Product Spotlights

Al & Roger Biesen custom left hand Remington Model 700 .338 Winchester Magnum. Serial C6448884 is a highly refined Remington 700 LH barreled action. The 23-inch barrel (24 inches long including the integral brake) remains provisioned for open sights and wears a sling swivel stud. The action features polished rails, jeweled bolt body and follower, custom bolt shroud with three-position wing safety, custom steel bolt handle with four checkered teardrop panels, custom steel bottom metal with inside-the-guard release button and a wonderfully-tuned trigger. A Leupold VX-II 3-9×40 scope with Duplex reticle is secured in custom-contoured mounts. The stock is extraordinary. Beginning with a heavily-figured walnut blank no doubt selected as much for its strength, formalities include an ebony forend tip, 26 lines-per-inch borderless wrap checkering with accenting fleurs, slight Monte Carlo comb, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, steel grip cap and an inletted sling swivel stud. All screws are timed. MARKINGS: “Al & Roger Biesen Gunmaker Spokane WN” is centered on the barrel. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 9.0 pounds with the optic. Length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: The bore is pristine. Metal finish (rust blue) exceeds 98 percent and wood finish/condition crowds 100 percent with but a single minor impression. The optic is clear. The price is firm and layaway is available. $7,500 plus shipping.

Left hand Empire Rifles Professional Grade .300 Winchester Magnum. Made in 2009, serial ES00278 has a 24-inch plain sporter barrel (.640-inch muzzle diameter) sans provisions for open sights. Features incluse a Mauser Model 98-type action (full-length claw extractor) with integral mounting system (steel 30mm medium rings are included), three-position wing safety, straight bolt handle with checkered knob and steel bottom metal with inside-the-bow release. Metal finish is matte and appears to Cerakote (or similar). Drawn from a AA-grade blank of English walnut with flaring figure, the stock is dressed with an ebony forend tip, 26 lines-per-inch borderless wrap checkering accented with fleurs, scalloped traditional (pancake) cheek rest with shadow line, ebony grip cap, inletted sling swivel studs and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 9.0 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.6 inches. CONDITION: The bore is pristine. Metal finish is approximately 97 percent. Wood finish/condition is approximately 95 percent overall. The ebony forend tip has three trace hairline cracks (none gapped) and the walnut has a scattering of minor rubs and impressions. ACCURACY: Three factory test targets are included, each showing three or four shots at 100 yards. Measuring center-to-center and discounting the fouling/zeroing rounds, results are .760-inch (three rounds Federal Premium 180-grain TSX), .969-inch (four rounds Nosler 180-grain Accubond) and 1.060-inches (three rounds Federal Premium 180-grain Nosler Accubond). INCLUSIONS: Factory letter from 2009 to the original purchaser, period catalogs and literature, along with what is believed to be the original aluminum hard case in which the rifle was received. The price is firm and layaway is available. $7,000 plus shipping.

Left hand Empire Rifles .375 H&H Magnum. Serial number DL2736 has a 23-inch heavy sporter barrel (.725 muzzle diameter) with dished crown, banded front sight with white fiber optic bead, banded sling swivel stud and an adjustable ERA island express rear sight. Important features include a double square bridge action machined for Talley rings (quick detaching 1-inch high rings are included), jeweled extractor/bolt body/follower, straight bolt handle, three position wing safety and a steel drop box magazine (6+1 capacity). The bolt closes (snaps over) rounds not fed from the magazine. Metal finish is satin rust blue. STOCK: With the generous profile of a dangerous game rifle, the stock is fashioned from a AA-grade blank of claro walnut with straight grain for strength. An ebony forend tip, 26 lines per inch wrap checkering, double cross bolts, open pistol grip with steel cap, scalloped traditional (pancake) cheek rest with shadow line, inletted sling swivel stud and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad dress things up. Finish is a satin hand-rubbed oil. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 10.4 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.75 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Mechanics operate properly. Metal finish is approximately 97 percent, with a few small scratches into the metal on the front sight band and on the underside of the barrel near the muzzle, plus one small rubbed area on the magazine box. The stock is at least 99 percent. The price is firm and layaway is available. $9,000 plus shipping.

Colonel Charles Askins’ Griffin & Howe custom left hand 8mm Remington Magnum. Based on a Remington Model 721B action with a left hand bolt and safety conversion by Guise, G&H rifle number 2572 (serial number 346297) was gifted to the Unrepentant Sinner in 1982. Features include a 24-inch barrel, left hand bolt and safety conversion, five-panel checkered and engraved bolt knob, jeweled bolt body/follower/rails and a tuned trigger. The stock wears an ebony forend tip, 24 lines-per-inch borderless wrap checkering, steel grip cap, cheek piece with shadow line and a steel butt plate with widow’s peak. Additional appointments include an engraved crossbolt, sling swivel studs and a Redfield base. PROVENANCE: A search of Griffin & Howe records indicates “…a note back on the datebook entry says: 1982 Converted to 8m/m Remington Magnum. Given Col. Charles Askins – American Rifleman. MARKINGS: “No. 2572 Griffin & Howe . Inc . New York . NY.” and “8 m/m Rem. Mag.” appear on the barrel. “By Guise” shows on the right rear of the action. CONDITION: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The polished blue stands well above 90 percent, with scattered light scratches and tarnish on the sling swivel studs, grip cap and butt plate. Wood is about 85 percent overall, with a significant impression on the left side of the forearm, a chip at the point of the upper tang (repaired), slight chipping at the edge of the pistol grip cap and some light spotting in the finish (mostly along the toe line). The price is firm and layaway is available. $4,000 plus shipping.

