Gun Digest 2011. Dan Shideler
Custom and Engraved Guns
BY TOM TURPIN
This photo shows the new USA-made Searcy “rising bite” double flanked on either side by an original Rigby double shotgun featuring the rising bite they offered to the market at the turn of the 20th century. This pair of original Rigby doubles were made in 1903. The Searcy was finished in 2010. Photo by Steve Helsley.
A close-up photo of the Searcy-produced Rigby Bissell “rising bite” locking system. Due to the complexity and difficulty of manufacture, to my knowledge, none have been made in more than a half-century, probably closer to 75 years or so. Photo by Steve Helsley.
Shane Thompson FN 98 Mauser. Photo by Gene Wright.
Shane Thompson
Shane Thompson is a very talented young gunmaker. He does both stock and metalwork and he does each with equal meticulousness. The rifle shown here is a good example of his work in both materials. He started with a very early FN Model 98 Mauser action that he blueprinted, truing all the surfaces. He recontoured and reshaped a 1909 Argentine set of bottom metal and fitted it to the action. He fabricated scope rings and bases from bar stock in his shop and fitted them to the action. He chambered the barrel for the 270 Winchester cartridge, fitted a three-position safety and finally hand polished the action and barrel.
The stock on this rifle is a bit unusual. It is fabricated from a piece of mesquite that grew on the client’s ranch. The client cut and sealed the wood many years ago. He insisted on using it for the stock. Shane whittled out the stock and fitted it with a genuine horn forend tip and grip cap. He checkered it in a point pattern 24 and added a mullered border. He finished his work by mounting a Leupold 3-9 variable scope. The finished rifle weighs 7 lbs., 11 ozs. W/O scope, and 8 lbs., 10 ozs. with scope. The astute viewer might note that the rifle is a right hand action, but stocked for a southpaw. That’s the way the client learned to shoot, and the way he wanted it done. Finally, Gary Griffiths engraved the rifle.
Gane Simillion
Simillion Winchester M70 .375 H&H Magnum. Photo by Gene Simillion.
This 375 H&H rifle is from the Colorado shop of Gene Simillion. Starting with a Winchester Model 70 Classic action, a Krieger barrel, and a very nice stick of Turkish walnut, Gene went to work. He first blueprinted the action and fitted Blackburn bottom metal to it. He fitted and chambered the Krieger barrel, working on the feeding until it is flawless. He machined custom bases for the Talley scope rings he used to mount the Swarovski variable scope. He also fitted an adjustable rear sight to the barrel. He then whittled the stock from the blank of Turkish walnut and checkered it in a point pattern, 26 LPI. The finished rifle with scope weighs 9-3/4 pounds.
Butch Searcy
The rifle shown here is a bit of a departure from those normally found in this section. Although it can be and usually is a “bespoke” gun, and therefore made for a specific client, it is the first modern made double rifle that has appeared in the custom gun section under my byline that I can recall. Butch Searcy has been making double Rifles for a number of years now. Over time, his Rifles have developed a reputation as solid, affordable, working double rifles. This rifle is the first of a new breed of Searcy double, and for two reasons: it is a sidelock gun instead of the more often encountered boxlock. Still, though not common, Butch has produced sidelock guns before. What really sets this one apart, and something that no one has produced in at least a half-century or more, not even the Brits, is that this Rifle features a Rigby-Bissell patent (1879) rising bite third-bite. It is my understanding that the “new” London Rigby firm is producing a Rigby double featuring this locking system as well. I’ve seen photos of it “in the works,” but don’t know if it is finished as yet. At any rate this rifle is complete and chambered for the .470 NE cartridge.
Trez Hensley/ Ed LaPour Colt Lightning. Photo by Mustafa Bilal, Turk’s Head Productions.
Frey Hensley
One of our best custom stockmakers over the last couple decades has been Darwin Hensley. His stocks have been on many of our very best firearms. Alas, Darwin has been stricken with Parkinson’s disease and can no longer turn out his fabulous custom stocks. However, the family name associated with the custom gun trade is in good hands. His son Trez has picked up where Darwin had to leave off.
This wonderful custom rifle began as an original Colt Lightning rifle chambered for the .44WCF cartridge, made in 1878. The metalwork is mostly original, but has been cleaned up a bit by both Trez and by Ed LaPour. LaPour also executed the wonderful engraving and gold inlay work on the rifle. Hensley then crafted the extraordinary stock from a really nice piece of Turkish walnut. He checkered the stock in a point pattern at 26 LPI with a mullered border. The shadow line cheekpiece is very unusual in that it features a double radius, rather than the usual single. Trez is well equipped to carry on the tradition of excellence established by his father.
Hans Doesel
Hans Doesel is a relatively young German engraver who studied under my old friend Erich Boessler. I believe that he apprenticed under Erich as well as studied for his Master certificate under him. He’s been a Master engraver for several years now and is turning out some fastidious work. He is very versatile and can do traditional Germanic sculpting in deep relief, as well as delicate bulino work. Shown here are two examples of his artistry.
Doesel Sauer Model 202 action featuring rather typical Germanic gold