U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more...

11
U!l h I r L! I I c

Transcript of U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more...

Page 1: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

U!l

h

I r L!

I

I c

Page 2: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

COVER. . . The David Miller Co. and D’Arcy Echols‘ best quality bolt-action rifles are featured in “Functional Art

The Sporting Firearms Journal

4 25 Years of Rifle Spotting Scope - Dave Scovill

6 Scope Mounting v

Optics - Wayne van Zwoll

8 DearEditor

10 Brady Bill Zipping Capitol Watch -Neal Knox

Page 12

12 New England Custom Gun Service Custom Corner - Stan Trzoniec

14

16

18

January-February 1994

Yesterday’s Lessons and Today’s Hollowpoints Rimfires - A1 Miller

Survival Air Rifles -Jess Galan

Practical Trajectory Calculations. . . for a successful hunt - Ralph M. McGehee

20

24

26

30

35

38

52

62

Functional Art by Hunters Best quality bolt-actions - David Miller

.375 JRS Factory/wildcat - Nick Sisley

~

Pane 20

Century-Old Single Shots Trials and tribula- tions - Roger Pinckney

-

d

.45 Colt Trapper Hunting Loads -Jay Turner

Mauser 6.5 x 58P A fine hunting round - David Webb

Rifle Scope Warranties and Repairs Names and addresses - Marvin Oliver

Product Tests

Judgment Tales from French G. Sitton

Creek -

Page 3: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

F - - m r r l r l r - J = The latest in firearms, ammuni- - -- I -- w tion, components, accessories and outdoor gear is critically a --- m-

and technically evaluated. No fluff, just honest hands-on, feature-length tests. I . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . $6.95

-1 -I= I

Wolfe Publishing Company mm c

6471 Airpark Dr. Prescott, AZ 86301 (602) 445-781 0 (800) 899-781 0 FAX (602) 778-51 24

M-F 8:30-4:30 MST $3.00 shipping & handling per book, $5.00 foreign per book AZ residents add 6%.

Page 4: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

PNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET

AIR RIFLES

MEISTERKUGELN

offers more than

cted with a full Iife-

closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

Rottweil Cartridges & Shotguns, send for our latest catalog $1 for 2nd class, $2 for 1st class delivery to

Survival I e9

Spring-piston air rifles are ideally suited to survival situations due to their ruggedness, quiet opera- tion and generally dependable performance.

RACTICALLY anyone who knows P anything about guns usually has an opinion regarding the topic of sur- vival guns. Although I am in no way going to suggest that air rifles be used for purposes of self-defense - except in the most extreme emergency - their place in the survival battery is quite legitimate and should not be taken lightly a t all.

The inherent economy of the air rifle is a key factor in long-term survival scenarios. Air rifles, for instance, can dispatch a wide range of pests around the home, quietly and at a fraction of the cost of even .22 rimfire ammuni- tion. Many thousands of airgun pellets can be stored safely in a couple of used coffee cans, for example. Firearms am- munition, on the other hand, occupies far more space and storing thousands of cartridges safely can present prob- lems, particularly over a long period of time. Cartridges stored for a long time can become unreliable, with the wor- risome possibility of a misfire at a critical moment. Airgun pellets are not so affected, of course.

Air rifles intended for survival, especially long-term survival, must meet certain criteria. Ruggedness is at the top of the list. The survival air rifle must operate reliably, under adverse conditions if necessary, with minimal maintenance. For all practical pur- poses, this just about eliminates pneumatic and CO, guns from the sur- vival scenario. Pneumatic and GO, guns are more pron: to develop prob- lems than spring-piston guns. Dirt, rough handling and even temperature fluctuations have adverse effects on the

often sensitive valve systems of GO, and pneumatic rifles. In addition, these guns are generally more difficult to repair than the typical spring-piston sporter. If something goes wrong with the power plant of the latter - such as a broken or fatigued mainspring or a defective piston seal - repairs can be carried out by the average person, us- ing common tools in most cases.

