with that second set of .375 H&H dies I collected somewhere along the way!

Guy

 

[Kodiak]

Now I ask you, Ain't that nice??????????

Looks likes a fine addition to your African Battery!

 

[DrMike]

Don't know of Frank Wells, but it looks as if he knows his stuff. That is quite a handsome rifle. I'd say you made a good acquisition with it, Guy.

 

[LD375]

Guy, gotta love the Big Bores uh? :grin: Man, that's a very nice model 70 pal! And as far as the .375H&H goes, it has become my favourite caliber in a hurry :grin: Congrats on another .375, let us know how she does on the range Guy :twisted: ..Once again, welcome to the BigBore Club!..Lou

 

[sask boy]

Guy, I owned a 375 H & H for almost 20 years and I believe if there was just one calibre per person that I would own the 375 Hurt & Hurt :wink:. It has history and still performs with all the big boys!!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[pre6422hornet]

Holy Smokes Guy!!!

That thing is gorgeous and I really like the metal work! I can't wait to see the results on the range.

 

[Hegland]

Very nice rifle, Guy. That has to be one of the all-time classics. And it looks well-done!

Two .375s, that'll boost the ol' average bore size!

 

[Guy Miner]

Yes, this was completely unexpected, and I've got a lot of explaining to do...

Sigh...

 

[Oldtrader3]

Frank Wells is listed in the BBB register in Tucson, no complaints filed. Nice looking stock. The work looks professional from the outside.

I found a full custom rifle from Frank Wells: .270 Winchester, Pre 64, Model 70, Bastogne walnut stock, 30 lpi checkering. Nice rifle, the guy wanted $3500 for it.

 

[Guy Miner]

Some confusion about if it's a Fred Wells rifle, or a Fank Wells rifle.

Am investigating. Will try to figure that out.

Either way it's a good looking rifle, and if it shoots as good as it looks, I'm a happy man.

Guy

 

[JD338]

Very nice Guy, congratulations.
Just tell Mrs Miner you need a bolt action 375 to hunt Africa.

JD338

 

[Oldtrader3]

Fred Wells is even more famous! I looked at another custom .270 Winchester by Fred Wells and it is one of the nicest and fanciest rifles that I have ever seen!

 

[Guy Miner]

Yeah, I "think" mine is by Frank Wells, but don't know that for sure. Am going to investigate, and hopefully will clarify.

Either way, it sure seems like one heck of a rifle.

Regards, Guy

 

[Vince]

Frank Wells is/was a Tucson Gunsmith.
He used to take work out of a local shop that closed about five years ago. I have no idea where he is now but I'll put out some feelers if you want.

 

[Guy Miner]

I'd really like to contact Frank, and find out if this rifle is one of his or not.



Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!

Guy

 

[SJB358]

Guy Miner, you dirty dog! That rifle is some kinda beautiful, but oh man, what a piece of wood, and the sights, well, those are all business too!

That looks like something that could be alot of fun, and just the ticket for Africa. Man, all these woodied up Model 70's are making my head spin.. Hopefully things go over okay with Mama on this one!

I imagine you won't have much to make up a couple of loads for your newest entry...

 

[Guy Miner]

Yeah Scotty, I've gone completely out of control on this gun-buying stuff of late. Need to fold up my wallet, put a lock on it and stay out of gunshops, and not talk to any of my buddies who might even be thinking of selling a gun. This year was supposed to be a No New Gun year, helping me save for Africa.

I think I've bought more doggone new guns this year than at any other year in my life! Good grief. And I really didn't need any of them. Yet, here they are.

Sigh. I do like that rifle. A lot. Even if it is a Model 70... :twisted:

Now, once again, I'm not going to buy any new guns. Honest. I mean it. :grin:

Must save for Africa. That rifle was the price of a gemsbok!

Guy

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, but oh man Guy, did you ever pick up a beauty. I'd imagine that rifle should be something awesome in Africa. An extra round never hurts to have on tap.

Are you thinking of putting the 1.5x5 on the Winchester?

Looking forward to a range report of the new rifle. That has some beautiful wood on it and its housing the best action ever made, the mighty Model 70! Jeeze, quit your complaining and get to shooting! Ha :grin:

 

[Oldtrader3]

Let me know when you find out who made your rifle Guy? I am kind of curious since both are well know smiths. Thanks.

 

[jmad_81]

Guy- That thing is a work of art! When I was in Africa the PH told me all kinds of stories about plains game hurting people. The way you need to pitch this to the wifey is that it is for your own safety :wink:

That was one heck of a pick up!