by Stan Trzoniec

From the world of rimfire rifles comes this really neat single shot based on a Martini action. Custom built for Ed Bullard by Dominick Pisano, it features quite a number of interesting highlights.

Basically, this rifle is a well worked over Martini M-12 "take down" action that started out as an M-12 target model so popular at English shooting clubs. After Ed Bullard received it, the action went in for a total rebuild. First the action went to the Schuetzen Gun Company for all metalwork, the old barrel was replaced with a new halfround, half-octagonal blank from Douglas Barrels, and finally the beautiful field of case coloring was applied to the receiver, lever, trigger guard and breechblock. For sights, the original target sights like the rear peep (adjustable for windage and elevation) plus the globe front complete with various inserts perfectly fit Mr. Bullard's hunting forays for small game.

Upon the return of the action, the gun was restocked by Pisano with a striking piece of Claro walnut from the Cantwell Wood Products Company in Chico, California. In keeping with the more traditional school of thought, stock lines remain on the conservative side. The stock remains classic and is outfitted with a cheekpiece with a shadow line and a beautifully installed checkered steel buttplate. Up front, the forearm is slimmed down to match the smooth lines of the receiver, there is a Schnabel for that Old World flair, and flawless point checkering adorns both pieces of wood. A steel pistol grip cap and inletted sling swivels complete this well-executed rifle.

Chambered in the .22 WMR, Bullard finds it extremely accurate for all his hunting trips so far in Alaska, Oregon, Nebraska and Washington state. According to Ed, future hunts for this petite rifle include javelina and turkey in Arizona and small antelope in South Africa. In fact Ed recalls, he has scored hits on prairie dogs out to 150 yards using the sights on this rifle. After that, "my eyes gave out, not the sights!"

Future plans for this rifle include some engraving on the barrel as to the chambering, an additional barrel possibly in .357 Magnum as well as a new trigger group for this centerfire cartridge all nestled in a custom fitted box for the whole outfit.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

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