Sterling Davenport custom .500 Jeffery. Based on a much-refined Mauser 98 action built in 1939, serial number 3406 is something of an elegant monster. The 24-inch barrel wears a banded front sight assembly topped by a knurled hood and brass-beaded blade, banded sling swivel stud and a quarter rib with a single express leaf (adjustable for windage, gold sighting line). The crown is rececessed and a secondary recoil lug has been added to the barrel for integrity. Bedded on a single aluminum pillar at the front ring, glass extends from the primary lug to the shank of the ebony. The action remains untapped. Bolt body and extractor are jeweled. A custom shroud with three-position wing safety and custom drop-box bottom metal with inside-the-bow release have been incorporated. Metal finish is a flawless rust blue. STOCK: The superb AAA-grade English walnut blank is shot through with strong, heavy figure to its full length. Appointments include an ebony forend tip, 26 lines-per-inch wrap checkering with partial mullered borders, double crossbolts with ebony plugs, collared bolt handle, traditional (pancake) scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, floor plate pedestal, skeleton grip cap and an inletted sling swivel stud on the toe line. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 9.8 pounds and length-of-pull is 15.0 inches over a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal and stock finishes are approximately 99 percent with but trace suggestions of handling.