Expectations for New Rifle Builds - the Gunsmith and the Owner
This thread is a real-time chronology of Jeff Patterson’s series of thirteen (already pre-sold) rifle builds. The thread, among other things, includes the series announcement, a bit of Calfee Spec rifle history, pictures of SPEC-P1 and the component description of the rifles.
I guess it was inevitable, now that SPEC-P2 was shot (Feb-11 at Howard Prince) in competition - that the initial results would draw comments from the “forum following” RFBR community.
The phrase that caught my attention was caution to “slow down the hype” (#33) and “serious doubts that every one will be killers” (#33). This posting prompted the thoughtful response, “There is excitement to see new rifles from a proven smith coming on board and time will tell if the owners can find ammo that shoots well in these rifles and goes on to win some matches” (#34).
This exchange prompted me to share my thoughts on what might be expected from Jeff Patterson’s “series one” SPEC-P Rifles. The majority of my thoughts are not specific to Patterson’s Spec rifles but also apply to efforts of any gunsmith who builds rifles for RFBR competitors.
First a little history. Many of Calfee’s “project” rifles as well as his Spec rifles had engraved (jeweled) actions and were often labeled with the rifle’s name as well as Calfee’s name on the butt stock. This bold move to label his rifles enabled the RFBR community to track not only the current ownership but the performance of these rifles in competition. Fortunately for Mr. Calfee several of his Spec and project rifles have performed well ... examples include Spec 4 (Merlin), 5 (Black Death), 6 (Duke of Earl) and 7 (Paladin) and project rifles Rooster, Chisum, Deuces Wild and TDX.
However, there were Calfee builds that have yet to achieve “killer” status ... Spec 9 (Georgia Shaker) is one example, but there are others. Is it the gunsmith or the rifle’s owner/shooter who bears responsibility for either the successes or the shortfalls of any benchrest build?
I’m convinced that the SPEC-P gunsmith, Jeff Patterson, does his best to build a rifle that sets a new standard of performance - i.e., consistent accuracy and precision under varying range conditions. This series of thirteen numbered rifles, all built with the same components WILL become RFBR icons ... much like Calfee’s Spec rifles. Assuming they do set a new standard of performance how they do in heads-up competition will largely be the responsibility of the owner/shooter.
The gunsmith can only do so much ... it’s up to the owner to put the rifle to work. Where “the rubber meets the road” is largely the result of the owner’s commitment to achieve the rifle’s potential. Seasoned competitors already know what’s involved in developing and maintaining a rifle that will become a “killer”. Less experienced shooters may struggle to bring their SPEC-P rifle up to killer status. There are several examples of original Calfee Spec/Project rifle owners who gave up on developing their rifles and sold them to a shooter who inevitably made them famous.
Regardless of the experience or skill level of the rifle’s owner(s) the objective is the same - shoot consistently high scores, win matches and championships.
Very straight forward in concept but much more difficult to achieve in a sport where the level of competition is extremely high.
J.B. Books
A quote from John Wayne's movie "The Shootist" (Wayne's character is the original J.B. Books)
Carson City Marshal Walter Thibido : To put it in a nutshell, you've plum wore us out.
John Bernard Books : Put it in a nutshell? You couldn't put it in a barrel without a bottom. You're the longest winded bastard I've ever known.