What model rifle would you reccommend for building "new" commeratives?

Started by Mustang Gregg, January 02, 2009, 11:39:36 PM

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Mustang Gregg

Pards:

Some of the guys in our flight facility (NE-ARNG) are pondering getting some rifles made into a commerative for our outfit.  Nothing super fancy, but maybe "Old Bill" lasered into the buttstock & some engraving on the sides of the receiver.

At this point, I think we are getting behind either the Marlin Cowboy M1894 or one of the octgonal M-1892 (Winchester clones).  Our engraver is trying to point us in the direction of stainless steel. 

What do you gunsmith guys recommend?  Or something entirely different?

BTW:  We do not have the A and A Engraving-type budget [big $$$$$].  We need to keep the costs reasonably low enough for us working stiffs.

Much obliged.
Mustang Gregg
"I have two guns.  {CLICK--CLICK}  One for each of ya."
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French Jack

The Uberti models of the '66 Winchester come to mind-- the side plates are easily engraved, and the price and availability are good.
French Jack

Singing Bear

I also think the 66 would be a good rifle to work with, but if it's stainless that you're after, I'd opt for the Ross 92.
They come in quite a few handsome variations these days from the various importers. 

Forty Rod

If you're looking to keep the cost down, go with the Rossi '92.

If cost isn't  a factor, go with the '66 in a true round barreled carbine.  (I never did like "short rifles".  Personal preference.)  A 24" octagonal barreled rifle is also all kinds of classy.
People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

Marshal Will Wingam

I have to agree with 40R about going for the '66 if outlay isn't an issue. The brass really looks great engraved. I also agree that the Rossi '92 is the way to go with Stainless or if initial cost is an issue. How about going to a private mint and having medallions made that can be inlaid into the stock? That could be brass on a '66 or silver metal on a Rossi. I like inlaid medallions on commemorative rifles. I guess your engraver could do a brass or stainless disk to get inlaid, as easily. It just wouldn't have that 3-D look of a medallion.

The carbine has a nicer buttplate than the rifles. True, the crescent buttplate is cool-looking but the carbine fits anyone's shoulder.

SCORRS     SASS     BHR     STORM #446

Mustang Gregg

Thanks, fellers!

Yes, the cost is a big factor here.  So we probably won't go with the '66's or '73's.  But they would look cool.
 
I would like to do the Marlin M-1894 Cowboys with the octagon barrels + they are USA-built, to boot.

Our engraver is steering us toward stainless so they won't need to be re-blued after the engraving.  So that would have to be the M-1892 clones to be stainless.

The medallion is a good idea too.

Tough call, indeed!

Much obliged,
MG

"I have two guns.  {CLICK--CLICK}  One for each of ya."
  BACK FROM AFGHANISTAN!!
"Mustang Gregg" Clement-----NRA LIFER, since '72-----SASS Life & Territorial Governor-----GAF #64-----RATS #0 & Forum Moderator-----BP Warthog------Distinguished Pistol 2004------SAIROC & MMTC Instructor-----Owner of Wild West Arms, Inc. [gun shop] Table Rock, NE------CASTIN' & BLASTIN'!!!!
www.wildwestarms.net

Marshal Will Wingam

Be sure to post a picture of one after you have them. This sounds like a fun project.

SCORRS     SASS     BHR     STORM #446

French Jack

Yes, the re-blue is an added expense and more work.  The brass on the '66 would not need to be refinished.  The brass is also easily engraved.  The 20" carbine is fairly inexpensive, but the '92 clones are less expensive, don't know how stainless would compare, haven't checked prices in a while.  Whatever your decision, best wishes and enjoy.  Post some pics so we can see how they turn out.
French Jack

Forty Rod

Do you have some kind of unit crest or insignia, maybe an enameled crest or collar device? I've seen some of those in the 1" x 1 1/2" range inlet into stocks and epoxied onto receivers with some very good results.  That, with some custom engraving, would result in a beautiful keepsake, heirloom, or just simply a wonderful looking shooter. 

The same crest could be pinned to a scabbard to carry the theme further.  Ask some of our leather workers how this could be dome without damaging the rifle.
People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

Bow View Haymaker

Have you thought about a new Henry .22?
less expense, American made, brass receiver. 
Just an idea a bit outside the box.
Bow View Haymaker

GAF #522  Dept of the Platte
SASS# 67733 (RO II)
NRA life

Paul Arens

www.HighPlainsShootersSupply.com

Marshal Will Wingam

Not only are those Henrys good looking, but they're great shooters.

SCORRS     SASS     BHR     STORM #446

Mustang Gregg

Fellers:

No, we hadn't even pondered the little brass Henry .22's.  I had brought up the Marlin .22's & that didn't go over very well.  I will suggest the Henry Golden Boys next.  Yep, the refinishing would be less $$$$ outlay.

40 Rod----Good idees on the insignia mounted on a leather scabbard, too.

Much obliged,
MG
"I have two guns.  {CLICK--CLICK}  One for each of ya."
  BACK FROM AFGHANISTAN!!
"Mustang Gregg" Clement-----NRA LIFER, since '72-----SASS Life & Territorial Governor-----GAF #64-----RATS #0 & Forum Moderator-----BP Warthog------Distinguished Pistol 2004------SAIROC & MMTC Instructor-----Owner of Wild West Arms, Inc. [gun shop] Table Rock, NE------CASTIN' & BLASTIN'!!!!
www.wildwestarms.net

Mustang Gregg

OOOOH!!

I just checked the prices on the Henry GB's.  :o  Higher than I recollected. 
We still don't know if they have SOLID brass receivers or not.  ???
Still looking.

MG
"I have two guns.  {CLICK--CLICK}  One for each of ya."
  BACK FROM AFGHANISTAN!!
"Mustang Gregg" Clement-----NRA LIFER, since '72-----SASS Life & Territorial Governor-----GAF #64-----RATS #0 & Forum Moderator-----BP Warthog------Distinguished Pistol 2004------SAIROC & MMTC Instructor-----Owner of Wild West Arms, Inc. [gun shop] Table Rock, NE------CASTIN' & BLASTIN'!!!!
www.wildwestarms.net

Pettifogger

The receivers on the .22 Henry's are just sheet metal.  You can actually remove it and send it somewhere if you want it engraved.  I don't know if it has been pointed out yet (since I was lazy and didn't read the whole thread) is that you better buy something you like and intend to keep.  Once a gun is engraved as a "commemorative" for a special group it has zero resale value.

Mustang Gregg

Pettifogger:

You are correct about the rifle becoming a "keeper" (white elephant) once it gets engraved. 
Actually the consensus now is to buy several .45-70 Marlin 1895 Cowboys & getting only the wood lasered with "Old Bill" and maybe some lettering too.

Mustang Gregg 
"I have two guns.  {CLICK--CLICK}  One for each of ya."
  BACK FROM AFGHANISTAN!!
"Mustang Gregg" Clement-----NRA LIFER, since '72-----SASS Life & Territorial Governor-----GAF #64-----RATS #0 & Forum Moderator-----BP Warthog------Distinguished Pistol 2004------SAIROC & MMTC Instructor-----Owner of Wild West Arms, Inc. [gun shop] Table Rock, NE------CASTIN' & BLASTIN'!!!!
www.wildwestarms.net

Forty Rod

People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

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