I believe O'Connor had around a dozen .270's during his life. His favorites being a pair built by a young guy named AL BIESEN, that he called RIFLE 1 AND RIFLE 2. They were virtually identical and both built on Pre-64 Model 70 Featherweight barrelled actions.
I think there's more than a little confusion about O'Connor and his .270's. Particularly in later life, Jack had a number of custom rifles made that he probably didn't hunt with.....and of which there isn't much public record.
Anderson's 2002 book on O'Connor at least attempts to present documentation of those guns Jack did hunt with. Here's his documentation of .270's Jack owned through the Model 70's "Number 1" & "Number 2".
1925 Winchester Model 54 .270 sold in 1932 to pay doctor bills.
1937 Mauser Sukalle-barreled, Linden stocked .270
Jack says he killed more game with this rifle than any other. Given to a friend in 1966.
1943 Winchester Model 70 .270 stocked by Linden. Killed 1st Bighorn Ram, Mountain Goat, Caribou, and moose with this rifle.
1946 Mauser Sukalle-barreled, Owen stocked .270. Carried on his 1946 pack trip to BC. Later re-stocked by Biesen and given to son Brad.....who killed his 1st ram with it in 1951. Later stolen.
1953 Winchester Model 70 .270 stocked by Biesen. Biesen turned down the standard barrel and cut it back to 22". This was Model 70 .270 "Number 1"......sold to a friend in the 70's.
1959 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .270 stocked by Biesen. This is Model 70 "Number 2" still owned by the O'Connor family.
This last rifle was at the ACGG show in January 2009. Unfortunately, with a misleading and inaccurate accompanying sign. Brad O'Connor was at the show also.
If I was going to tab an O'Connor rifle as my Holy Grail......I would likely choose the Linden Mauser .270, or the Minar Springfield 30-06......Jack's first "commissioned custom".
