Engraved M219

[Garnett]

I have added an elaborately engraved and custom stocked Chicopee Falls .30-30 to my collection.  I am having picture problems and cannot post at this time.  However, to share with you.....who ever did the work, stopped short, as with other examples in my books.  The receiver has deep relief engraving with a deer and bear inlay on either side.  The barrel has about 2/3 deep relief coverage.  Beautiful maple was used with a wild life scene carved on the stock and nice checkering.  The normal alloy trigger guard has been replaced with a steel one of similar design, also engraved.   But......after all this beautiful work, plain factory original sights were left on the barrel, and a cheap recoil pad added to the stock.  I just don't understand people sometimes.   Of course, people may say the same about me!  )I will post pictures when I can.

[Mike Armstrong]

I've always thought that the 219 could be upgraded to the standard of finish that European break-open "stalking rifles" often have.  It isn't as strong as, say, a Merkel (or TCR), but if you don't need a really hot cartridge--and most of us don't--a 219 could be a thing of beauty and a very effective hunting rifle with the advantages of easy take-down/packing, and switch barrels, which most "stalking rifles" have.

That said, I'd be happier if people would leave the existing rifles that are in excellent condition ALONE!  Especially the Utica ones.  They are elegant enough as-is.

Looking forward to your pictures!  UPDATE: 12-7-17.....Well I have said I am very lacking in computer skills.  I finally got the promised pictures and in error, put them on this post, instead of mine.  I hope you like the pictures!  Please note that the alloy trigger guard was replaced with a steel guard.

[Mike Armstrong]

 I DO like the pictures!  The style of the engraving seems kind of 'primitive" or "Folk Art" but I admire anyone with that level of skill, and I don't like the "Best Gun" level of engraving that you see on English doubles and other high-end firearms much.  There's something wrong, IMO, when the decorations cost more than the gun itself....and both cost more that a Ford 150!  I admire the engraving skill itself, but not on a gun.  Guns are to shoot.  And some of the Italian guns I've seen were plainly and simply pornographic, however well-executed.

Again, great skill but executed in the wrong place.

Most American gun engravers of the past were from a Germanic tradition and made bolder, simpler "scratchings."  I prefer those, although I've seen both German and Austrian guns that were over-decorated.

One of the reasons I like the 219/220 series, and Savages in general, is that they seemed to focus on the "form follows function" principal and make guns anyone could afford.  Both good foundations for American gunmaking.

[Garnett]

The pictures disappeared over time, due to unknown, but common reasons according to my son.  I am re-posting them.  I hope you enjoy looking!