Accuracy and power are also of para- mount importance in the list of re- quirements for the survival air rifle. Magnum air rifles naturally head the parade, but medium-power airsporters can also be considered as long as they produce consistent accuracy within their limited practical range. It must be kept in mind that a .17-caliber air rifle in the 600 to 750-fps range can still be quite deadly on rabbits and other small game animals at up to 30 yards or so. Beyond that distance, a magnum air rifle should be used because of flatter trajectories and greater oomph, with 50 to 60 yards then becoming the maximum practical boundary. Caliber is in many instances a matter of personal choice. Although .22-caliber pellets hit harder than .17 and .20 calibers a t any distance, .177-inch pellets usually have flatter trajectories, which means better shot placement, and also tend to penetrate a bit deeper than larger calibers.

If extreme power and range are not absolutely necessary, however, an ac- curate spring-piston rifle of in- termediate power is to be preferred because of its generally lower discharge report. This could be an important point in survival situations where one’s presence in an area must not be dis-

16 Rifle 151

Page 5: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

covered. Some of the more powerful magnum air rifles produce a relatively loud crack on discharge that can be heard clearly at a surprisingly long distance.

The survival air rifle should be equipped with both a good telesight made to withstand the peculiar "dou- ble snap" recoil of a spring-piston rifle as well as with iron sights. It is ridiculous to have a so-called survival rifle (and this applies to firearms as well) equipped with only a telescopic sight. If something happens to the scope, the shooter would be in a heap of trouble if he has to shoot at anything. When you are shooting to protect your life or to put calories in your stomach, the first shot must count.

Along with a suitably large supply of top-quality pellets, any survival air rifle should have a t least two sets of spare mainsprings and piston seals. If the rifle is a barrel-cocker, don't forget the all-important breech seal either. A lot of premature mainspring failures can be traced directly to a badly leak- ing breech seal. Several of these should be kept on hand for each air rifle. A few bottles of the lubricanqs) recommended by the rifle's importer or manufacturer should be stored away also. Remember, most spring-piston air rifles require very sparing but careful lubrication. A couple of bottles of each specific lubri- cant should last a lifetime.

The type of pellet chosen for the sur- vival air rifle is mostly a matter of determining which particular brand and type works best in a given gun. In this area, however, economy definitely does not pay. Buying the cheapest pellets will yield poor results when you have to shoot in order to eat. Quality pellets are still relatively cheap, even compared to .22 rimfire loads, so there is no need to buy inferior pellets in order to save a few pennies. My per- sonal choices for small game are pointed pellets such as RWS Super- point and Beeman Silver Jet. Some hollowpoint pellets are real stoppers at up to 25 yards or so, while some ultralight, hypervelocity pellets such as Prometheus can also be quite deadly on most small game animals. The key is to learn which pellets work best in your survival air rifle and stick with them.

Used judiciously, the air rifle can play an important role in a variety of survival situations. Common sense and a sound understanding of the air rifle's limitations will dictate what's possible - and what isn't - when the chips are really down. 0

January-February 1994

ACCURACY GOT YOU OVER A BARREL?

Then you need us for a new barrel, accurizing or custom gunsmithing. Accuracy guaranteed to satisfy.

Over 32 years building guns for you. Send $I.OOfor lrst

McGOWEN RIFLE BARRELS 5961 Spruce Lane, St. Anne. Illinois 60964

I

r STAR K CUSTOM BULLETS .

Bulletsmade toyour specifications from .22 up to .6Wor 12 Bore.All bullets, whether soft point or solids, are bonded. The bonding causes perfect expansion (mushrooming), holding up to 99% weight, giving excellent penetration. Solids do not come apart. STAR bulletsam ideal for magnumloadsand velocities. Serious huntersswearbyourbullets. Extensively tested and proven in the field.

Also available: Edistics in Perspective - a book of ballistics and rifles needed for African hunting. Plus SO0 JeiXrey, 11.2 x 72mm Schuler, .577 Nitro Express loaded ammunition.

Send or phone for brochures, orders and prices. Brochure $2, VISA & MC accepted. We ship UPS. PROFESSIONAL HUNTER SUPPLIES P.O. Box 608 Ferndale, CA 95536 (707) 786-4040 Tech. Info. (707) 786-9140 FAX (707) 786-9117

n THE^^^ P A R T S ~ ~ ~ ~

Military, Antique, US. & Foreign

$299.50 COMPLETE! DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER

gun Express and RWS have put together at includes everything you need lo bring ng home to your family today.

