Looking for long since gone Gunsmith - Olean, NY

[Balvar24]

Anyone ever hear of a gunsmith named "Miller" in Olean, NY?

Bought a 22-250 that looks like he put together in what I'm guessing was the late 40's, early 50's.

Just curious. Seems like he did a good job. Bishop stock, but otherwise top notch. Good bluing, bolt handle re-made well. Looks to be a custom adjustable trigger.

[Robinhood]

Balvar, I bet there are a few guys who have had guns made by him. I would love to see a picture of the trigger!

[Balvar24]

Adjusts like a Timney, but is unmarked.

https://i.ibb.co/Pwjzjg3/20220530-084957.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Cw4fq6n/20220530-084927.jpg
https://ibb.co/KFhzhWR

[Balvar24]

Needs a little stock work. Also think I'll change the blocks out and put the Fecker on it. First, I've got to dig up some 22-250 shells somewhere. The only brass out there is $2.00 a pop. For that $$, I can buy loaded ammunition.

https://i.ibb.co/Z816KC8/20220530-090611.jpg

[PhilC]

Side track, just topped my 6.5 Creed with a 24x Balvar fine crosshair target dot - awesome scope!

[Balvar24]

Side track, just topped my 6.5 Creed with a 24x Balvar fine crosshair target dot - awesome scope!

Nice.

Since it has a target dot, I assume it's an internal adjustment Balvar?

[Robinhood]

Needs a little stock work. Also think I'll change the blocks out and put the Fecker on it. First, I've got to dig up some 22-250 shells somewhere. The only brass out there is $2.00 a pop. For that $$, I can buy loaded ammunition.https://i.ibb.co/Z816KC8/20220530-090611.jpg

I am sending a PM

[Dave Hoback]

Needs a little stock work. Also think I'll change the blocks out and put the Fecker on it. First, I've got to dig up some 22-250 shells somewhere. The only brass out there is $2.00 a pop. For that $$, I can buy loaded ammunition.

$2/ea. for 22-250? Where are you shopping??

https://www.bulletcentral.com/product/lapua-brass-22-250-remington-4ph5001-box-of-100/

https://www.natchezss.com/lapua-unprimed-brass-rifle-cartridge-cases-100-ct-22-250-rem.html

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/84

[Balvar24]

The wrong places apparently.

[Robinhood]

$2/ea. for 22-250? Where are you shopping??

https://www.bulletcentral.com/product/lapua-brass-22-250-remington-4ph5001-box-of-100/

https://www.natchezss.com/lapua-unprimed-brass-rifle-cartridge-cases-100-ct-22-250-rem.html

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/84

We found some for a great price Dave. I took it offline so the source wasn't broadcast. :)

[PhilC]

Nice.

Since it has a target dot, I assume it's an internal adjustment Balvar?
Has turrets and AO I'll post some pics in the Optics sub-forum later.

[Dave Hoback]

OK, good. I feel bad any time I see someone posting about high prices that I know aren’t the case. Evidence their “search” technique doesn’t pass muster.;)

[PhilC]

Balvar24 see this topic - https://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?70565-For-Balvar24

[Balvar24]

Balvar24 see this topic - https://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?70565-For-Balvar24

My Balvar is here : https://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?67828-Prairie-Dog-Recommendations/page2

[PhilC]

Different generations and yours looks to be mint, but as you said, glass is superb. Mine will see it's first match later this month.

[Balvar24]

Well I received brass last week and fired a light test round.

Everything seems on the up and up functionally. I have noticed that the bedding in the stock needs attention.

I'm going to work on the stock to free-float all but the first couple of inches of barrel. The trigger guard/magazine box is also inletted too deep for my liking in the front. I'm going to build it up flush with with the stock with bedding material and possibly make a spacer to go between the recoil lug of the rifle and trigger guard to make that connection consistent. When that's done, I'll see how things have improved. I could bed the action while I'm at it, but I'll see how it groups first rather than make that mess right out of the gate. I can't mix up bedding compound without getting it everywhere.

The receiver and other parts are WWII stamped, just to add to the cool factor.

[Balvar24]

Still tinkering with this. Worked up some starting loads and 50 Grain V-max's with BLC(2) are all over the place. Wondering if it's the powder or bullet. May try dropping down to 40 Grains to see if that works better.