doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com RG Owen

I agree with Jerry! If I scroll up and down this group of photos, I find my eye going to the burl in the butt on the one rifle, and getting caught by the engraving on another. The "plain" one just lets me enjoy the totality of Owen's design and execution.

Having tried to accomplish this many times, and with the aid of a good many craftsmen, I can say from experience that it is not easy to create elegance.

Terry and Jerry have just explained why so many basically well shaped Germanic rifles are unattractive.

Michael- I understand what you are saying. But I disagree with the description of your collection as "modest." From what I've seen from pictures you've posted and what I know about you, I'd describe your collection as one of the highest quality and very sophisticated. I've seen some "unbelievable" collections, as well, but quantity or having expensive guns isn't what makes a quality collection. Yours is obviously a result of much self-education, thorough research, and a focus on quality without getting caught up in just "buying" your way in. You aren't concerned with "bling" or the dollars spent but set a great example of what collecting is all about. You've proven that money alone isn't the important factor in building a great collection (but money IS a luxury.) The time and effort you spend helping the rest of us and your willingness to share your knowledge and experience has been, I think, THE single most important factor in these Pre-War custom builders finally receiving their due. With the likely exception of Mark B. and Terry B., you've probably forgotten more than many of us will ever know.

Seemed like he really liked his checkering. There's a lot of wood covered on those rifles. Anyone else normally include coverage as extensive as Owen during that era?

Owen rifles do have more checkering than most of the same time period.

That has to be the prettiest Remington Model 12 in existence! Thank you Mr. Owen and Mr. Petrov.

that is a great gun...Mr.Owen made that one for himself did he not?

Yes, he needed money to buy more exhibition type wood. He sold, well he gave it to his friend Colonel Harold P. Sheldon and Sheldon sent him a check. It was not until sometime after I had acquired the rifle that I realized I had the letters between Owen and Sheldon regarding this rifle.

It is a great story and one of my all-time favorite custom rifles.
In my younger days I dreamed of doing a set with a M-61 Win .22 and an M-41 .410!

I would like to do an article on custom .22 pump rifles but they are darn hard to find. I once got to look at over a half-dozen Shelhamer stocked .22's but could not take pictures. Here is a Niedner-Shelhamer Remington 12.