doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com You’re at a gunshow!

If you’re reading this you were not able to go to Tulsa this weekend which I understand is going quite well from all the calls. So we will have an online gunshow, a very small one.

So your walking down the isle and spot this rifle, you pick it up and ask who made it and how much. The owner says “I have no idea who made it, make me offer”. So is this worth taking home? Who made it and what would you offer? No name on it, no engraving, is it trash or is it treasure?

I'll be the first one to prove himself lacking in both knowledge and good sense. I think it's a Springfield NRA-type Sporter that has been restocked by a very good stockmaker, but I do not know who. It is probably one of the double heat treated actions. The Lyman 48 has a long slide. Since there is no telescope and the bolt handle has not been altered, the rifle probably dates from the 1920s. I would take out the bolt, check the bore under a good light and mumble something about "low number action, and not set up for a scope" and offer the chap $575. If he asked for more, I would go up to $650 and not feel as if I were too much of a gambler. If the bargaining went beyond $800, the owner could continue to own it.

The straight bolt handle to me indicates a low number bolt and ergo a low number receiver; immaterial to me for shooting but a good bargaining point with an owner who doesn't value them. The issue front sight indicates an issue barrel, possibly another bargaining point with an unknowledgeable owner. The long-slide 48 and the European-type sling swivels are also indicators of an early rifle; all in all it appears to be very possibly an early NRA sporter as already suggested. The stock doesn't have the early reinforcing side panels but does have an early-type schnabel tip, and appears to be extremely well made. I don't believe it's a modified issue stock, rather it appears to be a plain but well-made replacement done by an expert.

Without seeing the details up close and personal, I'd offer at least $500 and maybe up to $1000 or more if the details proved interesting. It looks like a sleeper. I'd look for locating pins on the bolt sleeve first; if present, they'd indicate expert or at least knowledgegable workmanship in the conversion.
Interesting, regards, Joe

Looks like a nicely made rifle and worthy of purchase. Comparing pictures the lines are nearly identical to your G&H .400 Whelen. Too bad itisn't marked. It would be interesting to see just how carefully the fine details and inletting are done. Another rifle for your unidentified gunsmith file.

Jerry Liles

I would get it home, lock the doors, and worry about who made it later. When they look like this one, I don't even try to determine the caliber before I write the check.

Yeah, Bill, I agree, that pretty much of a no brainer. There is just something special about a well done Springfield Sporter with a Lyman 48 sight, no matter who built it.

I am lucky enough to have my Dad's ole Springfield Sporter built by The Rifle Ranch in Prescott, AZ back in the late '40s.

Information I should have included. The barrel is original and it's still a 30-06 , it has a perfect bore and dated SA 9-16, the action is Springfield No. 5362XX. The buttplate is the typical German one but without the trapdoor.

The grip and comb nose resemble the G&H style(s) and the schnabel and cutoff treatment (if G&H) suggest an early fabrication date. To me it resembles more and more an NRA sporter stocked by G&H in their early years. Whatever, it's obviously a very fine rifle and I wish it was mine.
Regards, Joe

I'm with Bill; buy it,then find out who made it. With the hints from Joe and some personal experience, I vote for Seymore Griffin!

Michael, This one is hard to hold my tongue on. Of course I have an advantage on this one. Clues: We don't have many availble. Lineage: Wundhammer Good Luck. gary duffey