Griffin & Howe .375 H&H Magnum built on a magnum Mauser. A stunning dangerous game rifle with superb appointments, the 24-inch barrel has a matted ramp front sight with brass bead, gracefully banded sling swivel stud and a matted quarter rib with one standing and two folding leafs regulated for 100/200/300 yards. The action is a true magnum Mauser (9.25-inches long) with single square bridge, integral bases (accept Talley rings) with sighting notch (to clear open sights), sculpted drop box bottom metal (four plus one capacity) with inside-the-bow release button, two-position knurled wing safety, jeweled bolt body and follower, checkered (two panels) bolt knob and a finely-checkered trigger shoe. The stock is fashioned from an exhibition grade English walnut blank shot through with dark ribbons. Accents include an ebony forend tip, wrap-around 24 lines-per-inch checkering with double border, English (pancake) cheekpiece with wrapping shadow line, leather-wrapped recoil pad, steel grip cap and inletted pedestal sling swivel stud. Additional accenting touches include niter blued bolt release lever and screws. The extractor face has been tapered to “snap over” a round dropped into the chamber. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 9.0 pounds and length of pull is 13.8 inches. Drops are 1.5 and 1.75 inches from the top of the integral bases. MARKINGS: “No. 745 Griffin & Howe, Inc. New York” on rib, “.375 Magnum” on chamber left, “105306” behind the barrel lug, “73688” and what appears to be “E3B” on the underside of the barrel, and either “L87” or “187” on both the underside of the barrel and front ring. IMPORT MARKINGS: A tiny “BV LINDEN WA USA” shows on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the forend tip and “114” appears on the lower right front ring, suggesting it was imported from Canada. HISTORY: Per the Griffin & Howe historian, no records exist. CONDITION: It appears this rifle was completely refurbished by Griffin & Howe at some point. Careful examination of the action (inside) indicates the presence of filled side mount attachment points. The bore is virtually new, which combined with the slender contour suggests it was replaced using the original sights and banded stud. Metal finish is about 99 percent, with only slight indications of use. Wood finish is 99 percent as well, while wood integrity is about 98 percent due to a scattering of minor scuffs and field impressions. The price is firm and layaway is available. $10,000 plus shipping.

