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clark7781
.375 member


Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
UPDATE - B. Searcy & Co .577 NE with PHOTOS
      #29696 - 18/04/05 11:05 PM

All:

I just wanted to give you a SITREP on the status of the .577 NE my dad ordered from Butch.

This past Friday, my dad flew to California and met with Butch. Butch, as my dad said, "is one hell of a good guy!" He spend the better part of six hours with my dad going over his rifle, picking wood, fitting him and showing him the sights of Boron.

First, about the rifle. He picked his piece of wood out. (I'm going to see if someone out there can post a pic of it since I can't figure it out yet). Regarding options, he is going with the leather recoil pad, the extended trigger guard and a drop grip cap.

Engraving: On one side plate he is having a cape buffalo, on the other, a rhino. On the bottom, an elephant. Dad is leaning towards a scroll type of engraving on the other areas. Regarding engraving, we have ordered two books on engraving rifles for "ideas." If anyone has additional suggestions for sources for engraving pictures, please send them our way.

Also, if anyone has ideas for engraving, please send them along!

Butch also said that he really liked what my dad was going for with this gun and asked my dad if he would mind if he took it to SCI with him next year. Butch said he hopes to finish it by the first of the year. So, if all goes well, who ever goes to SCI next year and stops by Butch's booth may see Pop's rifle.

We'll keep you updated!

--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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Rusty
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Reged: 08/02/03
Posts: 464
Loc: Missouri City, Texas
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #29698 - 19/04/05 12:12 AM

At Clark's request here is the stock blank.


--------------------
Rusty
We band of brothers!

DRSS


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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39896
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Rusty]
      #29701 - 19/04/05 12:59 AM

That will be a very well figured buttstock.

Is there a knot in the pistol grip or is the grain just a bit bent there?



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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clark7781
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Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: NitroX]
      #29704 - 19/04/05 01:51 AM

NitroX:

That I don't know. I'll have to have my dad respond to that one. But before my dad arrived, Butch had already set aside some blanks for my dad to consider. He liked this one the best. My dad has more pictures in his digital camera, but hasn't downloaded them yet (old fart).

He did say the reverse side of the blank looked nicer.

--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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Chasseur
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Reged: 18/11/03
Posts: 771
Loc: Hunting classic Indian game!
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #29709 - 19/04/05 04:36 AM

Doc and Clark,

Nice piece of wood!

--------------------
In regards to action he should devote himself to hunting...
-Machiavelli



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new_guy
Sponsor


Reged: 10/08/04
Posts: 581
Loc: Texas
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #29710 - 19/04/05 05:03 AM

That's a great-looking stick of wood!

I'm no stock-maker, and if Butch says it's OK - then I'm sure it is, but (especially in 577) I think I might look for another stick with less "wave" through the grip.

That is the weakest part of the stock.

--------------------
www.heymUSA.com


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clark7781
.375 member


Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: new_guy]
      #29712 - 19/04/05 05:19 AM

New Guy:

Thanks for the remarks (And Chasseur):

Butch actually had that piece picked out for my dad even before he arrived at his shop--picked it out just based upon our phone conversations with him.

And, since Butch recommended it, I'll leave it at that. He's forgotten more about rifles, gun stocks and doubles than I'll ever know.

Another note, the barrels on the .577 will be 25 inches long.

--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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mehulkamdar
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Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 3688
Loc: State of Ill-Annoy USA.
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #29719 - 19/04/05 10:06 AM

Doc and Clark,

Fantastic piece of wood. The finished rifle should be a perfect example of gun porn (in the most complimentary sense! )

Hat's off to your father on his fine taste and thanks for sharing the pictures.

Good hunting!



--------------------
The Ark was made by amateurs. Experts built the Titanic.

Mehul Kamdar


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atkinson6
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Reged: 26/01/04
Posts: 678
Loc: Idaho
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: mehulkamdar]
      #29727 - 19/04/05 11:33 AM

New Guy,
That stock is fine, the grain is straight through the grip and what you see as "wave" is fiddleback but the grain structure is correct and good enough for Government work.


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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39896
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: atkinson6]
      #29729 - 19/04/05 12:15 PM

In reply to:

Poster: atkinson6
Subject: Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy

New Guy,
That stock is fine, the grain is straight through the grip and what you see as "wave" is fiddleback but the grain structure is correct and good enough for Government work.





I did assume the stock would be fine as one would expect from a competent rifle maker. Certainly is a lovely piece of walnut.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Doc52
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Reged: 10/01/05
Posts: 24
Loc: Bucks County, Penna. USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #29777 - 20/04/05 08:23 AM

To all,
I just want to let everyone know, That I had a great time with Butch this past weekend! I got the grand tour of the shop, along with the grand tour of Boron, Ca.
In my opinion, Butch is first class all the way.
As to the wood blank, Clark and Butch had been communicating via Email about the wood for the stock. I had downloaded pictuires from Clark to take with me. Butch showed me his stack of wood during my tour, and I figured I'd be there for at least a couple of hours,looking at wood! Butch already had this blank picked out based on the Email swapped with Clark! I looked at the blank and then at Clarks pictures that I had Brought along and BINGO we had a match.
I can't say enough about the experience I had working with Butch! He is truely a great person and an exceptional world class craftsman!

My best to all,

Doc52


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Rell
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Reged: 03/12/04
Posts: 642
Loc: Oyster Bay, NY, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Doc52]
      #29946 - 24/04/05 01:31 AM

Doc 52,

I'm just getting set to order from Butch myself. I was running the idea of slightly more then standard engraving around in my head. If I remember correctly you're getting 3 animal scenes with border engraved. If you don't mind what does that run?

--------------------
450-400, 9.3x74r and 7x65r.


