Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Pinnell and Talifson and their Model 70s

Here's a heads-up. If you haven't gotten the latest issue of Sports Afield (the 125th Aniversary Issue)yet, then go buy a copy. Dan Peterson has a great story about the Winchester Model 70 rifles owned and used by the two legendary brown bear guides, Bill Pinnell and Morris Talifson. Both were chambered for the "three and six bits" cartridge, were abused beyond belief in the salty air of Olga Bay, and just kept on ticking.

The article is must reading for the pre-64 enthusiast as well as lovers of all bolt guns in general.

Better pickup a copy asap.

If you'd like to learn of the dues those two men paid to own a model 70 in 375 H&H, I highly recommend this book

I'll second the book--great read for sure. Even some cool pictures.

Any thoughts of "man, those guys had it made", are quickly tempered when you realize the utter hardship, and circumstances that ultimately lead them to Olga Bay, and their days of success.

Imagine walking thrity, or forty miles one way, with a backpack, to secure dry goods for sustenance. Only to return to a gap-boarded, non insulated shack that was "home", and not even owning enough linen to call a blanket. They endured like that -- and worse -- for years.

'Twas a long spell before they owned their model 70's - a long spell.

I just started to read it. Seems that an 1888 Commission Carbine was used by them and one of the members here has it now,IIRC.

Y'all may wish to check out Phil Shoemaker's article "Rifles in Alaska" in the latest issue of Successful Hunter as well. Pictures of a couple of P&T's guns, including the '88.

Great article in SA. I'm lazy so I pack mostly SS/SYN but it sure does say alot to see those Blued/Wood rifles work so well, for so long, in such harsh conditions.

Just went to Albertsons and Barnes and Noble and no Sports Afield or Successful Hunter on the shelves yet.

More than a few years ago S & A interviewed one or the other and the last question they asked was " Lot of people working in Alaska's bear country these days, what do you think of a 44 Magnum handgun for bear protection?" P or T answered" it is okay as long as you save the last round for yourself". Allways made me laugh, when I remember that.Folks that BTDT and survived it have a perspective allways worth listening too. Magnum Man

Here's another heads up! Late in their lives while they were still in Olga Bay they had a Biologist from the ADF&G Dog Salmon Project giving them a hand and helping them move out to retire. This fellow has a veritable treasure trove of a good deal of what the Old Timers needed to get rid of,,in his possesion are,,,,,
Morris Talifson original 8mm Mauser he came to Alaska with
Bill Pinnells 300 H&H,,he claims to have bought it?
all their slides including the 3 Bear Photo
boxes and boxes of negatives
tons of ancient lantern,stoves,binos
movie's they had made for shows
Tons of stuff,,,,,
I'm not going to go one but his business dealing are usually pretty 1 sided!!

I just read the article in SH by Phil Showmaker, a great read.

Their book is an excellent read! I have read it it several times.

Found the Sports Afield on the shelves in Helena......still looking for the Successful Hunter.

What amazes me is for all the absolutely butt kickin' hard use and the salt air.....is how good of shape they are in......and how about those Leupold scopes. Just amazing.