Holland & Holland .240 Apex takedown. Based on a much-refined Mauser 98 action, serial number 49 is a spectacular example of why Holland & Holland is regarded among the world’s finest riflemakers. The sleek little rifle features a 23-inch light sporter barrel with partially-banded front sight and sling eye, banded rear sight with one standing (marked 50/200) and one folding (marked 350) leaf, single-lever detachable mounting system, modified bolt handle, conventional two-position safety, trapdoor grip cap and horn butt plate. The safety lever can only partially rise when the scope is in position (remaining “on safe” with some tension although not locked and still allows free bolt operation). MARKINGS: Serial number (49) appears on front ring and guard. “Holland & Holland, 98 New Bond St., London” centers on the barrel, “Holland’s .240 Bore APEX Regd. Super Express Rifle” as well as “Nitro Proved” shows at the shank. “SANS-NOM TACOMA WA” appears under the wood on the front ring. ENGRAVING: .240 APEX CAL.” tops the front scope ring and “No. 49” the rear scope ring, “SAFE” appears in gold and “49” graces the guard. Both the takedown, guard and butt plate screws are timed and enhanced with scroll. OPTIC: A new Swarovski Z3 3-9×36 with plex reticle is included. DIMENSIONS: Weight (scoped) is 8.4 pounds. Length of pull is 14.15 inches. CONDITION: The bore is extraordinary – mirror bright and nearly pristine. Metal finish appears to be original and stands at approximately 70%, although most of the bottom metal coverage has thinned and silvered. Wood finish has thinned, with possible additions of oil. Checkering is worn and flattened. The stock itself bears the impressions of many days afield, in particular on the right side just forward of the butt plate. The barreled action has been glassed its full length. The horn butt plate is flaking and has some chipping and the right butt shows a teardrop area of finish that likely refreshed over a small knot. The scope is essentially new. The price is firm and a layaway program is available. $16,500 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 82 Cub .22 LR. Made in 1985, serial CUB 44 features an 18.5-inch barrel, dovetailed receiver, straight bolt handle, two-position disc safety, five-round magazine and an A-grade claro walnut stock (uncheckered, no sling swivel studs, steel grip cap, checkered steel butt plate). DIMENSIONS: Weight is 6.4 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. INCLUSIONS: The original factory box with correct end label, instruction manual, marketing questionaire and serialed test target (dated 11/11/85) are present. CONDITION: Thought to be unfired since factory accuracy confirmation, condition exceeds 99 percent with only trace suggestions of handling. The price is firm and layaway is available. $3,000 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 82 Cub .22 LR. Likely a special order, serial number CUB92081 features an 18.5-inch barrel, dovetailed receiver, straight bolt handle, two-position disc safety, five-round magazine, AA-grade claro walnut stock (panel checkering, checkered butt plate, no sling swivel studs). DIMENSIONS: Weight is 6.0 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.3 inches. No box, papers, target or additional accessories are present. CONDITION: The bore is superb, strong and bright. Metal and wood finished are approximately 98 percent. The price is firm and layaway is available. $3,750 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 82B Brownell .22 LR. Made in 1986, serial number LB176-500 has a 19.75-inch tapered sporter barrel with banded front sight (fluted pedestal, sculpted ramp, brass-beaded blade), island rear sight (sculpted base, fixed express blade plus folder), Kimber bases, flat bolt handle (checkered underside), AAA-grade claro walnut with rich crossing grain, full stock with end cap, panel checkering, checkered steel butt plate with widow’s peak, steel grip cap, inletted sling swivel studs and timed screws. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 6.8 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.7 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Both metal and wood are approximately 99 percent with but trace suggestions of handling. No box, target or literature. The price is firm and layaway is available. $5,000 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon matched pair of Laminated Super Continental (full stock) rifles in .22 LR. and .223 Remington. Originating from the famed Earl Kelly collection of serial number 4 rifles (others also listed), serials LSM04 (.22 LR, Model 82) and LSM04 (.223 Remington, Model 84) are thought to be one of only three such pairs ever created. Features include 20-inch barrels with banded front sight assemblies topped by brass-beaded blades, scalloped rear sight bases topped with express blades (one fixed and one folding leaf each, the folders remaining green), Kimber bases and flat bolt handles with checkered undersides. The sleek full-length brown laminate stocks wear bordered wrap checkering, scalloped and beaded “Continental” cheek rests, Howell-type inletted sling swivel studs, steel grip caps and checkered steel Neidner butt plates – each with a widow’s peak. Some of these features are thought to be unique among the three pairs. DIMENSIONS: Weights are each approximately 6.9 pounds and lengths-of pull are 13.4 inches. CONDITIONS: New and unfired since factory proof. INCLUSIONS: The original Kimber boxes are present. The price is firm and layaway is available. $10,000 plus shipping.

Jim Carmichel’s serial number 13 Kimber of Oregon Model 84 .223 Remington. Made in 1996 and presented to famed gunwriter and Kimber mentor Jim Carmichel by company owners Jack and Greg Warne, this special rifle has a 22-inch sporter barrel and dovetailed receiver. Stocked in select AA-grade claro walnut, appointments include a rosewood forend tip, wrap checkering, checkered steel butt plate with widow’s peack and a steel grip cap. PROVENANCE: A letter from Carmichel supports the presentation history and notes this was one of several Kimbers in his collection bearing this serial. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 6.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.75 inches. CONDITION: The bore has moderate roughness attesting to its pedigree. Trigger pull is spectacular. Metal finish is approximately 85 percent with a few freckles. Wood is at least 95 percent. ACCURACY: The included factory test target shows a five-shot, 50-yard group of .180-inch. The original manual is present. The price is firm and layaway is available. $3,750 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 84 .223 Remington serial number 3. Features of this very special rifle include a 22-inch sporter barrel, dovetailed receiver, backswept bolt handle, rocker (disc) safety, claro walnut stock, ebony forend tip, panel checkering, steel grip cap, checkered steel butt plate with widow’s peak and sling swivel studs. Metal wears a polished blue finish, the stock satin. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 5.8 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.85 inches. CONDITION: The bore appears new. Metal finish is approximately 99 percent with a portion of the bottom metal showing a uniform plum. Wood is approximately 99 percent as well. No box or papers. The price is firm and layaway is available. $5,000 plus shipping.

