A client is selling this custom rifle and sent it to us for cleaning, inspection and an assessment of the custom work before he sold it. Our inspection found this rifle to be very well made and functionally perfect, so we have agreed to mange the sale of the rifle for our client. A complete description of all modifications and customizations is included below.
Basic specifications:
- 1953 model 70 standard action
- 1954 .300 H&H sporter barrel at 23-3/16"
- Superior walnut stock
- 14.75" length of pull
- 45.5" overall length
- Weight is 8 lbs 5 oz
The modifications and customizations of this rifle are well done. The standard action has been properly milled to accommodate the H&H length magazine and the feed rails properly recontoured to feed the .300 H&H cartridge. In tests, the rifle properly fed and ejected unfired cartridges from both left and right sides of the magazine. The action has been polished to a nice line-grain finish and reblued in black oxide. There is no problematic overpolishing of the metal and the bluing is well done. The stock is an exceptional piece of finely feathered walnut, with straight grain through the forestock and a sunburst of crotchwood feathering across the grip and buttstock. The shaping of the stock is expertly done in the Earl Roberts "Rollover Sporter" style - a classic California Monte Carlo stock. The wood is probably Claro Walnut. The barrel bears its factory bluing and has had a non-factory front sight ramp added. The bolt handle and extractor have been polished to a mirror finish.
The overall condition of the rifle is very good to excellent. There are a few very slight handling marks in the stock, but they are all very minor. The stock finish is vintage, but shows no cracking and remains attractive. The browning recoil pad is vintage, but remains flexible. The stock has been poorly bedded, but this is easily remedied with a proper bedding job. The receiver and bottom metal polish and bluing are not original, but are well done. There is a slight dent on the floor plate which has been captured in the reflection in one of the listing photos. The barrel bluing is factory original, with slight thinning. We grade the overall bluing at 95%, with the action grading better than the barrel.
NOTE: This rifle must be shipped to an FFL or C&R holder who can complete the transfer. If needed, we are happy to assist you in locating an FFL holder near you who receive and transfer the rifle to you.
