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Joined: Oct 2018
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John Hearn Stocked Mauser 98 in 7x57

There isnt a whole lot of information available on stockmaker John Hearn, and except for one in a previous topic, I cant recall ever seeing a Hearn-stocked rifle on-line, so I thought that members might be interested in looking at this one, done in his Mystic-Maze checkering pattern.

Although the documentation received with this rifle identified Hearn as the stockmaker, that fact really meant nothing to me until I purchased a copy of Monty Kennedys book, CHECKERING AND CARVING OF GUNSTOCKS. There, on Page 90, was a target rifle Hearn stocked in 1950 for Dr. Russel C. Smith on which this design was first used; that same rifle is also shown in Roy Dunlaps book, GUNSMITHING.

From the detailed description received with the rifle, mine has the following features:

- 7 x 57mm on a VZ-24 Czech Mauser 98 action
- Custom Gunsmith Service barrel
- Altered, engine-turned and polished bolt
- Ackley safety
- Lyman 48 receiver sight; drilled and tapped for scope mount
- Special trigger assembly
- Presentation grade California Claro walnut stock; ultra deluxe checkering pattern and inlaid stock work, by John Hearn

and from examination:

- Checkered Neidner butt plate, color-case hardened
- Checkered bolt stop and magazine floor plate thumb index, checkered bolt handle
- 24 barrel
- Engine turned bolt-stop
- John Hearn Mystic Maze checkering pattern

There seem to be several trade-mark features often seen in Hearns stocks:
1. Full wrap-around one panel grip patterns, finished on the underside with a neatly executed seam,
2. Fairing in the bolt stop and receiver sight, ("a-la-Linden, he said, crediting the great Alvin Linden for the idea),
3. The frequent use of inlays.

Although inlays and white spacers have fallen out of favor over the years, (mine has both, and Im not a fan of either), this Hearn stock is downright conservative compared to the California style popular at the time and used extensively by Monty Kennedy himself, with roll-over comb and hooked grip. My guess is that stockmakers, as in any business, have to produce what the customers want to buy.

Once again, PhysDoc has kindly agreed to post the accompanying photos. Because Hearn was considered one of the best of his era at checkering, the photos I've selected emphasize those areas.

John

Last edited by johnny_jett; 11/10/18 01:31 PM.
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This is my pre-64 Model 70 Winchester, built by Roy Dunlap, with a barrel by Bliss Titus in .300 H&H Magnum Improved and a stock, although not marked, which has all the characteristics of John Hearn, including the distinctive wraparound pistol grip checkering.




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Here are the pictures of the Hearn stocked Mauser 98 in 7x57,
I am having some computer problems, so I may not got them all.


















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Thanks to PhysDoc for putting up the 8 photos of my 7x57 (above), the subject of the original post.

As I had stated before, the photos were chosen to emphasize the checkering work. John Hearn considered this Mystic Maze pattern the most difficult one he had done. The second photo in this series shows how he seamed the two sides of the pistol grip pattern together underneath the grip, a signature feature of his over-the-top or one-piece P G checkering designs.

Also, youll note that the stock wood has been brought up, or faired around the Lyman 48 receiver sight and the bolt stop, a technique he frequently used.

Other elements sometimes seen in his work inlays and contrasting spacers yep, this one has em both.

Thanks for looking.

John

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Hi All

I saw this on gunbroker the other day and was discussing it via e-mail with a member, do you think this rifle

possible Hearn stock

Was stocked by John Hearn and if not, who do you think did the work?

Fred

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I don't think so. Forend checkering has multiple overruns and wandering borders. Photos of John Hearns work in the MK book look impeccable, some of the better quality work shown including Len Brownell and Dale Goens. Maybe a highly skilled amateur.

Last edited by prairie ghost; 03/03/22 08:30 PM.

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