Gary Reeder
A new rifle just finished. We don't build very
Monday, October 09, 2023, 15:55

many custom rifles but this is one of them. The gun belongs to Robert Giese. It is a full custom Marlin chambered in the 357/44 Baines & Davis. Robert (the first Robert) wanted a 24" octagonal barrel, the lever enlarged, his initials on it, a soft satin Vapor Honed finish on the barrel, and high polish Black Chromex on the frame.
This was a challenge for us as first I didn't have a 357/44 B&D reamer but Robert, my main man and the second Robert in this, just happened to have one (who woulda thunk?) Next was a 24" octagonal barrel. Building octagonal barrels is no big deal, as long as it is in revolver length, but 24" was a whole new challenge.
We finally got it all done and test-fired and it was a good one. Slick and accurate too. Robert (#1 Robert) wanted his initials in a little corner of the gun, but this special rifle needed and deserved more so it ended up on the left side of the frame, in 18 caret silver. The stock and forend were factory but a bit ratty so we refinished it to match the satin of the barrel. A really nice and unique rifle to say the least.