The RWS Diana Model 45 Magnum Air Rifle - Smashing magnum power and accuracy in an affordable package. Features include: Adjustable, two-stage trigger; Ambidextrous, hardwood stock wlrubber recoil pad; Precision, click adjustableopensights; High-mountcombanddovetailedreceiverforscopeuse; ,177cal. @ 1,000fps.45"OAL,33Ibs. cocking effort.

RWS Model 300 4 x 32mm Fixed Power Scope - Engineered specifically for air gun use. Adjustable objective lens diminishes parallax error at all useable air gun ranges. + RWS 'C" Two-Piace Scope Mount - Fully adjustable for windage and elevation plus the built-in scope stop helps eliminate zero drift and scope damage.

RWS Accessory Pack. that includes 1 Tin (500) Meisterkugeln target-grade pellets; Compact Cleaning Kit with 30 , flexible c!eaning rod, oil and brass jag; RWS Chamber Lube and RWS exclusive Applicator Needle for Dri-Slide and Chamber Lube.

All for $299.50 plus $7.00 shipping and handling. Call or write today.

ORDERS SHIPPED UPS PAYMENT BY CHECK, PjliC

VISA OR COD Box 290 R.R.2 Montezurna, la. 50171 Phone 15151 623-3098 Fax 15151 623-5672

AIRGUN

17

Page 6: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

56

Big Game Rifles and Cartridges by A classic of Keith's opinions based on actual experience for this text on seleding guns and loads for hunting particular species. Catalog 1570.2R ....................................................................... $21.00

Keith's Rifles for Large Game by flmr K e ~ h

Keith A

-

This is Keith's scarce and best book. Catalog 1570.lriR ........ $35.00

Sixguns By Keith by HM Keith Elmer Keith's boyhood mentors were Indian flgMers, vigilantes,

&men and gun figMers of a passing frontier. In his lifetime, he was recognized as a great shot and the leading pistol authorHy in the land. SIXGUNS b his

experiences, Wings, recommendations and instructions. Catalog X579.1 ................................... $34.95

Compliments of Col. Ruger by John C. man A study of factory engraved single action revdvers. Catalog R78.25 ......................................... $46.50

Jack O'Connor's Gun Book by~ack 0%0nnor Part One b on shooting with chapters on killiing power, how good is the .30-06, shotguns, handguns and ammunition. Part Two coven hunting from long range shooting, decoys, dogs and more. Catalog 1564.6 ........................................................................................................................... 526.00

Ed Scherer on ... Sporting Clays The most detailed 'how to' Sporting Clays book ever written. Over 200 pages, 120 photos & illustrations, 47 chapters. Ed explains in detail - swing through, pull-away and maintained methods of breaking sport* targets. Catalog R78.27 ........................................................................................................... $29.95

Loading the Black Powder Rifle Cartridge byPaulA kflhews Author Matthews brings the Mack powder cartridge shooter valuable information on the basics, including cartridge care, lubes and moulds, powder charges and developing and testing loads in his usual authoritative style. Catalog K167.4 .................................................................................................................. $22.50

The Muzzle-Loading Rifle ... Then and Now by w a f l e r ~ . cline Thii informative book is written by one of the most enthusiastic and beloved men of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. This extensive compilation of the muuleloading rifle exhibits accumulative preserved data concerning the development of the 'hallowed old arms of the Southern highlands.' Catalog 1587.8 ........................................................................................................................... $32.00

The Longhunter Society Big Game Record Book Muzzleloading hunters have much to be proud of when they take to the field in search of their trophy. They do so with the enticing challenge of a one-shot hunt. Thii is the First Record Book for those sportsmen. Catalog 1570.74 ......................................................................................................................... $35.00

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by men corbin ThemysteriousSuperston Mountainsof Ariiona hddthesecrettooneofthe richestgold minesever found. It has not been actively worked since the leooS when Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant known as the Dutchman, mined it. Contained within these pages and documents lies the secret ofthe mine's location and a vicarious adventure for the reader. Catalog k578.29 ................................................................. $12.95

Varmint and Small Game Rifles and Cartridges Tells you what shoots and why, describing the basic principles required for top-notch acarracy. Chapters by John Wootters, Bob Hagel, Layne Simpson, Jim Carmichel, Mike Venturino and others cover the sport from .17 caliber to 32-40. Catalog k572.11 ................................................................................. $26.00