Outstanding Kimber of Oregon Model 84 prototype .257 Kimber. Made circa 1985, serial number 257KX3 (Kimber Experimental Number 3) was originally field-tested by cartridge developer Mike Hill. It then passed to gunwriter Layne Simpson who owned it for some time. Simpson wrote a feature article detailing load development and ballistic performance (published in the May/June 1987 edition of Handloader Magazine) based on his most favorable experiences. Features include a 22-inch (1/10 twist) barrel, Model 84 action (repeater) and a claro walnut stock (panel checkering, steel grip cap, checkered steel butt plate, sling swivel studs). DIMENSIONS: Weight is 6.4 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.65 inches. CONDITION: The bore is bright with but a hint of roughness (possibly from machining). Mechanics are solid. Metal and wood finishes each exceed 95 percent. INCLUSIONS: Redding Custom .257 Kimber (two piece) die set, original letter from Layne Simpson discussing the origins and performance of the rifle/cartridge, the original factory two-piece cardboard box with correct end label and Simpson’s shipping label, instruction flyer, marketing card and true copy of Handloader Magazine with Simpson’s article are present. Kimber bases are attached. The price is firm and layaway is available. $12,500 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 89 BGR 7mm Remington Magnum. A unique and desirable Kimber, serial SC6000 was created circa 1988 and displayed at national hunting shows including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation “Elk Camp”. The 23-inch barrel wears a polished blue finish and has a hooded ramp front sight (white bead) along with a quarter rib rear sight (with one standing and one folding express blades). The receiver sports a matte finish (bolt handle, shroud, bottom metal and grip cap are polished to match the barrel) and has integral (square bridge) mounts for Kimber rings, jeweled bolt body/extractor/follower and a checkered bolt knob (four teardrop panels). The stock is shaped from a AAA-grade English blank, wears a gloss finish and is accented with an ebony forend tip, wrap checkering, inletted (Howell-type) sling swivel studs, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line and a steel grip cap. ENGRAVING: Factory engraver J. Michaluk executed a superb bull elk in 24K gold relief on the floorplate, framing the game scene portion with gold wire and then bracketing with bordered leaf and vine. The pattern continues over the guard and the theme reappears on the grip cap. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: Almost certainly unfired outside proof and clearly never taken afield, the bore is pristine. Barrel blue is approximately 99 percent, with light rubbing over a portion of the muzzle. Action finish is essentially 100 percent. Wood is approximately 99 percent, with two insignificant impressions on the toe line. The recoil pad is hardening and darkening. No box is present but the correct manual and marketing questionnaire are included. The price is firm and layaway is available. $6,000 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 89 Big Game Rifle in .300 Winchester Magnum. Completed circa 1987, serial BGRX 300-1 is an outstanding example of Clackamas’ best efforts. Features include a 24-inch tapered medium sporter barrel, square bridge action with recoil shoulders, three-position safety and timed screws. STOCK: Shaped from a AA-grade blank with strong crossing grain, appointments include an ebony forend tip, 26 lines-per-inch wrap checkering, scalloped ejection port shoulder, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line and inletted (Howell-type) sling swivel studs. ENGRAVING: Signed by factory engraver Larry Peters, a gold relief brown bear in a wilderness setting spans the bottom metal. A supporting pattern of fine scroll and intricate leafy vine borders the scene and extends over the guard, receiver, bolt handle, barrel shank, grip cap and rings. The bolt knob is checkered (four complex teardrops over a sunburst). RINGS: Engraved 1-inch medium double lever rings are attached. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.3 inches. CONDITION: Likely unfired since factory proof and certainly never hunted. Metal (rust blue) and wood (satin) finishes are at least 99 percent with traces of handling. The ebony tip shows a trace of a stabalized hairline and what appear to be two ink lines under the finish are below the ejection port. No box or papers. SISTER RIFLE: BGRX 375-1, a similar .375 H&H Magnum in equally pristine condition, is available separately. The price is firm and layaway is available. $10,000 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 89 Big Game Rifle “African” model in .375 H&H Magnum show gun. Completed circa 1987, serial BGRX 375-1 is an outstanding example of Clackamas’ best efforts and was no doubt created to showcase both factory engraving as well as the African model (the dangerous game version of the BGR, this rifle not being marked “African” or having an African serial prefix). Features include a 24-inch tapered heavy sporter barrel, banded front sight with conventional brass-beaded blade and flip-up moon sight, barrel-mounted sling swivel stud, quarter rib (hand-matted top and leafs, one fixed and one folder, each with gold sighting lines), magnum-length square bridge action with recoil shoulders (accepts Kimber rings), straight bolt handle, three-position Model 70-type safety, drop box magazine (6+1 capacity, extractor snaps over) trap door grip cap and timed screws. STOCK: Shaped from a straight-grain blank selected for strength, appointments include an ebony forend tip, 26 lines-per-inch wrap checkering, double crossbolts with ebony plugs, scalloped ejection port shoulder, open grip profile, traditional (pancake) scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, inletted (Howell-type) sling swivel stud and timed screws. ENGRAVING: The late Larry Peters, Kimber’s factory engraver, once remarked that he spent more time on this particular rifle than any other during the time of his service. The complex and detailed supporting pattern radiates outward from a gold relief maned lion that graces the floorplate. Bordered by arches of leafy vine, the supporting pattern covers the entirity of the bottom metal, receiver and grip cap. It then reappears on the band, quarter rib, barrel, shroud and bolt handle. “Kimber of Oregon. Inc., Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.A.” is engraved just forward of the rib. The bolt knob is hand-checkered (four complex teardrops over a sunburst). Peter’s signature is engraved on the tang (under the bolt shroud). RINGS: Engraved 1-inch medium double lever rings (not pictured) are included. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 10.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: Likely unfired since factory proof and certainly never hunted. Metal (rust blue) and wood (satin) finishes are at least 99 percent with traces of handling. The ivory moon sight bead is missing (will be replaced upon request). No box or papers. SISTER RIFLE: BGRX 300-1, a similar .300 Winchester Magnum in equally pristine condition, is available separately. The price is firm and layaway is available. $10,000 plus shipping.