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clark7781
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Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Rell]
      #30035 - 25/04/05 11:21 PM

Rell:

Right now, the old man hasn't gotten a quote yet from Butch. We are still looking for pictures/ideas on exactly what it is we want. I can tell you this. A Rhino will be on one side plate, a Cape Buffalo on the other, and an Elephant on the bottom. Some type of small scrolling will accent the other areas.

We should have some diagrams/ideas out to Butch within a week or two. When we get a quote, I'll drop you a note with the information.

--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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clark7781
.375 member


Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #30408 - 03/05/05 02:00 AM

The reverse side of the gun blank (unfinished):





--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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clark7781
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Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #30409 - 03/05/05 02:01 AM

Better picture of the first side of the gun blank:



--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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clark7781
.375 member


Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #37297 - 13/09/05 04:55 AM

Ok.

Butch switched our wood on us. After a closer examination of the blank, Butch wanted something stronger in the wrist so he got us what we all consider an even nicer blank!

Here it is:



Whatcha think?



--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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MauserRifle
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Reged: 15/03/05
Posts: 153
Loc: U.S.A.
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #37300 - 13/09/05 06:31 AM

clark7781

In my humble opinion, the second piece of wood is a better choice. I too was a little hesitant of the first piece of wood in the wrist area.

Just my opinion though!

--------------------
Mauser Rifle

Everyday is a great day, some days are just better than others!


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Maineguide
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Reged: 09/03/05
Posts: 88
Loc: New Hampshire
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: MauserRifle]
      #37305 - 13/09/05 09:57 AM

Doc52,

I have the same gun in that caliber and with the same engraving. It's awesome looking !!! The second stock looks a bit better to me but the stock on a .577 is pretty thick through the wrist,it has to be, the recoil is substantial but manageable with practice. Your Son Clark has seen the pictures of my gun and the scenes were engraved by Russell. Who is doing your engraving?

Maineguide


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clark7781
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Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Maineguide]
      #37347 - 13/09/05 10:42 PM

Maineguide:

The old fart doesn't usually get on the computer much so I'll answer the question for you.

Ron Collings, Butch's main engraver, said that he wouldn't be able to do engraving its due service, so Butch put us in contact with Jim Blair. Butch has never used Jim before, but in the engraving circle Jim is regarding as one of the two best Bulino guys in the States.

Jim has all of our information and ideas. I spoke with him last week and will again next week. It's at that point that I'll get the $$$$$ from him...

So, when I have another update, I'll pass it on!


--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE


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mickey
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Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: clark7781]
      #37368 - 14/09/05 02:43 AM

Clark

Don't be surprised if full coverage Bulino, by a top engraver, doesn't cost as much or more than the rifle.

If it doubles the price of the rifle will your Dad still be happy with it or would he have been happier with a $45,000 Westley Richards or Holland?

At what point do the economics of a rifle take over from the dreams?

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.


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Marrakai
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Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3595
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: mickey]
      #37424 - 14/09/05 10:09 AM

In reply to:

At what point do the economics of a rifle take over from the dreams?



NEVER! (Speaking for myself, of course ) The money spent is soon forgotten, but that rifle may be in your hands during every serious encounter for the rest of your hunting life. Then the kids can sell it, hopefully at a profit, after you're gone.

This is why some of us swear by vintage Brit, regardless of cost, and I suspect why Clark's ol'man is happy to dress up the Searcy. You only live once!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au


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Maineguide
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Reged: 09/03/05
Posts: 88
Loc: New Hampshire
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Marrakai]
      #37478 - 14/09/05 09:08 PM

An engraving job like the Doc52 is talking about costs as much or more on a WR or H&H. So the gun would be quite a bit more money than the $$45,000.00 That might be the cost of a typical light rose and scroll gun. Also I must assume that the english guns are used. When you start going up above the .40 calibers guns cost more. I'm with Marrakai. The Doc will have something done the way he wants and that he can hunt it without reservation,it will be new and his alone. He also gets the personal attention from Butch. I mean spending 6hr's with a client on a second visit is customer service personafied. And that will beat out the competition everytime. Buying an expensive double is a very personal experience for each of us but to know that the company is right in Ca. and that they will take care of any issue you may have is tough to pass up.

Maineguide


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Peterb
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Reged: 07/07/04
Posts: 288
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Maineguide]
      #37524 - 15/09/05 12:16 PM

At last year's Vegas show, I saw a new H&H double with nice engraving (no Bulino or gold). It was over $200,000. I know engravers who would charge about $7000 for the work you want. Now if the engraving is done on a hardened gun, the cost will be more.

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Doc52
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Reged: 10/01/05
Posts: 24
Loc: Bucks County, Penna. USA
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Maineguide]
      #37833 - 20/09/05 07:14 AM

Maineguide&Marrakai,
You are both correct. Clark and I looked at a couple of WR's before deciding on a Searcy. Both had pitting issues in the barrels and had a 25K price tag on the 500NE and 35K on the 470NE. I spent 6hrs with Butch on my FIRST visit. When all said and done I'll have a custom 577NE that was built to fit me and built to my specs. Then again I could of bought a high dollar British DR that was built for someone else for the same price, or more, But then it wouldn't really be mine now would it.

Peace, Through Superior Firepower,
Doc52


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475Guy
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Reged: 22/08/03
Posts: 1088
Loc: Kali, US
Re: Doc52's .577 NE by Searcy [Re: Doc52]
      #37854 - 20/09/05 12:07 PM

You done good, doc. An English DR is definitely worth more on the used market but who wants to part with that much dinero? Having a DR built exactly to your specs is the way to go, IMO. I'm now waffling whether to save up for a Searcy built to my specs or keep butting my head up against the wall for my partner's dad's DR.

--------------------
Lo do they call to me,
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.


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