The Story of Pope's Barrels By Ray Smith Mr..Pope's finest work was with the muzzleloading, lead bullets, soft steel, 1owveIocitysingle-shotrifles.fhis book captures his story and landarks him as one of the greats of firearms development. A classic book of gun making history and in the words of H.M. Pope, 'I do nothing but the best of work and am IX) slouch of a workman if I do say so myself.' Catalog X588.1 ....................................................................... $39.00

The Duck Uunter's Handbook by sob inm man This isastandard handbook for waterfowl hunters. 7hisbookisadelightfulgrab bag of just about everything a duck hunter would ever need, or want, to know. If you could have only one book on waterfowling, this one would be an excellent choice."-Watetfoudm WorM Catalog 1543.1 ....................................... $28.00

Hunting Trophy Whitetails by DavidMOrris Chock-full of phot% maps, practical information and entertaining anecdotes, David Morris, hunter, game manager and the former editor of NorthAmerican Whitetaimagazinehas compiledthemost comprehensive book available on hunting trophy bucks. Catalog X578.30 ............................................................ $29.95

Rifle 151

Page 7: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

Winchester 94 America's Rifle by Sam Fadala Fadala recountsthe revolutionarychangetotheworld of shooting throughthe introduction ofthe Winchester Model 94 and the 30-30 cartridge. Read the pages that describe the most popular sporting rifle ever designed. Catalog XS1.5 .......................................................................................................... $35.00

To Heck With Deer Hunting by Jim zumbo This book describes many of Jim's hunts, aswell as his philosophiesand atltudestoward hunting. Jim'sfans know he tells it like it is, with nothing held back. A great book on deer that you can laugh at and learn from at the same time. Happily illustrated by Boots Reynolds. Catalog rY578.15 .................................. $20.95

To Heck With Elk Hunting by JimZumbo In this witty collection of tales, Zumbo vividly describes those hunts that are unique and humorous. If you have some perceptions about elk, elk hunting and elk country, put them on hold until you read this book. This is a no-holds barred confession of life in the elk woods. Illustrated by Boots Reynolds, ensuring plenty of laughs. Catalog X578.15 ............................................................................................................ $20.95

Calling All Elk by Jim Zumbo This is the only book on the subject of elk hunting that covers every aspect of elk hunting that covers every aspect of elk vocalization. It differs from other similar books because it deals with elk hunting throughout theentirefallinsteadofjust thebugling season. Every huntercanimprovehisskills byusinghmbo'sproven techniques . no matter when he or she hunts. Catalog 178.15 .................................................. $14.95

Pet Loads by Ken Waters This comprehensive workin the handloading field contains loading precedures, load tables, tips, precau- tions, commentary on test guns: over 100 cartridges are detailed in this two volume set. (Incorporates first 12 supplements . does not include 13, 14, 1 5, 16, 1 7 8 18.) Catalog X549 .................................. 529.50

Gun Writers of Yesteryear by Jim Ford Thoseof uswithastrong senseof historywill recognizethatthefirstexamplesof gunwriting represent more than occupied space on the pages of an old outdoor magazine. The works of these men is an essential and overlooked component of our history. This is a part of our evolution and an important part of our cultural heritage, worthy of recognition and preservation. The legacy inherited from this era's noble assembly of gun writers remains. Catalog X565.10 ............................................................................................... 535.00

Guns, Loads, & Hunting Tips by ob /+age/ Hagel,s best articles in the last 20 years as a staff writer for Handloader and Rifle magazines. A large book literally packed with shooting, hunting and handloading wisdom. All chapters personally selected, updated and re-edited by Hagel. Catalog X565 ........................................................................................ $19.50

Another Country by Jeff Cooper- Personal Adventures ofthe Twentieth Century The narratives are autobiographical and tell of this twentieth century man's experiences that could not and may not be repeated by anyone, anywhere, in the age to come. Catalog X578.7 ......................... $28.00

Elk Hunting With the Experts by sob ~ o b b Thebookdrawsits contentsfromtheauthor'sextenshreelk hunting experiencesaswellastheexperts: Jack Atcheson, Sr., Craig Boddington, Bill Krenz, GaorgeTaulman, JirnZumbo, Larry D. Jones, Merrii Prideand Bo Bennett. Catalog n578.26 ..................................................................................................... $16.95

