Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats David Christman

Folks:

The other day I saw a picture of a beautiful rifle put together on a small ring Mauser action. It was signed "Christman". Can you tell me anything about his work? Is he still building rifles?

Thanks

RM

Seems like Christman may have been a bench rest rifle builder, but I may have him confused with another.

Mike,

David is a member of the Guild and a fine craftsman. He built a 7x57 for me on a 1910 Mexican Mauser.

I believe TC1 (IIRC) also has a Mexican Mauser David put together.

A true southern gentleman.

Tell us more about the rifle!

I have been oogling a couple of his creations on GB and Hallowell for a while. Very functional. Subtle "class" without being "flashy"... JMO...

http://www.hallowellco.com/david_christman_double%20squarebridge%20mauser%207x57.htm

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/635040081

That's the picture I saw. A friend who knows I'm a 7x57 junkie sent it to me, but unfortunately he didn't offer a loan to go along with it, not to mention that it would have to go back to Mr. Christman to have the stock shortened a bit.

The Hallowell rifle belongs to me. I am selling to finance other projects.

It's a shooter!

It's a nice looking rifle, no doubt. How tall are you? That stock would be a bit long for me. And are the iron sights functional or more cosmetic? I can't tell by the comb height.

David has done a couple rifles for me and has restocked one for me. He is a very fine and honest gentleman.
Pictured below is David and Ed Shilen with myself a few years ago.

My half octagon 7x57 Mexican by David.



David built this one about 12-15years ago. I really need to shoot it and at least work up a load for it.

I am 6ft 1". The iron sights are functional, however the rifle is primarily meant to be employed with a scope.

Oh, I gotta quit looking at these.

David is a gem. When he lived here in WA he rebarreled a Ruger in 300WM for me. Short notice and nothing special. I had no idea of his true ability. Gun shot like a house a fire. Had him rebarrel a 700 probably 10 yrs ago also.
He is great to talk to without any pretensions!

Sir, You have excellent taste in rifles. The only quibble I have with that rifle is that the bolt is on the wrong side... Classic rifle. Classic chambering. And accurate to boot... Hard to beat...

He actually lives within an hours drive from me. He did have a website, but last time I tried to find it I could not so I am guessing he no longer has one but I've been told he is still in business. I recently bought a Ruger 77 tang safety from my LGS that is supposed to have been done by Mr. Christman. It has a Shilen barrel in 6mm Rem. Unfortunately, I am dealing with a pinched nerve in my neck and unable to shoot right now. Hopefully it won't be long.

Butch, that is some beautiful wood. Did he do the metal work as well?

David did the whole project. As far as David/s website, I believe David has all he wants to do. David has the most well equipped shop that I have been in and everything is in its place.

Could I ask a favor? Someday when you have it out and have a caliper handy, would you measure the muzzle diameter (exclusive of the sight band) as well as the barrel about six inches from the action face? I know it's still octagon there, but it will give me an idea for something I'm toying with. No hurry, just if you ever think about it. Thanks.

Is the wrist as thick as it looks in the picture? Also, any idea about the drop at comb and heel?

Thanks

Mike, I sent you a PM.

I'm sorry, I just viewed this thread. Do you still want info on the barrel.

Butch:

No problem. I'd still like to have the info the next time you have the rifle out. I've been eyeballing some of your builds on the AR site. You have very good taste.

Mike