Funny thing, I've been looking at those along with all the other rifle porn on Holts and I saw your post about the shrinking brass too. Just writing you a PM...I bought a little used 1955 BSA Hunter in 7x57 from Holts and it's pretty close to handmade quality in terms of cut, hand-lapped rifling, brilliant trigger, genuine walnut stock etc. Also shoots well. So if anyone is on a small budget like me and wants similar, Holts have four up for grabs now for tiny money:
HOLTS Auctioneers
HOLTS are Europe's leading Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns.auctions.holtsauctioneers.com
HOLTS Auctioneers
HOLTS are Europe's leading Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns.
HOLTS Auctioneers
HOLTS Auctioneers
Who would make a rifle for you?
- Thread starter angusb1
- Start date
I like it
harrygrey382
Well-Known Member
I’m yet to see any builder (including major manufacturers) that can approach Doeleac’s skill, styling and all round finished product. They’re exquisite. And they clearly know the best rifle must start with a real Mauser action
This is partly why I started this thread, because I wouldn't know about guys like Bancroft or Mark Mitchell otherwise. Some of the smaller or one man gunmakers seem not to have a big internet presence and are known through more through word of mouth. Thanks for this. I've been looking on Holts and Guntrader and all kinds of names pop up that I've not heard of and can't find out much about from the internet.
Golf wear or night attire?
Yes there’s a ton of them out there. In the case of the Bancroft all we bought was a lovely Mauser action and a grade 7 beautifully figured stock, and a damn fine trigger. The barrel was cooked! Ronin is mid rebarrel as he alluded to, but at the end of the day it’ll be one heck of a rifle and still owe less than £2k all in, brand new barrel, so I think that’s worth it!
That is awesome good value
What barrel did you go for?That is awesome good value
Walther chrome-alloy 24” in 6.5 swede. I have a sassen 26” on my day to day stalker that Andy fettled and it’s just as good I am sure. The Bancroft is my brothers project, but I’m poised to make him an offer on it, as he’s more into horses and hounds
That's a shame
Will Hunting
Member
He is probably the best, especially for genuine Mauser actions ! But not only.... A real character also.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Martin Hagn – ACGG
acgg.org
His work and design were extraordinary. His eye for perfection and his determination for quality were remarkable. I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Martin on many projects, including his most challenging. We had a strong and long-lasting professional working relationship. Martin will be greatly missed. Although many of you know Martin, you don’t know me. I am Knut Lie, a gun-maker by trade with over 40 years of experience, starting with a 4 year diploma/apprenticeship in Norway. My expertise also includes engraving, die-sinker of 3-D dies, Tool and die maker, 3-D mould-making for plastic injection, blow moulding for plastic bottles, coining dies for trade dollars for throughout Canada and the US, and gun stock medallions for commemorative guns. I first met Martin in the early 2000’s, when we were both at a gun show in Kamloops, BC, Canada. I was working at my engraving bench and Martin showed a keen interest in my work. He wanted to see my workshop, and the end result was that he engaged me to make some blocks for his Mag actions. My work for him expanded from there and, for over 20 years, I completed engraving the prototype of his small action, scaling down the small action to create the Mini, making all his actions from the Mini to the 700 Nitro, machining his barrels from the octagon to round taper with quarter rib sling lug front ramp and the sling sleeves front ramp and quarter ribs for his round taper Mauser barrels. I also helped him with concept design through 3-D printing parts with cut away so he could refine the design. Martin loved the 3-D printed cut away parts. I did all the actions on the computer with solid works in 3-D. Falling block actions have always had an appeal to me and Martin’s actions are beautiful in terms of lines, curves, size and the simplicity of the internal parts. Martin had a strong drive for perfection and had worked with many in the gun trade, including Hartmann and Weiss. I still remember being overwhelmed by the strength of the praise from Hartmann and Weiss during a stop-off at their workshop in Hamburg while holidaying in Europe. Their comments about how highly Martin spoke of me still resonate with me today. With his talents and all he has contributed over the years to the gun-making industry, it is important that his work is remembered and continues. Martin worked on many projects with Ralf Martini, who is another incredibly gifted gun maker. Ralf Martini joined Martin in 2000. At that time they were getting investment castings from Germany and Ralf convinced Martin to move to more modern technology and let me mill actions on a CNC from a solid bar stock. Ralf is working with Martin’s family and is committed to completing the projects that Martin started for his customers. In the spring of 2023, Martin indicated that he wanted me to continue the legacy of the production of his actions. I am honoured to have this responsibility and, starting in the 2024, I am going to continue with the production of the Hagn actions, and planning on an outlet in the US where the actions can be purchased directly rather than having to work through customs. Thank you, Martin, for all you have contributed to our profession and trade. Rest assured, your skill and creativity will not be lost. The legacy of your craftmanship will continue. Knut Lie
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