A Pair of Sevens  ACGG Firearm #22

A Set of Using Rifles

The team of Jim Dubell, David Christman and Diane Scalese designed this project around the concept of putting together a set of using rifles for the #22 ACGG raffle in 2007. Built on Mauser actions, the 7mm Mauser and the 7mm Remington Magnum should prove a very versatile pair.

A main goal of the project was to complete a pair of very nice hunting rifles for North American game, but not so nice that it would discourage their use in the field. With Diane Scalese’s execution on the very tasteful engraving and Stockmaker David Christman’s restraint in useful lines and functional checkering, the rifles are easy on the eyes. The makers’ work in design, form and function demand they be taken along on the hunt.  The coffee table will display the set in any den, trophy room or living room setting, but will also hold your favorite shooting and fishing magazines as well as holding your favorite beverage…on a coaster, of course.

Metalsmith Jim Dubell did the customizing touches on the Mauser actions donated by Gary Goudy. The cut rifled barrels were donated by Fred Wells and Danny Pederson at Well’s Sport Shop. Some of the other metalwork included square bridging the receivers, gracefully extending the rear tangs, custom rings, barrel furniture and a two position safety conversion on Jim Wisner’s shroud blanks. Bottom metal and triggers, although slightly modified, were provided by Ted Blackburn. The scopes, a 3-9 on the 7mm Mag and a 2-7 on top of the 7x57 were generously donated to the project by Leupold.

The stocks were created in Delhi Louisiana in the shop of David Christman. The blanks of English walnut came from Don Cantwell Wood Products in Chico California. The team wanted nice looking wood with proper layout, but again nothing in the exhibition grade that would prompt the comment “That’s too nice to hunt with!”

Christman inlet the metal, including the spur-point grip caps from Jim Wisner, the no-screw swivel base in the buttstock and the Gandee forearm swivel bases. These allow for the use of a bi-pod or for a standard high-carry sling position and fold flush out of the way when not in use. Dave carved both of the stocks in an American Classic style with a cheek piece and shadow line. The point pattern checkering was cut at 24 lines per inch. Black colored Old English Pachmayr pads were used to complement the ebony forearm tips.

Engraver Diane Scalese, Big Sandy, Montana, was asked to use her artistry to complete the rifles, but to “keep it down,” maintaining the pieces as working guns and not art category wall hangings. The large canvases of the floorplates are covered with her American scrollwork framing a pair of playing cards bordered in gold. The sevens of spades and diamonds are on the 7mm Remington Magnum and the sevens of clubs and hearts found home on the 7mm Mauser. Her fine line gold border work to the scope ring caps, while the balance of the surfaces are touched just enough to be finished. Scalese did a superior job of putting on the finishing touches without over-doing the project.

The coffee table display was built by Jim Dubell at the Delta Gun Shop in Colville, Washington. It displays the “Pair of Sevens” under glass in a light colored ultrasuede compartment with a raised oval in the middle presenting the winning poker hand, two pair (queens over sevens) a few high dollar chips and a pocket flask. The main pedestal of the table houses a pair of hard gun cases which will see use when the new owner takes his or her rifles afield to apply the final touches…the marks of the hunt.  The team hopes this “Pair of Sevens” spends many years afield as part of great hunting memories.

We would like to extend a special thanks to all our suppliers on this project: Gary Goudy, Fred Wells/ Danny Pederson, Jim Wisner, Leupold Scopes, Don and Phyllis Cantwell, and Ted Blackburn for their extreme generosity. Due to the two gun set  plan for “A Pair of Sevens,” they were all asked to donate two of everything which they did and with no hesitation.

The Craftspeople:

Jim Dubell

989 Bear Creek Rd

Colville, WA 99114

509-684-5855

David Christman

216 Rundell Loop

Delhi, LA 71232

318-878-1395

Diane Scalese

Box 1

Big Sandy, MT 59520

406-378-2414

Photography by Turk’s Head Productions, Inc.