This rifle was in process for some time. The project started off with a Hagn action, a beautiful Turkish stock blank and a 1.4″ thick barrel blank. Martin Hagn passed away last year and left a considerable gap behind. The design of his action is second to none and it remains the best falling-block system out there. I had the pleasure to talk to him often and tremendously valued his opinions on everything gun related. Rest in peace, old master! I’m looking forward to building many more rifles with Hagn type actions.
A little unusual is the caliber for North America. The 7×64 was the most popular hunting cartridge in Europe, in the old days when I worked in Switzerland. It probably still is. A great choice for an international traveler.
My client wanted to incorporate a round pistol grip. Previously I hadn’t done it on a Hagn. Whenever I run into something unusual, I make a full-size drawing first. This stock was made from the blank, without pantograph machining. For one-of-a-kind projects this approach is faster and easier for me. I’m always amazed at so called “stock makers” that can’t inlet nor shape a stock without a pattern.
I machined the barrel blank to octagon shape with full-length rib, front sight ramp and sling swivel stud, all integral.
The metal got sent to Italy and was engraved at Creative Arts. These guys are in a league of their own. To my knowledge, we just don’t have engravers of that caliber in the USA. The engraving pattern reminds me of the Oklahoma weather. In me, the rifle evokes a range of feelings, from calm to unsettled. I love it. I hope you like it too.
