hey gasgunner ... Is your rifle's stock marked with Leonard's stamp in the barrel channel?
I do not recall seeing the marking, but I will look again. I will admit I have not seen Mews work beyond this rifle and in photos. I agree that even among the best makers the work can vary to a degree. I wonder if maybe the only thing original to Mews on the first rifle is his mark. It could have had different metal inlet into it at some time, and refinished and the checkering recut. Could it be that someone was trying to mimic a Mews stock, but ran out of talent?
The work on the rifle I posted is not just good, it is exceptional. The style may not be for everyone, but the execution is nearly flawless. Maybe it is not a Mews rifle, but whoever did it knew what he was doing. Anyone with that level of talent would not need to copy anyone else's style. Lots of stuff we will likely never know when collecting these old rifle.
John
