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February 2008 Feature Article:

Deer Rifle Makeover

Just about every deer hunter I know has a rifle that he or she just won't part with. It might have been there for an exceptional hunt or memorable trip. Perhaps it was a special gift or the first rifle they ever bought.

I have one like that too - but though it tugged at my heartstrings, each season, the option of retiring it was looking more and more attractive. Sure it was a well-made, quality rifle, but it had also seen better days. Read more...

Please use this area to post comments or questions about this feature article.

Don Fischer · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:27 am Post subject:

Interesting article. Anybody know what kind of rifle that is? I'm thinking it's a Husvarna but not sure, nice looking! Not sure why he used that big scope though. That thing was made for a low power scope.

Highlander · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:42 am Post subject:

It's a Husqvuarna (Husky H-5000) in 30.06. My research tells me (by serial number) that it was made in the mid-1950s. They developed a good reputation around here (Ontario) as a no-nonsense bolt action that most guys could afford.

I put the 3-9 X 40 scope on it because that scope is versatile enough to do what's needed around here. At low power, it's nice in the cedar swamps and hardwoods. At high power I can cover a power line or field. I don't mind the size. Like so much about rifles, I guess it's a matter of personal taste too.

I've put quite a few rounds through it since the gunsmith returned it, and I'm pleased with everything including weight, balance, trigger pull and accuracy -- it's a tack driver. Definitely a worthwhile project; the modifications made it a better rifle for me.

.

Don Fischer · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:30 pm Post subject:

Been years and years since I've seen a Huskvarna. If I remember right, Herter's used the Husky as the base for either the U9 or J9 rifle. I take it Highlander, that your the one that wrote the article?

Highlander · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 5:08 pm Post subject:

Don,

Yes, I wrote the article. Hope you found it worthy of this site.

I suspect a lot of us have one of those great old rifles kicking around. That particular one is older than me by a few years and I hope I'll be able to pass it along to my son. The way it is now, and the way I'm taking care of it, I'm pretty sure that's a good possibility. In the meantime, that rifle and I have a lot of beautiful and wild country to cover.

I've always been one of those guys who thinks it's better to have one rifle that you shoot well than several that you never really get to know. I have a few rifles, of course, but, from here on in, that one is my main squeeze.

It's the same with my shotgun. I've shot the same Browning BPS since I was 16. It has a few (okay, a lot of ) dings in it and people ask me why I don't buy a new one but the truth is I shoot it well and that's what counts. I figure if I bought another one, I'd have to learn to shoot the new one all over again. That seems odd when the old one works so well for me.

I'm not sure about the Herter's/Husky connection, but I know that here in Canada Sear's sold them and they were popular for quite a while.

Full Draw · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:38 pm Post subject:

I own several of the Huskys from the 1950's in 8x57, 30-06 and 9.3x62. I also have access to many stocks for these. These rifles are made of some of the best steel ever produced. I have not found one yet that is not a shooter with the correctly loaded ammo. I suggest that you handload for them as mine are all capable of touching groups at 100 yds. There are also aftermarket synthetic stocks and triggers available. I have built some nice starters that actually fit youths. My own 11 yr. old son took his first elk this year at 312 yds. with one of the 8x57's. He now thinks that he is ready for one of the 9.3x62's. I'll have to see about that.

Fun Projects.

Highlander · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:05 pm Post subject:

Full Draw,

Hand-loading is the next step although I can honestly say that even with Super-X Winchester PSPs, that rifle is shooting real tight groups. Having said that, a buddy of mine is bringing me up a reloading starter kit within the week or two and I'll be giving it a go, shortly thereafter.

Are the extra wooden stocks you have access to in good shape? Though I know some are very good, I'm just not a fan of synthetic stocks. I like the classic look and feel of wood.

In my humble opinion, Husky's are surprisingly great rifles. They seem to have quite a loyal following...

Full Draw · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

Sorry about the long delay! I have been busy with two new businesses and have little time for the fun stuff. Last I checked there were about 50 wooden stocks there. Nice thing about Arizona is that things stay really nice in our dry climate. Many of the Husky's have Beechwood stocks. I'm not in love with them, but you can always used a French Red mixed with Dark Walnut stain. Then oil finish. They turn out beautiful. If you are interested, I can check the inventory. I prefer the real Walnut, but they are harder to find.

tim · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:31 pm Post subject:

Highlander · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

Full Draw, I apologize for the delay too -- got crazy busy around here. Thanks for the info on stocks. I don't need one now but it's good to know they're out there.

Tim, as for the one gun thing, I do believe in it, especially in shotgunning. Having said that, I have a few others that I dabble with on occasion...I'm only human.

Even so, my other firearms are closely matched. My Browning .22 lever action, for instance, is a dead ringer for my Browning .44 lever action. Practicing with the .22 helps me with the .44. Then again, .22 practice is great for anything that ails you.

henry wilkins · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:11 pm Post subject: Gun Makeover

I enjoyed article Highlander. I have old(63) Rem. 700 30-06 that I had glass bedded, and trigger lightened a little by a friend . But we both suspect a crack in stock that might or might not be problem. Another friend put a new Rem HS syn stock on identical gun and it is amazing how accurate and consistant it is now. I love wood stocks being a furniture maker and the idea of syn stock never appealed to me, until now. I've thought of stripping and refinishing stock but it is not great grain for Walnut, but is Monte Carlo style. Its been my main deer gun for 20yrs and now will use it this year for elk in NM. Any suggestions,