The Gun Rack

[SDH]

As one of the recently added Vendors, Lee asked me to post something of an introduction here. I took this photo last week of the guns in the rack at the end of my workbench. They are: An SDH-Hagn single shot nearly finished, just back from test firing. It still needs checkering, engraving, metal finishing and final stock rub-out. It is chambered in .30-06; Another SDH custom, an original High Wall Winchester action with everything else new. It is ready for engraving and finishing and is chambered for the European 7x65R; Maurice Ottmar, one of America's legendary custom gunmakers, since past. A Bolt action Mauser G33/40, .30-06; A Francotte .405 double rifle.; And a custom SDH Percussion .45 bullet rifle, circa 1991. that I made as a 40th birthday gift to myself and have managed to hang onto for 20 years.
They all wound-up in the gun rack at the same time for different reasons.

 

[JOERM]

Quite nice looking guns you have there. The gun rack could use a bit of a touch up with some oil or something. No offense.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Unbelievable, thanks for sharing. Maybe someday I'll get to at least work the action of a Hagn

I've only seen your work in Gun Digest, it's great that you're here. I've long wanted to have a Low Wall with Swartley engraving, how are you fixed for kidneys?

 

[zoom6zoom]

Fine art that you can shoot. I'd rather have one of those than a Picasso.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Wonderful rifles! Glad to have you here on the forum.

I've enjoyed your work and learned a lot from it--especially the informative columns you wrote for Shooting Sportsman back when I got it. That's where I first learned of you.

I love looking at the wonderful photos of the fine doubles you've worked on!

I wish you continued success in all you do.

 

[SDH]

Thanks guys! I'm very fortunate to have some very fine guns come through the shop. The Francotte double has pretty severely oil soaked wood we are going to try and de-oil. It is a real treat for me as I've never seen a Francotte, or most any Belgian double I didn't enjoy.

Many folks associate my work, and therefor my interests with double guns, or single shot rifles, fact is I've been collecting Smith revolvers for decades and have taken it more seriously, or enjoyably, in recent years!

The rack is admittedly pretty sad looking but it's at the end of my workbench and has cradled literally millions of dollars worth of guns in the past few decades.

 

[handejector]

Steve,
That is a beautiful rack of guns. I lust after the Hagn. And the High Wall. Put the 7 X 65 barrel on the Hagn and you'll have me hooked. A friend of mine hunts with a 7 X 65 in an Austrian stalking rifle. Neat cartridge that I think of as a rimmed 280 Rem. The 280 is arguably the best North American cartridge of all time in my mind. Too bad it never got the promotion OR the ammo it deserved from the factory. If offered in more loadings, it might have taken off.
Sorry- got off on a tangent there.
Your rifles look superb. Please post some pics when they are finished. The Ottmar and the old Francotte are very interesting also. What vintage are they?

I am very glad to have a gunmaker of your status and talent on the board. I think the folks here would love to see the Marlin/S&W set if you ever have time.

If you appreciate fine guns and gunmaking, you should click on the link below Steve's name and view his website. His work is a real treat!
If you turn screws on your own guns, you should see this- Custom Grinding Gunsmithing Screwdrivers

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Thanks for posting that picture Steve. Welcome to the forum. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

I just looked at your website, and drooled on my keyboard! Beautiful work indeed!


WG840

 

[SDH]

The Ottmar rifle is probably from the 1980's and the Francotte yet to be determined.
Yes, the 7x65R is about a rimmed .280 and some think more fitting for a single shot because of the rim. Not needed with the Hagn action, but the rimless conversion for the High wall is complicated and the 7x65R about per perfect for the rifle. It is increasingly easier to get metric ammo in this country.
Even in my shop those five are pretty special as a group.
Here is a nearly finished Hagn .280 that is in the safe waiting for engraving...

State of the Hagn .30-06 Project... Finish polishing prior to engraving, my hands are filthy dirty!

 

[handejector]

Here is a nearly finished Hagn .280 that is in the safe waiting for engraving...

Please tell me that puppy is sold.
I can't afford it.......really.....

 

[SDH]

The owner is having difficulty deciding on engraving, has been in this state for more than a year... as you might imagine, I'd like to see it finished.
I'll let you know if he wants to let it go.