Kimber of Oregon Model 89 Big Game Rifle Founder’s Edition .375 H&H Magnum. BACKGROUND: During 1987, Kimber of Oregon owner’s Jack and Greg Warne elected to expand from making only rimfire (Model 82) and short-action centerfire (Model 84) rifles. In order to accomplish this an injection of funding was required, so a private placement stock offering was established. The initial outline was to offer at least $1.5M of stock with a minimum investment of $50K per individual. Those investing would be deemed “Founders” and part of their consideration was a Founder’s Edition Model 89 Big Game Rifle in a caliber of their choosing. While the initial edition size was intended to be 14 rifles, only eight were ever produced (according to detailed records kept by Kimber factory engraver, the late Larry Peters). The subject rifle is the second to be created (as designated by its serial number – FE-2). DESCRIPTION: Wearing a heavy sporter barrel sans provisions for open sights, the rifle adopts a general SuperAmerica configuration. The metal wears a polished blue finish and the action the standard capacity (3+1, the full-length claw extractor easily snapping over a hand-fed round). Mounts for Kimber rings are integral (square bridged) with the receiver. The safety is a three-position (similar to a Winchester Model 70). The action, of course, is a true controlled-round feeding design – a hybrid of the Mauser Model 98 and the Winchester pre-64 Model 70. STOCK: Crafted from a specially-selected AAA-grade English walnut blank accented with an ebony forend tip and 24 lines-per-inch multi-point wrap checkering, appointments include recessed (Howell-type) sling swivel studs, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, steel grip cap and a satin finish. ENGRAVING: Larry Peters centered the bust of a roaring grizzly in a circular French gray field, bordered it with gold wire and accented the balance of the bottom metal with bordered and shaded vine. The pattern continues over the receiver and the double lever rings (1-inch medium). The bolt knob is hand-checkered with four panels plus a starburst and the action screws have received similar attention. Signatures of both Jack Warne and Greg Warne are reproduced on gold on either side of the chamber, “Kimber Big Game Rifle” circles the grizzly bust and “Founders Edition, 1 of 14” boldy rides the barrel. Peter’s signature is engraved on the tang (under the shroud). DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.6 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: Unfired and nearly pristine with only minor indications of careful handling, the exception being cracking and darkening on the right side of the recoil pad. INCLUSIONS: The original factory hard case (designated by the affixed Kimber label), box end label (separate from the case), and papers are present. The price is firm and layaway is available. $10,000 plus shipping.

The father and son team of Jack and Greg Warne founded Kimber, then properly Kimber of Oregon, in 1979. They had an inkling gun-savvy American shooters were pining for a fine .22 sporting rifle and that building them would make for a fair business. Saying they were proved right is an extraordinary understatement. The Warnes were also pretty good at listening to their rapidly growing customer base, and it wasn’t long before they began offering a mini-Mauser christened the Model 84. Chambered in .223-length cartridges, orders rolled in and the Warnes struggled to meet demand. They also kept listening. Came the Model 89 BGR – the Model 89 Big Game Rifle to keep things formal. To the manner born, it combined the best features of the great Mauser 98 and Winchester’s superb pre-64 Model 70 – all in a sleek American sporter stock vetted by the sharpest eyes in riflery of the time. Swamped with orders, they decided to expand the company via a private stock offering that would raise enough scratch to make it happen. Putting pen to paper, the Warnes determined how much was required and what they could accept without giving up control of their company. The individual ante was set at $50,000, and that takers would be presented with a very special Founder’s Edition rifle wrapped in their stock certificate. Fourteen shareholder positions were offered. The money rolled in, but a combination of factors saw the company fall into bankruptcy several years later. According to records kept by factory engraver Larry Peters, only seven of the promised 14 Founder’s Edition rifles were ever completed. This rifle is one of them. Wearing a polished blue finish, it is stocked in fine English walnut appointed with an ebony forend tip, wrap-around checkering, Howell-type inletted sling swivel studs and the beaded cheekpiece found on Kimber’s top-end SuperAmerica model of that period. Elegantly engraved by Mr. Peters, the highlight is a roaring grizzly bust set in a French gray, gold-encircled background on the floor plate that incorporates the legend “Kimber Big Game Rifle.” In addition, scroll accents grace the floorplate, trigger guard, barrel shank, receiver and double lever rings (1-inch medium). “Founders Edition 1 of 14” is boldly engraved along the top of the barrel. The special serial number “FEG2”, engraved screw heads, checkered bolt knob and gold signatures of the Warnes complete the presentation. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.6 pounds and the length-of-pull over the Kimber recoil pad is 13.65 inches. CONDITION: Almost certainly unfired since factory proof, the bore is pristine. Metal finish is approximately 97 percent, with a modest distribution of micro-freckles scattered along the barrel and grip cap. Wood is at least 98 percent with a traces of handling and tiny spots of what is likely glue used to attach the recoil pad. No box or papers are present. The price is firm and layaway is available. $10,000 plus shipping.

