Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

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The wrap-around fleur de lis checkering pattern, complete with ribbons, is a work of art and adds a significant bit of elegance to the overall appearance of the rifle.

A critical point in constructing any custom firearm in either a wildcat caliber, or in this case what some people might consider an obsolete caliber, is ammunition. And in the case of the .500 Jeffery, if you’re going to shoot it, you’re going to load for it. Working with the chamber reamer manufacturer Pacific Tool and Gauge and the custom reloading die shop of Hornady I was able to get the two parties together in order to ensure that the chamber dimensions would match precisely the reloading dies.

Once the metal work was well underway I was able to turn my mind to the finish work. Who would do the stock checkering, a much needed part of any beautiful custom rifle? And did I want any metal engraving done? Eventually it was decided that Pam Wheeler would do the checkering. Pam was well known in the business and over the years has checkered for companies such as Kimber, Cooper, Weatherby, Ljutic and even the famous late custom shotgun maker Tommy Sietz. Pam is exceptionally flexible and has the ability to provide you with virtually any pattern and style you prefer. Before long we had agreed to a moderately fancy ribbon fleur de lis pattern similar to one she had done recently on a friend’s custom .416 Rigby rifle.