A collaboration of some of
the best artisans in North America have teamed up to create
the 2010 SCI-NEWI Chapter rifle to be raffled at our
upcoming annual 2010 Hunter Expo. Currently in the works,
this year’s rifle is a custom classic sporter chambered in
the universal .300 Winchester magnum caliber. Designed and coordinated by Francis
Lombardi of Syracuse, NY, the new chapter rifle will
comprise the finest metal and wood craftsmanship available
today. While most all of the work and components have been
generously donated by the artisans involved, this rifle has
a market value in excess of $9,000.00 and will be the trophy
in any gun collection for years to come.
This
year’s rifle will be built using the highly collectible and
proven Winchester pre-64 Model 70 action. With its Mauser
style claw extractor, the belted magnum loads are always
properly aligned in a “controlled feed” mode. The action
will be completely stripped and polished to insure the
smoothest possible cycle and function of the bolt. The
bottom metal will be removed and replaced with an “inside
the bow” floorplate release as manufactured and donated by
Wisconsin’s own Sunny Hill Enterprises of Chilton, WI (www.sunny-hill.com).
To clarify, “inside the bow” means the floorplate release is
located within the trigger guard unlike the original Model
70 action that had the button located on the outside of the
floorplate, making it susceptible to accidental opening and
an undesired aesthetics. The rifle will be barreled
with a
24” half-round/half-octagonal barrel machined from a Krieger
blank. Barrel blank and contour millwork also donated by
Sunny Hill. The
bolt handle will be removed and replaced with a classic
straight style handle. The new handle will have excellent
scope clearance and improved accessibility when compared to the original. The bolt stop release will be replaced with a
hand crafted checkered button that is both easier to use and
a special custom detail on the gun. The rifle will have custom sculpted bases and will be
topped with Talley quick-detachable 1” rings. Metalwork will
be performed and donated by master craftsman Dean Zollinger
of Dean’s Custom guns in Rexburg, Idaho (www.deanscustomguns.com).
If you remember, Dean did the metalwork for the beautiful 2009 SCI-NEWI rifle and has kindly donated his
efforts this year as well!
This year’s rifle will be stocked with an
exhibition grade quality California Claro walnut blank.
This
wood was picked for its striking beauty and strong straight
grain structure. The California Claro blank will be crafted into
a beautiful classic style sporter and hand-checkered with a 24
lines-per-inch pattern. A Sunny Hill skeleton grip cap will be
added for detail. The gun will be finished with a leather
covered pad in the classic English style. Stock will have a
classic oil finish that will highlight the natural beauty of the
wood. Mark Soltau of Soltau’s Custom Guns of Syracuse, NY (www.soltaucustomguns.com)
has kindly donated his time and efforts for this year’s rifle. Mark has been crafting custom guns for over twenty-five
years to a select clientele and is pleased to be a part of the
2009 SCI-NEWI chapter rifle.
Engraving of this year’s rifle will be
designed by Francis Lombardi and executed by Mark Soltau. A
rendering of the engraving is soon to come and we will update
the page as soon as available.
Drawing
will be held on February 20, 2010 at
Hunter Expo 2010 .
Winner
need not be present.
Tickets are 1 for
$5.00, 3 for $10.00, 8 for $20.00 or 20 for $50.00
To order tickets call 1-877-SCI-EXPO or mail checks to:
Safari Club International
Attn: Tom Zimmer -
2nd Floor
1524 South Commercial Street
Neenah, WI 54956
