Model 70 Palma success!

[M700]

Amazing to me in this day of RPA Quadlocks, Nesikas, BAT, and the other custom actions that John Whidden built his own Palma rifle on a Model 70 and took 1st place at the team trials this year.

Great article by John on the 6mmBR home page, and well worth reading, particularly by highpower/prone competitors.

A few things really caught my attention, such as John's use of the 1:10 twist Broughton, his use of the Model 70 Winchester action, and the precise way he positions himself, his head, the rifle, the spotting scope and all the other items he brings to the firing line. The buttstock on his rifle is so far beyond what I'm using it's amazing.

Still, I can't help but be impressed with what he's done with his own home-smithed Winchester! Regards, Guy

 

[Forum Boss]

Thank for the thumbs up on the article. John worked real hard on it and produced a very informative piece that should be of interest to all prone shooters.

If you read the article last night, take another look. I talked with John on the phone this morning and we added a photo of his 6.5 Blister cartridge. We also added his match load,47.0 grains Varget, CCI BR2, and 155gr Berger), and an explanation of how he uses a modified Dillon Progressive press to load his match ammo.

 

[JHardy]

I must admit that I am proud to call John Whidden my friend. Outside of being a great shooter, he is one of the most enjoyable and pleasant people to speak with that I have ever known -- not to mention that John is a fine family man.

You will notice that those who rise to the top in long range prone matches this day in time MUST have more than just shooting skills -- they must have a vast knowledge of accuracy loading techniques with none of the "just load and shoot" mentality. John is not only a precision loader, but has a great analytical mind when addressing everything in his "shooting package" -- from ammo to gun prep to NPA -- and barrel twist. John thinks outside the box, which assists him in keeping his shots inside the high value circles.

Oh yes, John shoots all the time at 1000 yards which has given him a great education on reading the wind. I saw John shoot in the Stars and Bars,River Bend Gun Club, Georgia) at 600 yards during wind gusts up to 40 mph and just drill them in there as if it were dead calm,beat the heck out of all us F-Class shooters).

Planning, hard work, determination and more than a little skill has placed John Whidden up there with the "Best of the Best" and the international shooting community is just learning what we all knew about this South Georgia country boy.

I am very pleased that 6mmBR.com has, once again, scored a 10-X by allowing John to share his shooting techniques and story with all of us.

Jim Hardy

 

[FatBoy]

.... John thinks outside the box, which assists him in keeping his shots inside the high value circles. ...

Jim Hardy

Jim,

I've shot with John a few times as well. I agree on all counts, especially the one above.

THAT has brought John some grief from some other shooters. Being the level headed guy he is,, he seems to handle it without getting riled up. Thankfully, he is cool headed enough to deal with crapolla like equipment challanges 1 minute before a regional starts. Guys like me, it messes with us mentally. Rarely do you find someone who they're trying to lay the screws to, smile, and drive on like it never happened.

Most all of us can take something away form his range attitude, and mental preparadness,, as well as his equipment expierimentation.

Chris...

 

[JHardy]

Chris:

John is trying to get me to shoot from my belly with those funny looking slings. I told John that I could probably get into the prone position, but I had concerns about getting up!

Yes, John seems to have mastered the mental game. My observation is that it is just part of his personality -- he stays calm and focused. But, that boy burns inside and his targets are proof of his passion.

BTW, I have read some of your thoughts on prone jackets on another forum, and I need to talk to you about your experience in fitting.

Jim

 

[FatBoy]

Jim,

any time,, hit me at 20xclean@comcast.net. Drop me an email and I'll get you my phone number if you want to discuss it over the phone.

I've ben waiting on ordering my new creedmoor light prone coat. Always looking for a better,cooler) mousetrap. So far, most have been VERY expensive. ISSF coats have a lot going for them,, but I'm too fat to wear one.

Chris...

 

[johnwhidden]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. I have learned quite a bit from both of you as well. Speaking of thinking out of the box, Jim you should know that Chris is in the midst of having a one of a kind action made.

Hope to see you both at a match soon.
John

 

[FatBoy]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. I have learned quite a bit from both of you as well. Speaking of thinking out of the box, Jim you should know that Chris is in the midst of having a one of a kind action made.

Hope to see you both at a match soon.
John

John,

Learned something from me? Must have been a new cuss word

It may be one of a kind,,actually three of a kind) but will not be ground braking. I decided against the integral scope rail. The action can only be 8.1" long, and I can't push my scopes far enough forward to get this to work. We're going to go with a 10" Picatinny style base with integral iron mount. The action will have an international dovetail on top, for those that shoot opens only, and Tracey is going to thread the end of the bolt handle, so you can change the profile and/or length of the bolt knob.

The downside, it's going to be very heavy. 100% stainless, flat bottom, multi-flat sides, with a BIG lug. I figure the entire rifle, with scope, will go about 18lbs. That's more than I was hoping for, but I didn't flute the barrel, and the Robertson H&H with magnetic cheek piece, and a custom buttplate, is going to be heavier than the pine stocked AI.,the AI coopermatch comes in at about 14lbs with irons).

Maybe if I go with a BR scope, and QD rings I can keep the weight at 17lbs in any rifle form. A little extra weight might help with the recoil of the 284win.

I'm excited to get this done. If the EDM guys finishes this week We can finish up the bolt, and get her sent off to Sitman for stocking and paint.

Have you spoken to Wayne about what he has in store for his sight this spring?

Chris...

 

[johnwhidden]

I understand from another source that the adjustable aperture sight will be available very very soon.