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Forums10
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Most Online1,258 Mar 29th, 2024
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 641 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 641 Likes: 2 |
My recollection is that L.E. Wilson was a dedicated bench rest shooter and competitor.I have the impression that his interest in bench rest shooting is what led him into the presicion loading business. I also have the impression that hs was first involved in precision machine tool work and that his interest in the ultimate in rifle accuracy led him to build his own rifles and loading equipment, and the latter became not only his hobby but his livlihood. How whatever gunsmithing he did for others fits in to that equation I am uninformed about, but I would think that it took place largely in the 1950's.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 641 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 641 Likes: 2 |
To update the preceding post, I went to my collection of American Rifleman magazines from the 30's and 40's and found an article where the writer described having his Model 70 Winchester .220 Swift rebarreled by Winchester and then sent by them to L.E. Wilson for conversion to the Wilson Arrow. This was in July of 1943, so L.E. was active as a gunsmith much earlier than I realized.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,588 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,588 Likes: 9 |
To update the preceding post, I went to my collection of American Rifleman magazines from the 30's and 40's and found an article where the writer described having his Model 70 Winchester .220 Swift rebarreled by Winchester and then sent by them to L.E. Wilson for conversion to the Wilson Arrow. This was in July of 1943, so L.E. was active as a gunsmith much earlier than I realized. Now you've done it.... I have a collection of American Rifleman from the late '20s into the '60s. Many years ago I used to scan and post article here. Never unpacked them after our last move as my wife and daughters didn't like the strong musty smell. But now may be the time to actually do so. Did you note the month and year of any others articles?
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 727 Likes: 22
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 727 Likes: 22 |
LE Wilson is pretty well known here in the Pacific NW where he lived. His shop was in Cashmere, Wa. (home of Aplets and Cotlets!) and his shooting, and tool making started before or at the same time as his gunsmithing work. I've always guessed his tool sales alone weren't maybe enough to make a living, so gunsmithing for others was part of his business. Here's a little history from the company: https://lewilson.com/about
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,156 Likes: 23
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,156 Likes: 23 |
I wonder if the company could provide any information about the rifle?
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,588 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,588 Likes: 9 |
Finally showed up today.
Herters stock. FN action is dated 1950 Barrel is dated(?) 3-52
No other markings, but that is enough information to nail down the timeframe.
I am going try and reach out to the L.E. Wilson company and see if they have any records and if so, if they will share information. (Great idea!)
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 727 Likes: 22
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 727 Likes: 22 |
Since the company is still family owned, I hope there's someone from the family who can assist you in some info.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,588 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,588 Likes: 9 |
Since the company is still family owned, I hope there's someone from the family who can assist you in some info. Polite brush off from L.E. Wilson customer service.
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 727 Likes: 22
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 727 Likes: 22 |
Since the company is still family owned, I hope there's someone from the family who can assist you in some info. Polite brush off from L.E. Wilson customer service. Too bad. Another case of "customer no service".
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