options for high-end rifles with pretty wood

Cooper, Kilimanjero, Ralf Martini, Sauer, Jarrett, Dakota, Serengeti, Bolliger, ..............just for starters.
 
Budget not set in stone but I figure I probably have to top out at around 10k on the gun. Maybe a little more or a little less. I'm about to binge on gun stuff but have to figure out exact split between this and precision rifles. And yes, I do want to actually take it hunting. I don't think something that just sits in a cabinet has the same value as something that gets used. A big part of it are the memories and stories that go along with it.

Have one built ...... https://www.griesbachcustom.com/

I did exactly that a couple years ago and couldn't be happier with the end result. Chris has the mate to mine on his site with approx price.

CPWxuPrl.jpg
 
I picked up a nice Sauer 404 Elegance on this site a few years back . Beautiful grade 5 walnut.

I mounted a Swarovski z6i 2.5-15x56 on it and love how it shoots and how it looks. It will be in the family for generations.

It goes hunting with me on most of my trips too, so it's not a safe queen.

All in with the rifle, scope mount and scope < 8K

The sauer 404 Elegance does have really nice wood, some gr 7+. There was a 404 Select very recently on the EE, but it seems to have sold.
 
Last edited:
We've been selling a fair few of these lately. 10K gets you something really nice. Clay is actually taking a .340 Wby to the Yukon next week that was made by Leroy/Connie Barry who own the company .
https://canyoncreekgunstocks.com/Display.asp

EDIT:
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...53-Canyon-Creek-Rifles?highlight=canyon+creek

Canyoncreek has some gorgeous walnut blanks and I looked at every single one. I can just imagine them as finished stocks all oiled up. Are you saying they can/do make the rifle too? I don't know who any of the people you reference are.

Noticed you said "sons" in OP...might be a good idea to go 5 G each on a couple of rifles...If you purchase just one rifle to hand down one of them is going to be left out when the real value of the rifle is "noticed".

We'll see what I can get for how much. I feel pretty strongly about getting grade 7+ walnut though so exploring all options. I'm not planning on dying anytime soon and they're both still children so lots of time. I'm hoping for oldest to start coming on hunts in next year or two and would be cool if we use the gun he's ultimately to inherit. He's young but loves the highly figured wood (more than the black rifles and synthetic stocks). Could do the same with the other when he is of age.

Just generally, thanks for all the suggestions. Lots to look in to!
 
used rifle from the 20's would be my choice if I was buying something for the reasons you listed above, but Ralph builds some awesome guns, I've seen a few that Oskar had that were build by him.
 
Griffin and Howe has some good options used on occasion, the wood may not be high enough grade though

They also build a fairly modern style rifle on the mausingfield action. Slightly out of price range iirc
 
Budget not set in stone but I figure I probably have to top out at around 10k on the gun. Maybe a little more or a little less. I'm about to binge on gun stuff but have to figure out exact split between this and precision rifles. And yes, I do want to actually take it hunting. I don't think something that just sits in a cabinet has the same value as something that gets used. A big part of it are the memories and stories that go along with it.
Check the rifles for sale on Ralf Martini's website.

His work is impeccable and he may have something that fits your needs.

A buddy of mine recently purchased a redone Brno 21 from Ralf. Definitely a keeper and worthy of being a family heirloom.
 
X2 on Ralf Martini. And Chris Griesbach does very good technical work and he's an artist. So both function and form are pleasing. I have one of his rifles and I'm very happy with it. My Griesbach Customized Brno ZKK600 30-06 has rather plain wood, but of course you could specify any wood you want. ( please note the dark shadows from the flash make this rifle look "fat" but it isn't. That's just my bad photography skills)
 

Attachments

  • ZKK600.jpg
    ZKK600.jpg
    116.9 KB · Views: 156
Last edited:
Canyoncreek has some gorgeous walnut blanks and I looked at every single one. I can just imagine them as finished stocks all oiled up. Are you saying they can/do make the rifle too? I don't know who any of the people you reference are.
Yes, they do the entire rifle :)
Just specify what action/barrel, etc....
 
For something special, contact one of the larger European gun makers (will have large selection of wood on hand) and make a trip over to hand select the wood and have their gun maker fit the stock to you while you are there along with choosing all the custom finishes, engraving, etc.
 
Back
Top Bottom