Update on military surplus sporters

Gil Martin · #1 02-06-2008, 08:12 PM

I spoke with the local gunsmith today. He has been holding a Krag that needs a new .30/40 barrel since 2006. That should be done in a week or two. There is a 1909 Argentine Mauser awaiting a new 7x57mm barrel and a new stock since early 2007 . Finally, there are the Springfields that need a .270 Win. barrel and a .338-06 barrel. I hope to have them all completed by spring. That's what I thought last year. A good gunsmith is worth waiting for. All the best...
Gil

Catfish · #2 02-07-2008, 04:32 PM

Gil,
As long as you know going in that it`s going to be a long time. I had a local smith here that had 3 of my guns for about 5 yrs. It wasn`t the same 3 guns, but every 6 to 10 months I would go pick one up and drop off another. Turn around on each gun was around 1 1/2 years. He`s not that slow on everything, but if you can get a rush job done in 3 weeks your very lucky.

jplonghunter · #3 02-07-2008, 06:23 PM

Gil

That is why I do as much of the work as I am competent to complete. I agree that good work is worth waiting for,but at my age I don't have forever to wait.
Let us see pictures when completed.

jplonghunter

Adam Helmer · #4 02-08-2008, 05:09 PM

Gil,

As you obviously know, a really GOOD gunsmith is a rare find these days. I have none within driving distance that I know about.

While a .338-06 is a nice gun, I would have gone with the .35 Whelen to use up the .30-06 brass on establishment here. Besides, there are lots of .358 bullets to reload.

Adam

Joe Boleo · #5 02-08-2008, 07:48 PM

The .338-06 cases can be made from .30-06 brass and there are ample .338" bullets available. The .338-06 has a better shoulder for headspacing the cartridge. Someday, we will have a shootoff of the .338-06 versus the .35 Whelen. Take care...
Joe

Adam Helmer · #6 02-08-2008, 08:27 PM

Joe,

Bring your .338/06 and we will shoot here on the farm.

Adam