Before my dad passed away he gave me a custom rifle he had built for him in 1968. It’s a FN 400 action with a Douglas premium barrel in 7x61 Sharpe & Hart (24”, 1 in 12” twist). It’s got a grade AAA burl stock with checkering. It has a Leupold Varix 3x9 scope. I don’t reload so I’ve got to make a tough decision on whether to keep or sell. If anyone can help out with value I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

Pics can be seen at the following link:

[img]http://s410.photobucket.com/user/tomsilentj/media/FN%20Mauser/15Oct_fn_077_zpsmphbkj7l.jpg.html?o=0[/img]

Well.. the stock is "ugly" compared to todays standards. But if my father gave it to me, I would never sell it!

Give it a few years, and you might take up reloading..

If ammo is the problem it would be worth talking to a gunsmith on possible rechambering to 7mm rem mag. I am not a gunsmith and do not know how possible that is. The 1-12 twist may pose a problem with stabilizing heavier bullets.
No idea on value your side of the border.

Thanks. There were plenty of other keepers and I'm not getting any younger.

re: rechambering. I hadn't considered that, if its possible. Thanks

I don't know the value of that rifle but I do have a Schultz&Larsen 7x61 w/ a 12" twist. I live @ 6000 ft. and have no trouble w/ that rifle stabilizing any flat based bullet. It will probably cost me my "looney"card but when I found a load that would work for me I quit messing around & went out & shot stuff!!!
7x61 Super is the same cartridge & will work in that rifle. As Northman said keep it!!!! And enjoy

That stock has potential....whittled down a bit it would clean up nicely.

"Ugly" seems a bit harsh, "dated" for sure. That gun is typical of 1960's "pretty". Workmanship seems good, wood shows figure, components are excellent and who knows, it may shoot.

If it was mine, given to me by my Dad, I'd reload for it and at least see what it would do. If it was bedded right, it should shoot. And even if not, bedding can be re-worked.

IMO,

DF

Look at he dimensions in a reloading manual.

I think the best thing to do is have a gunsmith turn it into a 7mm Remington Mag. Buy ammo, and have fun.

If it was mine and I wanted to keep it I think that stock could be reworked quite nicely. Just redoing the grip cap area would go a long way towards that end, and I'd change up the recoil pad.
Nice rifle, there is no way I'd get rid of it if it was mine in similar circumstances.

Huntington's has brass. Shouldn't be too hard to find someone to fill'em up for you. It's not like you're going to be doggin' with it.

It's a very nice rifle. That funky grip cap could be replaced or simply "enjoyed" as a retro piece. It was, after all, to your Dad's taste at some point.

I've been looking at those photos. I put my finger over that hooked grip cap and without that '60's hook, it would look a lot more "modern". Try that and see what you think.

If it was mine, I'd cut that rosewood grip cap down to about 3/16" to 1/4" thick and refinish. The checkering, although skip a line, is very well done. I don't think I'd do anything else.

Just an idea.

DF

Thanks to all for comments and suggestions.