I thought I'd post some pics of mine.

Stainless Ruger M77 Mk II in .338 Win Mag customized by Lone Star Armory in Pearland, Texas (no longer in business; the owner and my friend is deceased). A Ruger factory walnut stock has been reshaped and slimmed down. Stock refinished with 47 hand rubbed coats of oil. Checkering hand cut. Factory barrel diameter has been slightly reduced using hand draw files. Action, barrel, and bottom metal have been vapor honed. Bolt and extractor jeweled, Neidner pistol grip cap, African ebony fore end cap, Timney trigger, Mauser cross bolt. Action glass bedded. Lugs lapped. Action polished. Extractor tuned. With scope, it weighs 8.75 pounds.

I had plans to take it to South Africa for plains game in 2008 but I canceled that trip in 2007. Remember the economy back then? From Google AI: "The 2007–2008 financial crisis, also known as the Great Recession, was the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. It was caused by a number of factors, including a housing bubble, risky lending, and a lack of regulation."

I just never got back to southern Africa. In fact, my last hunting trip anywhere was in 2005 (also in South Africa). A pity. Such is life...

I had a nice handload worked up for that 2008 trip. A 250 gr Woodleigh round nose at approximately 2600 fps muzzle velocity. (Chronographed ; 10 shot average) I think it would have worked well in the bushveld (northern Limpopo Province about 20 miles or so south of the Limpopo River).

Cheers! Bob F.