doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Another Paul Wolf '03 sporter

I acquired the rifle shown on page 124 of Petrov's Book Two from the auction last fall, item 663. Michael had further identified the gun after the article in the book was written. I picked up what I think is another rifle by this maker at Tulsa from Monte. Fred will be on this evening to post some photos of the two guns, anyone agree or disagree on the maker?

Dan

ok, lets see if I still remember how to do this

Cool pick-up and neat to see two of them together and the 'tricks' he used in making these up. Thanks for posting!

Interesting job of "sporterizing"! You get a custom hunting rifle that still shows its origin as a military rifle. So you get to be proud of both!

Never seen anything quite like those. Thanks to you both for posting!

Dan, why do we thk that both rifles were the product of the same person? Not saying they are not just want to know why we thk they are? I dee some similarities but wondering the proof, for example both are signed

Dan, Michael really liked that rifle and was excited the day he got it (as he was all of them). I think you are correct on the attribution. Sure another will or may argue otherwise. 'Think' is the operative word here and there are certain instincts to looking at these old rifles. Most folks want to guard and preserve their integrity and reputation and you have certainly done so here. The attributes are strong, and the source is extremely reputable. I would not be able to make a case otherwise, so I am in agreement with you on the maker. Something about that 150 Lyman slide makes a Springfield look like it should to my eye. Very nice, hope you enjoy them.

LRF,
The similarity of the forearm shaping thru the finger grooves, the front swivel studs, the similar diamond shaped checkering panels on the forearm and the same way he filled the barrel channel (not shown in the photos).
Of course like most of these early sporters, there is no identifying signature.
Dan

Gary,
I know that Michael had a real like for the NRA sales guns made into sporters and especially those that remodeled the issue stocks. That was my first contact with him when I sent him some photos of these type sporters and our friendship grew from there.
Dan

I have always thought that an 'armory custom rifle' only collection would be a great pursuit and narrow down the field some. There is plenty to learn there as well.

I guess my experience is that of a Johnny Come Lately to the custom 1903 Springfield world. I have Michael's first book, but haven't been able to afford his second.

In regards to the straight stocked sporter stock, would it be possible for you to show the barrel channel where he filled them? I have a few sporterized straight grip stocks laying around and that might be fun to try. Thanks!