Marlin 39AWL .22 LR with an incredible factory error. Produced among a limited edition of 2000 rifles created to raise funds for wildlife conservation, serial number WL000766 left the Marlin factory with an unmarked barrel (other than the “JM” proof). After the rifle was sold and the error discovered, a second barrel with correct markings – other than “JM” as it was not was not factory installed – was obtained. Features include an unmarked 24-inch half-octagon-to-round barrel, etched receiver with gold embellishments and upgraded walnut with double-bordered checkering. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 5.8 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.25 inches. CONDITION: New and unfired with traces of handling. DISPLAY HISTORY: Displayed at the 2019 Marlin Firearms Collectors Association Annual Meeting, it won a Special Judges Award. INCLUSIONS: Original AWL promotional poster, manual, optic base, hammer extension, copy of “The Marlin Collector” magazine referencing the award, large awards presentation plaque, “Danger Ahead” framed print given in recognition of the award, paperwork from show display and a box with the correct end label. Digital copies of the display description and NSSF background letter are also available (hard copies not present). The price is firm and layaway is available. $5,000 plus shipping.

Marlin Model 39 .22 LR. Marked “SECOND” on the barrel (there is also a “-” following “39” on the barrel but no “A”), serial G16616 has a 24-inch barrel (hooded brass-beaded blade front sight, elevation-adjustable rear sight). DIMENSIONS: Weight is 6.8 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.3 inches. CONDITION: The bore is superb. Metal finish is approximately 95 percent. Receiver left shows several small pits under the finish. Action operation is smooth but thumb-cocking the hammer reveals a mild roughness. Wood is approximately 85 percent with some finish loss. No box or papers. The price is firm and layaway is available. $2,500 plus shipping.

Left hand David Miller & Curt Crum custom 6mm Remington. Made for Outdoor Life Magazine’s Dave Petzal and based on a much-refined and modified Remington Model 700 short action, serial A6304132 is spectacular in every respect. Important features include a sleek 23-inch barrel  (.525 muzzle diameter), large redundant (AR-15 type) extractor, jeweled bolt body, custom bolt shroud with two-position wing safety, custom bolt handle with three-panel checkered knob, recontoured tang and a checkered steel grip cap. A Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x with Duplex reticle is secured in a contoured Miller mount. Metal finish is an ideal rust blue. STOCK: Painstakingly shaped and detailed from an elegant English walnut blank with strong-running figure, appointments include 26 lines-per-inch borderless wrap checkering highlighted by elegant fleurs, sculped darts and scalloped cheek rest with shadow line. The finish is an elegant satin hand-rubbed oil. PROVENANCE: The David Miller legend appears on the barrel and Curt Crum’s stamping rides the inside of the barrel channel. A full page photograph of this rifle captioned as being made for Dave Petzal appears on page 97 of Tom Turpin’s Mastery of Wood & Metal, David Miller Co. book. The included copy is inscribed by the author to the consignor and page 97 is signed by both Miller and Crum. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.4 pounds (scoped) and length-of-pull is 13.75 inches. CONDITION: The bore is bright and shiny. Metal finish is approximately 98 percent. Wood approaches 99 percent, with but one tiny impression on the bottom of the stock near the forward attach screw. The price is firm and layaway is available. $15,000 plus shipping.

Sharps-Borchardt 1878 Long Range .45-70 replica by Argus Barker’s Monarch Tool Company in Stevensville, Montana. Completed circa 1996, serial A42 is spectacular in every respect. Primary features include a 33.85-inch barrel (.835-inch muzzle diameter, drilled and reamed by Lilja, rust blued) with an adjustable spirit level front sight (aperture, hooded, fire blued), tang-mounted aperture rear sight, AAA-grade English walnut stock with ebony (forend tip, grip point) and rosewood (sideplates) accents, and bordered wrap checkering. The action is surfaced in an elegent French gray while the timed screws and wedge are fire blued. ENGRAVING: The action is dressed to full coverage by William Gamradt, a glowering bull bison on receiver right and an approaching boar grizzly on receiver left – each in quartering profile to showcase extensive detail and enhance dimension. The boys are framed by a leaf and vine that continues over the tangs, lever and block. The theme reappears over the chamber, a thin muzzle band was thoughtfully added as a finishing touch. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 10.6 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.6 inches. CONDITION: Unfired since completion and carefully handled/displayed since, conditon is at least 99 percent. PROVENANCE: A folder of correspondence between the original owner, maker and engraver is included. The price is firm and layaway is available. $12,500 plus shipping.