Game Loads and Practical Ballistics for the American Hunter by Bob Hagel- Bob's background goes back to the early thirties. The knowledge gained as a hunter, guide and gun enthusiast is gathered here in over 300 pages of informative text. Don't miss the chance to benefit from his experience with game on thls continent. Catalog #566 ................................................... $27.9

The Custom Government Model Pistol byhyne simpson This book Is about one of the world's greatest firearms and the things bistismiths do to make it greater. The Government Model's hlstory and workings are explored, as well as accessories, handloading (including . the latest 9x23 super loads), holsters and the whys and hows of customer alterations for the working pistol. Over 30chaptersand over 400photographsfrom top pistolsmiths across the country. This is a comprehensive text from carry guns to the latest breed of hlgh capacity guns with optical sights.Catalog n558.1 ......................... $24.50 .

Elk Rifles, Cartridges and Hunting Tactics by Wayne wan Zwdl A new book by Wayne with details of elk hunting techniques that will work for you! Catalog n578.73 ............... $24.95 4

January-February 1994 57

Page 8: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

- Functional Below, this Echols’ Model 70 Winchester ,338 Winchester Magnum features contemporary styling accented by the serpentine cheekpiece, modified trigger and bolt release, and open point checkering with mullered border. Right, Echols fashioned this Grise1 small-ring Mauser .270 Winchester. Below right, this pre-64 Model 70 Winchester IS chambered for the ,416 Rem- ington Magnum.

Photos by Charles Semmer

David Mil ler

UST AS THE London gun makers J elevated their work with double guns to a distinct and identifiable art form during the last decade of the nine- teenth century, American makers are defining the epitome of bolt-action rifles during the 1990s. They are creat- ing functional art - ar t that is as steeped in their knowledge and ex- periences as hunters as in their many years of shop work with the finest materials available in the world.

ORen it is said that form follows func- tion. To that extent, present day “best quality” sporting firearms represent the combined thought, genius and labor of the ages, but the final result is more than simply a compilation of segmented elements that are screwed, glued, soldered and welded into a shooting iron. The result also is much more than just another pretty gun. Its beauty, indeed, goes all the way to the core.

Pick up a best quality rifle, and it comes alive in the hands. It literally wants to shoot and functions flawlessly. The entire package is in its own right a thoroughbred, ready to excel as an in- strument of the hunt. Were the story

20

to end here, however, it would fall short of the mark. After all, with modern technology, computerized machinery could produce such a rifle repeatedly and quickly. There exists an added dimension that ultimately separates best quality firearms from the rest. It is the quantity of art.

Art in any form is obvious in its presence, but eludes any form of sim- plistic explanation or quantification. It is valid in its own right, whether it per- forms any other function. Hence, best quality rifles must be high art and be able to stand on their own merits in that arena to satisfy a key element of their definition. Unlike static art, however, such as a painting or sculp- ture, best quality rifles also must em- body the beauty and efficiency of design coupled with flawless function and handling characteristics.

By any measure, this is a tall order. It also happens to be the reason why best quality guns are always rare and treasured. By defi%ition, every best quality firearm created is a potential museum piece should it be retired from active duty.

Traditionally the concept of best quality was relegated to single and double guns. This was logical, consider- ing the era when the ethic evolved. Single and double guns were the main- stay of the industry, and over time the top makers defined the parameters in which such best guns must fit. Those same boundaries exist today and have not changed during the past century.

Photo by Ryne Hazen

Rifle 151

Page 9: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

of hunting instruments. For example, the top London gun makers were un- abashed in their creation of best qual- ity doubles while they turned out second, third or fourth quality bolt rifles.

Clearly, if there ever were to be a best quality bolt-action rifle, it logically

It was not until relatively recently in the history of firearms, however, that bolt-action rifles were accepted into the elite fraternity of finest guns. There are a number of understandable reasons for this, with tradition playing the major role. Tradition, after all, dictated that best quality rifles be single or dou- ble guns with well-established levels of fit, finish and balance coupled with equally well-defined qualities of materials like wood and metal.

Although there have been extremely well-made bolt-action rifles extant in the world virtually since the design was introduced, such rifles historically were relegated to a less-than-best status. Bolt-action rifles, after all, em- bodied the ethic of “machine.” The turn-bolt mechanism coupled with the presence of a multi-shot magazine was considered at worst to be an affront to the aesthetic senses and at best to possess detracting elements of design.

