George Hoenig custom Mauser 98 .460 G&A Special. Consigned by the estate of Tom Siatos (who designed the cartridge), serial B6393 is an extraordinary rifle in every respect. Based on a single square bridge magnum Mauser action with drop box, it wears a tapering 24-inch barrel (.725-inch muzzle diameter, stippled ramp front sight with folding hood, three interchangeable brass-beaded blades of differing heights marked .270/.300/.330-inches, integral sling swivel stud, second recoil lug, island rear sight assembly with one fixed and four folding leafs engraved 100/200/300/400/500 – each with a silver sighting line). The action retains its original serial number (55248 appears at the lug and on extractor, bolt handle, bolt release, floor plate and trigger) and is highly refined with flawless internal polishing, refitting and tuning. The trigger face is wonderfully serrated. STOCK: Bearing Hoenig’s stamp at the lug and fashioned from AAA walnut with strong directional figure accented by dynamic crossing grain, formalities include fine wrap checkering, pedestaled release lever, scalloped pancake with beveled shoulder, trap door grip cap, initial plate (engraved “TS”), sling swivel stud and a Pachmayr Olde English recoil pad. ENGRAVING: Although unsigned, engraving is superbly executed. Delicate scroll rolls over the ring, bridge, floor plate, guard, trap, knob and screws to 60 percent coverage, perfectly accenting the no-nonsense lines. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 9.8 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.85 inches. CONDITION: The bore is flawless, mechanics are solid and the trigger pull smooth. Metal finish is approximately 99 percent. Wood is approximately 98 percent with scattered instances of minor impressions. INCLUSIONS: A 9×11-inch shadow box originating from Tom’s office includes the cartridge description from the 11th Edition of Cartridges of the World, a dummy round and a photo of Siatos with his black rhino. A significant supply of ammunition as well as once-fired brass is also included. PROVENANCE: A letter of origin will be provided to the purchaser by the Siatos estate. 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 firearms 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 the iconic publication. A consummate hunter, spectacular all-around shot and true connoisseur of fine firearms, his interests spanned the full spectrum of the shooting sports. In 1942, Tom enlisted in the 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, he attended UCLA and later joined the fledgling Petersen’s Publishing Company in 1958. A series of promotions led to him to become vice president of the Petersen’s Publishing Outdoor Division, which thrived under his leadership. Tom Siatos was a mentor, visionary, leader, father figure and a true original. We will never see his like again. The price is firm and layaway is available. $20,000 plus shipping.