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Custom .257 Wthby. Magnum worth
greyno3
Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
I inherited this custom rifle in 1998 when my father passed away. It's been in the case since.
Back in the late'70's early 80's, my father had this custom rifle built
It's a .257 Weatherby Magnum with Sako AIII action and Shilen #5 27" barrel. Exhibition grade Screwbean Mesquite stock,rosewood forend/cap. The stock was turned by Al Niemiec's Gun Shop from Bonners Ferry, Idaho.Don't know who Al sent it to for the checkering. Has a Weatherby 3x9-40 scope and case.
I have some reciets and info and I do know he paid a hell of alot for this to be made. anyone familiar with Al niemiec's work?
Can I get some help on it's worth? Thanks for any help!
>
Back in the late'70's early 80's, my father had this custom rifle built
It's a .257 Weatherby Magnum with Sako AIII action and Shilen #5 27" barrel. Exhibition grade Screwbean Mesquite stock,rosewood forend/cap. The stock was turned by Al Niemiec's Gun Shop from Bonners Ferry, Idaho.Don't know who Al sent it to for the checkering. Has a Weatherby 3x9-40 scope and case.
I have some reciets and info and I do know he paid a hell of alot for this to be made. anyone familiar with Al niemiec's work?
Can I get some help on it's worth? Thanks for any help!
>
Comments
What was the purpose of a 27" barrel compared to a 26"?
Oh...I also inherited his pristine Ruger No.1 .300 Wthby Mag also!!
The 257 W mag is whats known as an "overbore capacity" cartridge. Who ever chose a 27" barrel probably did so thinking an extra inch of barrel might burn more powder and get more velocity.
unless you need the money, I'd hang onto it unless I got the $2000.
I want to reiterate these comments for more emphasis:
"The Mesquite stock will have limited appeal to a lot of buyers. If you are looking to sell, be patient and find just the right buyer to get top dollar. There is a guy out there who will love it as your father did."
This is absolutely true. In this age of mass produced plywood stocks, work like this stands out at the top of the ladder of custom rifles made by craftsmen. There are lots of shooters that want to own high quality custom rifles and are willing to pay for them. They may not be as obvious as the average buyers who won't pay for top-of-the-line custom work but they are out there. I know this for a fact.
The stock is superb workmanship especially considering how difficult Screw Bean Mesquite is to work with. The fact that it is an odd and little seen choice for a stock has nothing to do with its value. The closeup of the checkering goes along with the quality of the stock, at least in the one photo.
The Sako action is superb and well known for high quality. The cartridge will go along with the comments from He Dog, there will be someone that is highly interested in the rifle and the cartridge.
The other side of the comments about the secondary market apply to the general public who will have little or no knowledge of true custom gunsmithing and stockmaking and therefore will look at lowballing a prize such as this. The engraving and documentation will be an asset if you decide to sell. There are too many fine custom rifles out there that don't have any documents at all.
If you have a desire to own and shoot this rifle, I think you should keep it to use as your father intended. If you just want to sell it, be patient and wait for the right buyer.
"I doubt if anyone would choose your rifle over lets say a Germany Weatherby in the same caliber. "
That's simply not true. There are thousands of knowledgeable rifle owners and buyers who wouldn't consider a Weatherby as opposed to this rifle. There's simply no comparison.
"The 257 W mag is whats known as an "overbore capacity" cartridge."
This is an old concept for this cartridge, at least these days. We have a whole new generation of powders to match up with much better quality bullets to overcome the old idea that this cartridge is overbore. Again, not true.
"Who ever chose a 27" barrel probably did so thinking an extra inch of barrel might burn more powder and get more velocity."
My thought is that the gentleman and/or his gunsmith who specifically ordered this barrel and this length knew more about interior ballistics and plasma cooling than attributing the 1" to better velocity...
Anyway, I think it's a great rifle and it should make you or someone else very proud and happy.
Best.
That is a top notch rifle, with top notch components and skill used to make it. However rarely is the case that a rifle like that will sell for what has been pooured into it. I wish i knew more about the guy who done the stock, as I would have one or 2 made for some projects.
If you are a hunter or a shooter, I would in turn keep this, and use it. It IMHO could serve your father no higher honor.
Glad you asked here and not a gunshop where they would be waiting like wolves to take your rifle from you.
As noted, there is a market for high-end customs. Don't be discouraged if you don't find it right away. Because every brother and his uncle will come out of the woodwork and offer you 1/4 of what it's worth. Personally, I wouldn't sell it. The high-end buyers market is a hard to find one. In which individuals don't stand out.
Since you have the paperwork on the rifle and a good history of it, have you tried looking into the various groups that represent high end custom firearms? Is the builder, or his children, still in business? They might be able to re-sell it for you as they are in touch with that market. A lot of unique high end shops work that way. The shop makes as much brokering deals on re-sales as they do selling new items. Just an idea for you.
-good luck