Rigby .450 Nitro Express. Made in 1906 for the Honorable Captain Guy Wilson, serial number 17311 is a Class C double rifle wearing 28-inch barrels with a beaded blade front sight, filed rib, dovetailed rear leafs (one fixed express and three folders left green) and ejectors. Additional features include a barrel-mounted sling loop (1-inch), mechanical safety, bushed strikers, long forend (11 inches), drop points, steel grip cap, sling button and an initial plate (blank). ENGRAVING: The action is graced with bordered vine to 25 percent, the pattern continuing over the tangs, guard, grip cap and screws. “SAFE” appears in gold on the upper tang. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 11.2 pounds. Length-of-pull is 14.7 inches over the pad, drops are 1.6 and 2.4 inches, and cast off is approximately .20-inch. CONDITION: The bores are strong and bright. Chambers are smooth. Barrels are full on face and the opening lever rests at center. Trigger pulls, safety, ejectors and the forend latch operate positively and properly. Barrel finish appears to be a vintage refresh (markings have softened although the rib marking remains sharp), the blue thinning to approximately 50 percent with rubs and a few scattered dings in evidence. The action finish appears original with colors given over to silver. Engraving remains sharp. The guard appears to have refreshed blue with a hint of softening to its engraving. Wood is solid. Checkering is worn and a general distribution of impressions and scratches are present. The pad has hardened considerably and bulged at the ends. ACCURACY: Fired by the consignor with Hornady 480-grain DGX bullets, an included target shows a pair of two-shot, 100-yard groups with an extreme spread of 4.21 inches and superb regulation. AMMUNITION: Five rounds of Kynoch 480-grain softs, 24 rounds of Kynoch 480-grain solids, 24 rounds of Hornady 480-grain DGX and 75 fired cases are included. CASE: A vintage leather takedown case with new interior, sling, oil bottle and decocking block is present. The price is firm and layaway is available. $37,500 plus shipping.

Smith & Wesson prototype semi-automatic sporting rifle. Chambered in .30-06, serial number XP0046H was almost certainly made by Howa, as it is marked “Made In Japan”. Features include a 22-inch barrel with ramp front sight and Williams adjustable rear sight, drilled and tapped bridge, steel detachable box magazine, crossbolt safety and alloy trigger guard. The action profile is similar to that of a Remington Woodsmaster, yet the bolt release button is located just left of center and near the top of the action. MARKINGS: The Smith & Wesson logo appears on the grip cap and butt plate. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.0 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: Bore is pristine. Metal finish is about 98 percent, with a few small areas showing light rubs from shipping and handling. Wood has a few impressions under the finish, with overall condition being about 98 percent with small scuffs at the lower rear of the forend and point of the butt just behind the guard. One of the two screws attaching the bracket for the bolt release button is missing. The price is firm and layaway is available. $2,000 plus shipping.

Weatherby Mark V factory custom .300 Weatherby Magnum. Made in 1967 by special order for a satisfied safari client and presented to renowned African professional hunter Harry Selby, serial number P134412 stands tall among the most important and desirable West German Weatherby rifles ever created. Basic features include a 24-inch barrel, jeweled bolt body, two-panel checkered bolt knob, rosewood forend tip and pistol grip cap with double spacers, intricate skip-line checkering pattern, Buehler mounts and a Weatherby 2-7x scope with fine crosshair reticle. CONFIGURATION: The rifle has a right hand bolt and a left hand (right side) cheek rest, as was Selby’s preference. ENGRAVING: The floorplate presents initials “JHS” (for John Henry Selby – “Harry” was his nickname) in gold relief. The entirety of the action as well as the Buehler mounts wear full-coverage scroll intertwined with flowing grasses, the pattern continuing along the top of the barrel to the middle of the forend tip. PROVENANCE: Dated 2nd August, 2017, a letter with Mr. Selby’s original signature recounts his time with the rifle. MARKINGS: In addition to the standard Weatherby markings, a small “Griffin & Howe, Andover NJ” rides the bottom of the barrel just forward of the forend tip and “181529” shows on the bottom of the trigger guard, these both required as a condition of the recent repatriation from Africa. DIMENSIONS: Weight, with scope, is 8.8 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Engraving is flawless. The barrel blue is approximately 95 percent, with some thinning on the muzzle face and a highlight line along the top between the muzzle and forend tip (no doubt from riding the rack in a safari truck). One small freckle appears on the right side of the barrel a few inches aft of the muzzle. The action finish is 100 percent, with slight thinning on the bolt knob and some thinning following the edges of the floorplate. Even the gold plate on the trigger rates near 95 percent. The stock is also approximately 95 percent overall. The varnish has some light crazing and checkering is tack sharp. One minor impression appears on the left side of the barrel channel, some faint impressions show on the grip cap and along the toe line, and one small area of missing varnish tops the Monte Carlo hump. The scope is optically clear, with lenses and coatings in fine condition. The rubber “bumper” ring on the ocular housing has cracked from pressure of the included covers. HARRY SELBY (1925-2018) is one of the most famous and respected professional hunters who ever swung a rifle onto his shoulder and took up the track. By greatest fortune, he gained the both the respect and admiration of Robert Ruark, becoming internationally famous through Ruark’s writings. Selby served as the inspiration for Ruark’s hero Peter McKenzie in Something of Value and Ruark dedicated what many believe is the finest book ever written about safari life, Horn of the Hunter, to Selby. On a personal level, Ruark was honored to become Godfather to Harry’s son, Mark Selby. The price is firm and layaway is available. $30,000 plus shipping.

