FWIW,
This is a Winchester 70 in .270 Win built by Mark Penrod & James Tucker in 2008. I found the rifle at Hallowell & Co. a few years ago. I apologize for using Morris's stock pictures, however, he is a far better photographer than I.
The rifle is based, or should I say began life as a Winchester 70 Classic. The receiver was surface ground. This led to the "Winchester" trade mark & the Serial Number being completely ground off. After extensive the metal work, the barreled action was sent to Roger Kerr who re-engraved "Winchester" and the Serial Number on the the receiver. This makes for the ONLY Winchester Classic, and I own a few, that has a perfectly shaped, sized, and executed serial number. He also the engraved the Krieger barrel shank with ".270 Win". I know most would think this an asinine thing to point out, however, with time and a little experience I have found some of the finer points don't jump out at you. You have put your glasses on to appreciate some things. This rifle has been one for me. I did not have the rifle in hand and we were, on another forum, looking at the pictures and making off the cuff observations. The most brilliant thing I said was the first thing that would go into the garbage can were the cheap rings and standard type bases. I STILL don't like that arrangement, however, when I got the rifle and looked at the bases I felt like an ass. Mark had made the scope bases out of A-2 bar stock. It has introduced me to a new class of metalwork.
The Niedner Buttplace with door and storage area are not shown.
The stock, James Tucker's work, should be in hand to be appreciated. He stocked the Westley Richard's three rifle set a few years back.
The strange part is the rifle was built for a friend of mine who had passed away a couple of years earlier. He had gotten to the point that he almost exclusively hunted with his Echol's Legends. I wasn't looking for his rifle, however, after looking at the initial plate, and the rifle reflecting so much of Allen's taste it made me wonder. I called Mark and he knew the rifle I was talking about. Yes, indeed it was his.
I had planned to swap out the current custom tool steel bases with Mark's custom "double square bridge" bases which work with Talley Rings. The longer I think about the more I've decided to leave the rifle largely as it is, except a leather recoil pad at the appropriate length. Work to be done by James Tucker.