Quite simply, the primary reason there were really no “best quality” bolt-action rifles in the world was that no makers took the time and effort to create such a gun. In both England and Europe, bolt rifles were considered to be firearms for the masses when made in their unembellished form, or second- class adjuncts to a gentleman’s battery

would be developed somewhere in the world outside the traditional gun mak- ing centers of England and Europe. It was equally logical that the phenom- enon would evolve in the United States. The reasons are simple. First, the bolt- action rifle was accepted with un- qualified success in North America because it best suited the forms of hunting conducted there. As a class, bolt rifles deliver a higher level of ac- curacy than doubles and most singles, and hunting in North America re- quires high levels of tactical accuracy.

As much as bolt rifles fulfilled the needs of hunters in the U.S., the Yanks had a much lower mental impediment level when it came to accepting the design as having ultimate merit for sporting purposes. Hence, the evolution of a best quality bolt rifle was possible in North America where it could be taken seriously. It was at this juncture in the evolution of the best quality bolt rifle that it parted company in the process from its predecessors - the single and double guns such as those made by the top London firms.

Throughout the history of hunting rifles, there have been fine guns and there have been effective hunting guns. Rarely was the same firearm both a fine gun and an effective hunting tool. Without embarking upon a lengthy

dissertation about the numerous reasons why, suffice it to say that urban - gun makers rarely, if ever, ventured - beyond their city settings to put their creations to the test. They seemed satisfied to create the most “perfect” rifle their imaginations would envision and then sell it to their gentleman hunter clientele.

Frequently in his famous book Afri- can Rifles and Cartridges, John Taylor lamented this fact. He did not hesitate to point out where and how some of the gun makers missed the target when it came to rifle design features. Taylor’s livelihood depended upon flawlessly functional rifles and unfailing am- munition. He recognized most em- phatically that there is an inescapable symbiotic relationship among rifle, am- munition and hunting application.

By the time the best quality concept in bolt-action rifles evolved in the U.S., there was another element added to the equation: The maker himself must have been a serious and frequent hunter. By then it had been recognized that without the deep and ongoing knowledge and understanding of the requirements of hunting, no gun maker could suppose to create the ultimate bolt-action rifle - or the ultimate rifle of any design for that matter.

Best quality rifles from the David Miller Company always have been created for the hunt. Such has been the ethic of the shop, and thus has been the ethic of the genre. Everyone who ever has worked in the Miller shop also has been a serious hunter. It could be no other way.

During the infancy of the best quality evolution of bolt-action rifles the David Miller Company collaborated with Safari Club International to create a method of showcasing the then-recently recognized category of best quality bolt guns.

It would not be accomplished via the

January-February 1994 21

Page 10: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

creation of a number of exhibition grade firearms that would then be put beside their best quality brethren of the single and double design and judged accordingly. Rather, the essence of the hunt would be an integral facet of the entire plan. There would be just five rifles created, each honoring one member of the African Big Five (ele- phant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). For each of five consecutive years, there would be one of the series auctioned to the highest bidder at the Safari Club convention.

Because the David Miller Company had initiated the effort, it would create the first and last of the rifles - bolt- action firearms honoring the elephant and the leopard, respectively.

The first year, 1982, the elephant rifle, based on a Model 1898 Mauser

bolt action in .458 Winchester Magnum, brought an unprecedented $41,000 a t auction. That sale alone established the bolt action as a valid best quality proposition.

Subsequent rifles, the animals they honored and their sale prices were, respectively: rhino by Champlin on Champlin bolt action in .375 H&H which brought $43,500; buffalo double by Heym in .375 H&H which brought $65,000; lion rifle by Jaeger which was based on a pre-64 Winchester bolt action in .375 H&H brought $140,000.

Finally, the David Miller Company created the leopard rifle, which was based on the new Super Grade Model 70 Winchester action. This particular action design was inspired by the Miller Company, and that rifle sold for a record $201,000 at auction - by far the most money which ever had been paid for a bolt-action rifle and more by a large measure than had been paid for most any rifle of any configuration.

Hence, the bolt-action rifle as a best quality hunting firearm had established its validity, but the evolution did not stop there. To the contrary, the David Miller Company continued its search for perfection, ever expanding the horizons as it went.