Winchester Custom Shop Model 70 Stainless Featherweight .270 Winchester prototype with detachable box magazine. One of only two rifles every made in this configuration, serial number G2025647 is supported by solid documentation and is certainly among the most unique and desirable Model 70 rifles ever presented to the market. Until now, both have remained in the collections of former Winchester employees. Special features include select walnut, single crossbolt, hand-honed action and hand-lapped barrel, jeweled bolt body, Custom Shop proof marking and “stainless colored one piece trigger guard”. All dimensions appear to be standard. CONDITION: The rifle is unfired since proof and remains in virtually new condition with only slight indications of handling and storage. DOCUMENTATION: Letter signed by Don Pind, Winchester Custom Shop Manager, dated February 8, 1993, detailing features and rarity. INCLUSIONS:Two original detachable magazines and a factory cardboard box with hand-written (on tape) model description. The price is firm and a layaway program is available. $12,500 plus shipping.

Absent anything short of absolute certainty these rifles stand among the world’s most important and valuable sporting arms. That they are paired presents an unequaled acquisition opportunity. Both have a captivating history.

According to Roger Rule’s The Rifleman’s Rifle, serial number 1 was marked on January 20, 1936. As Winchester records are unavailable so far as supporting a proper factory letter is concerned, the actual shipping date and destination are unknown. As detailed in Winchester Model 70 No. 1, a feature article appearing in the June, 1990 issue of American Rifleman (copy included), the current owner’s uncle purchased the rifle from a hardware store in Durango, Colorado during the 1937 hunting season. Whether new or used when the sale was wrung, the rifle was already fitted with a Lyman receiver sight. Upon returning from the hunting trip, the owner had the rifle drilled and tapped in order to install a 10x Fecker scope, then hunted with it for the next forty years. In 1977, after using it over the course of several deer seasons, the current owner formally acquired the rifle – it still wearing the Fecker and with the Lyman sight in tow. Staggeringly, another ten years passed before a chance showing resulted in a dealer getting the vapors and blurting out a surprisingly high offer. This sparked a curiosity which lead to the realization that his plain old Model 70 was the first of its kind. With significant reservation, the rifle was retired from hunting after 50 years of faithful and flawless service.

Published in 1982 by Alliance Books, The Rifleman’s Rifle did much to expand and solidify collector interest in Winchester pre-64 Model 70 rifles. Quite naturally, the owner of the number 1 rifle acquired a copy as part of his research. Page 193 carried a photo of serial number 2 from Rule’s collection, and page 52 showed a photo of a letter from Richard Pelton, Winchester’s Director of Marketing dated March 6, 1980. Written to Mrs. Ethel M. Lied, the letter mentions the January 20, 1936 marking date for the number 1 rifle and also states that assembly of Model 70 rifles did not begin until 1937. Pointedly, the letter references Mrs. Lied’s inquiries as to the value of her rifle – serial number 2. No doubt, ownership of the number 2 rifle passed to Roger Rule at approximately this time. At some point thereafter, the number 2 rifle was presented for sale at a major gun show attended by the owner of rifle number 1. As things tend to do, one lead to another and ownership transferred.

To no surprise, both rifles are of standard configuration and chambered in .30-06 Springfield.

Serial number 1 condition: The bore remains smooth, strong and viable. Drilling/tapping for scope mounting includes 2x on the barrel just forward of the rear sight boss and 2x on the front ring. The rear sight is absent and the dovetail is protected with a “plug”. Overall metal finish is approximately 65 percent, as expected after 50 years of use in the hunting fields. Wood integrity is strong (absent cracks or chips). Wood finish condition is approximately 60 percent overall. Checkering is smoothing. Finish is thinning or absent in places and a general distribution of field impressions and scratches are in evidence. The bolt body is faintly marked “1” in electric pencil (or similar).  The Fecker scope is viable and remains optically clear, with surface finish of approximately 70 percent.

Serial number 2 condition: The bore remains smooth, strong and viable. Drilling and tapping for scope mounting includes 2x on the front ring. Overall metal finish is approximately 75 percent. Wood integrity is strong (absent cracks or chips). Wood finish condition is approximately 70 percent overall. Checkering is strong. A general distribution of field impressions and scratches are in evidence. The bolt body is faintly marked “2” in electric pencil (or similar).

Inclusions: In addition to a complete bound set of American Rifleman magazines from 1990 with the referenced article, a personalized letter detailing the known history and transfer details of the rifles will be provided by the owner.

An installment sale may be arranged following a suitable, non-refundable deposit. The pair will not be separated. All transportation arrangements and associated costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. The price is firm at $1,750,000.