Hoffman Arms custom Springfield .30-06. From the storied firm in Ardmore, Oklahoma, this classic American sporter wears a 24-inch barrel with a banded front sight ramp topped by a brass-beaded blade. Although reprofiled, the barrel is original as the date stamp is partially visible on either side of the ramp (the left number being a “5” and the right being a “2”). The action itself has received minimal modifications (markings polished, carefully smoothed raceway, extractor and bolt body jeweled, Lyman aperture rear sight added, trigger face serrated with a checkered tip). The bottom metal has been replaced but the rear of the follower has not been beveled and the two-stage trigger mechanism remains in service. No serial number is present either above or below the wood line. STOCK: Fashioned from a walnut blank with strong lines and understated figure, the overall stock profile is wonderfully slim. The forend tip is horn. Fine borderless checkering with accent points wraps the forearm and bookends the grip shoulders in graceful panels. The slim, open pistol grip is capped with steel and the comb line is all but straight. The stock itself incorporates metal bedding pillars and wears an oil finish. The recoil pad was upgraded at some point in the not too distant past.  ENGRAVING: Sans attribution, the engraving is exceptional. The floor plate anchors the theme with a calling bull moose standing in profile against a forested background which is in turn vertically framed by fields of leafy vines with scroll and fleur accents. The pattern extends over the balance of the bottom metal and guard, then reappears on the front ring and on either end of the barrel. Stippling accents integrate on the front right ramp as well as the top of the ring and over the chamber. The grip cap also wears full coverage and the bolt knob is dressed with a horizontal band of fine checkering. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.65 inches. CONDITION: The bore is bright, not roughed, and has strong rifling. The action is solid and mechanics proper. At least a partial professional restoration seems likely (given the slight softening of the Hoffman legend engraved in the barrel). Metal finish now stands at approximately 85 percent with only minor instances of roughness showing under the finish. Engraving remains sharp. Jeweling over the extractor and bolt body has softened. Checkering is likely recut and the stock oiled.