During those years of the mid-l980s, other makers took note. Some scoffed, others applauded. Regardless how the ethic was viewed, no one could deny its existence.

Young gun maker DArcy Echols took note as the thread of his life began to become woven into the fabric of this evolutionary ethic. At various points during the formative years of his career, he crossed paths with the leaders of the new ethic and quickly became part of what was to become a small but well-defined cadre of full- time professional practitioners. Before long, through his own work and imag ination, Echols found himself in select company as one of the hunterlartists who expressed themselves by creating best quality bolt rifles that also hap- pened to be functional works of art.

Echols began as a hunter, enamored with customihigh quality firearms when, as a youth, he admired two of his uncle’s rifles. They were made by the firm of Griffin & Howe in New York.

His baptism into the trade came a t the Colorado School of Trades in

Rifle 151

Page 11: U!l - Rifle Magazine · PDF filePNEUMATIC FIELD TARGET AIR RIFLES MEISTERKUGELN offers more than cted with a full Iife- closer detailed look at RWS Airguns & Acces- sories, RWS Cartridges

Denver, Colorado, where, among others, Echols met and studied under Curt Crum, who later joined the David Miller Company.

While studying the gunsmithing trade in Colorado, Echols evolved per- sonally from being a hunter to becom- ing a hunting guide. His increasingly extensive experience in the art of hunt- ing made possible the enhanced under- standing necessary to be able to make some of the world’s finest firearms.

Following a lengthy odyssey around America’s West, Echols has found himself headquartering most recently in Providence, Utah.

Just now, in the 199Os, Echols is com- ing into his own as a recognized master of his art. Granted, there is no such title as master gun maker in the U.S. Such a title exists only in some of the world’s other nations, but one does not need a title to be a master. In fact, the

January-February 1994

Curt Crum, above left, and David Miller, above right, combine talents to offer the functional artistry that i s the mainstay of the David Miller Co. Left, D’Arcy Echols is one of the new breed of custom gunsmiths who incorporates field ex- perience in practical rifle design.

mere title of master would be too limiting to satisfy the demands within the genre of best quality bolt rifles. One needs not only to master the making of rifles, but also must have mastered the art of the hunt to be able to create a living firearm from inanimate parts.

To this day, Echols observes that there has been no book written that ex- plains how a person can become a gun maker/hunter/artist. Simply put, there is no quantifiable formula. The answer, however, lies somewhere on the far side of burning desire and down the road from uncompromising drive for perfec- tion. Perception and philosophy, though, must be tempered by the myriad of experiences gained from hunting the many species of trophy animals around the globe. Somewhere in the midst of this sensory bombard- ment, the artist who is also an ac- complished craftsman mentally can distill the essence of it all. Armed with that level of knowledge and under- standing, the huntedartist can begin to express himself in steel and wood. The end products are today’s best qual- ity bolt rifles.

One does not create the “perfect” design and then retire to the shop to stamp out copious copies of such bril- liance. To the contrary, the true huntertartist continues to expand his knowledge and unde&anding, factor- ing the mounting number of subtleties into each successive rifle.

Even if the huntedartist could rest on his laurels, his creations would lose credibility quickly. Hunting itself is continually changing around the world. It was the intransigence of best quality makers of singles and doubles that caused them to be passed by among the ranks of active hunters. They insisted upon making essentially the same rifles chambered for the same cartridges as had their grandfathers. As much as those designs were the best bets for their time, they have become nostalgic vestiges of another era.

This is not to suggest that these fine firearms are not beautiful and works of static art. They certainly are; however, they no longer are forms of liv- ing art. Similarly, it would be less than precocious for a painter to replicate the Mona Lisa today and suggest that it represented contemporary art. So it is in the realm of best quality firearms.

Were it not for makers like D’Arcy Echols, the ethic initially personified by the David Miller Company might have been viewed as an anomaly. As makers like Echols create their art, they further the validation of the makers who created the genre itself.

What this means to the world of sporting firearms is that the future is bright. So long as huntedartists insist upon furthering the quest for perfec- tion in both form and function, there can be no limit, save the human imag- ination, to what can be accomplished.

Sadly, however, this ethic can con- tinue only so long as wildlife is honored and hunted. Should the hunt be ended, then so will the ethic of best quality bolt rifles. The two are inexorably tied, for better or worse. 0

23