Winchester Model 70 .30-06 stocked and refined by George Hoenig. From the Tom Siatos estate and based on a refined barreled action (serial 33959 made in 1941) this is the literal definition of a classic American custom rifle. The metal has a superb rust blue finish and remains almost entirely original, the exception being a careful rounding of the bottom metal to blend with the contour of the stock. The metal grip cap is engraved “G. HOENIG BOISE ID”. The stock is shaped from an elegant blank of AAA-grade English walnut to the contour of a proper mountain rifle. The open grip, at least for an American custom rifle, is ahead of its time. Being a Hoenig, the 26 lines-per-inch wrap bordered checkering is wonderfully executed and perfectly compliments. Additional appointments include an English cheek with softened edge and a leather-wrapped recoil pad. DIMENSIONS: Weight (with mount) is 8.4 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.6 inches. CONDITION: The bore shines like grandpa’s bald head in the sun. Metal and wood finishes are about 98 percent. Wood integrity is about 97 percent owing to a scattering of field impressions. 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.