Jeffery (London) Model 2 Takedown .375 H&H Magnum, engraved, banded, quarter rib, express, drop box (5+1), two safeties, Turkish, horn, Zeiss, great bore, estate of Tom Siatos

W.J. Jeffery Model 2 Takedown .375 H&H Magnum. Originally crafted on a single square bridge magnum Mauser action in 1946 as a .333, subsequently rebarreled by Jeffery to the present caliber and consigned by the estate of Tom Siatos, serial 38700 (6x: barrel, bolt handle, guard, trigger, stock, rear scope ring) has a 25-inch barrel (.635-inch muzzle diameter, banded front sight with knurled transition, checkered top, folding hood and a brass-beaded blade, banded sling eye, quarter rib with fixed express leaf and four folders marked 100/200/300/400/500). The original action serial number of 95751 also appears 6x (action, release, shroud, safety, trigger, magazine box). Features include an extended bolt handle with checkered knob (two bordered panels), two independent safeties (three-position flag and a two-position side), drop box magazine with inside-the-bow release button and a quick detaching mounting system (retaining screw, 1-inch rear ring, 1.450-inch front ring). CAPACITY: Six rounds (five plus one, feeding/extraction/ejection are smooth and positive, extractor “snaps over” rounds dropped into the chamber). STOCK: The heavily-figured Turkish blank is accented with a horn forend tip, partially-bordered wrap checkering, crossbolt, Monte Carlo comb, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, horn grip cap, initial plate (engraved “TJS”), toe line sling hook and a Pachmayr recoil pad. ENGRAVING: Trap and guard wear a detailed floral/vine pattern to 80 percent that continues over the front ring, along the raceway and at the top of the bolt handle. Screws are also dressed. OPTIC: A Zeiss Diatal-C 4x32mm with plex reticle is attached. DIMENSIONS: Weight (empty, with optic) is 9.4 pounds. Length-of-pull is 13.6 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Mechanical operations are solid. Markings and engraving are sharp. Metal finish is approximately 50 percent overall and thinning to silver/brown. Wood is approximately 80 percent. Takedown and reassembly is positive. Optic is clear with good lenses and lens coatings. No case, accessories or papers. TOM SIATOS (1923-2008) spent the majority of his life in close association with firearms and hunting. His professional contributions, tremendous category knowledge, bottomless enthusiasm and bold personality influenced the firearm industry and outdoor media to such a degree that it remains a viable force today. Tom was the second editor of Guns & Ammo Magazine. As such, he was responsible for the general tone of this iconic publication. A consumate hunter, spectacular all-around shot and true connoisseur of fine firearms, his interests spanned the full spectum of the shooting sports. In 1942, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in units that scouted and destroyed isolated enemy communication sites on a number of Pacific islands, eventually receiving a battlefield commission. After concluding his service, Tom attended UCLA and then joined the fledgling Petersen’s Publishing Company in 1958. A series of promotions led him to become vice president of Petersen’s Publishing Outdoor Division which thrived under his leadership. Tom was a mentor, visionary, leader, father figure and a true original. We will never see his like again. A number of other fine firearms from the Siatos estate are offered concurrently. The price is firm and layaway is available. $17,500 plus shipping.