338 Big Baer in Turkish Walnut

[aspenbugle]

Here is my new build...finally here.

338 Big Baer, Bat M 8.5, Benchmark 10 twist at 30 inches
Cerrakoted Black, Jewel Trigger, Bat 20 MOA base
Turkish Walnut Stock (by Joel Russo) - Russo Stock design

Gun built by Bruce Baer, all stock work by Joel Russo

I was originally going to go laminate or McMillan for the stock and save the nice wood for a dangerous game rifle, but Joel's appreciation of fine wood rubbed off on me a little bit. Best decision I made - she's gorgeous even if I do say so myself...

I have to say - I have a couple other custom guns, but the workmanship and detail by Baer and Joel or incredible on this. It truly is a work of art. Haven't even shot her yet - hope she shoots have as good as her cousin Eleanor (Joel's gun). What can I say about Joel - he didn't just do the stock, but shared lots of great advice and was invaluable to this build. He's a total class act, all the way! Baer builds one fine gun...Watch out elk!

 

[nwkman]

Sick! Beautiful rifle.

 

[trebark]

That's a good lookin' rifle!

How much does it weigh? planning to shoot 300grain pills?

 

[aspenbugle]

Thanks

She's just shy of 16lbs without scope...so I guess I'll be in the 18lb range with glass (might be a wee heavy for a sheep hunt )

Yep - planning on the 300 gr MKs

 

[MachV]

That is one SWEET lookin rig!!!
Joel sure makes the best of a piece of wood and very helpfull!

 

[yobuck]

i think classy sums it up. nothing does that like a wood stock. that one is exceptional.
so now you can get your new ammomaster press set up and follow the instructions you got.
deburr those case necks first, mine were a little rough.
id be interested in your load results from the 30" barrel.
apperently thats enough barrel with that cartridge.
mines 34" and 1.250 all the way.

 

[paste]

i love turkish walnut...makes any firearm gorgeous

 

[bigbuck]

That's the finest wood stock I believe that I have ever seen !! I really like the flueted bolt as well.

 

[Joel Russo]

It was a pleasure working with you as well Aspen.

I knew this one was going to be "purdy" when I opened up the blank...

 

[Willys46]

Another amazing stock!

If you shoot at a public range with one of Joel's stocks, its hard to shoot with the crowds they draw!

 

[aspenbugle]

Yobuck - I'll let you know on the loads. That is what I was told - 30" should be good. 34" 1.25 all the way on yours - now that's a hunk of barrel. Wow. I really like the whole package here, stock barrel contour/coating etc...hopefully it all works great.

Willys46 - You're probably right...although he still only gets to work with what ya give him, so I'm sure he wishes we'd all buy a beautiful hunk of wood to let him start with. Ya give him plywood - he'll give your pretty plywood, but it's still plywood As others have said though - he sure seems to bring out the best of what you give him. 5 years down the road, that few hundred $ extra fer purty wood will seem like the best $ ever spent (already does).

I'll try to get a few more close-ups when I can. Also forgot I didn't have the right shellholder for reloading - she's a big'un, so it's on the way. Can't wait to be sittin' with her on a 10,000ft high mountain ridge on a brisk Oct. morning here in Colorado, already hiked in, set up, just gettin light, herd of elk 900yds across the canyon...he he he. Big 6 pt bull through the Schmidt and Bender, 300gr MK lookin down the tube waitin for the order...he he he Ka Booom! Shanina bellows...

Oh, I can't wait....

 

[Rock Jock]

That's a rich piece of wood! Very nice!!

 

[etisll40]

Just awesome quality and craftsmanship.

Nice to see it.

Thanks for sharing...

 

[captacademy]

That sure is some nice looking wood on that rifle!