Frederick H. Surkamer, Chicago, Ill.

It's fun to revisit old friends like Surkamer who did really nice work. Last week a friend came by to trace this stock for one he is making so we both revisited the rifle. Surkamer was also a barrel maker and I believe that the one on this rifle was made by him. Just an overall nice job. Caliber is .30-06.

The rear sight??

Made by Surkamer, replaces the original safety housing. Adjustable for windage and elevation, trigger block safety on the trigger guard.

Wow, what a rifle.
I love the sights. What a beautiful stock design, so well executed and checkered.

Having studied the book photographs and web photographs of Michael's Springfields I have developed a short lists of favorites. This Surkamer is one of those.

As an amateur gunmaker with distinct likes I'm drawn first to the smooth transitions between wood and metal surfaces. Additionally, the drop at heel, the Schnabel forend and the arc of the grip gracefully compliment the overall visual impact of the rifle. A .400 Whelen with a proportioned barrel profile on this design would be a stunner.

Great lines and an outstanding piece of walnut. Is it the angle of the photo or is the nose of the comb as thick as it appears? It appears thicker across the stock than most.

Do you have any others to show us?

Due to the small size of the sight on the cocking piece housing (and without the safety) and the safety in the trigger guard and, without a Lyman 48 or any sights on the rear of the barrel is as others have said a beautiful combination. With just the bolt handle in the rear of the receiver area it really does open up the lines. And yes, it would be perfect configuration for a .400 Whelen. Outstanding.

I figured you had more than one gathering dust in a corner!

I did mean Surkamer rifles, but I will happily look at any others that have similar style...I understand you may have a couple other rifles like it

That is an interesting way of shaping the nose, now that I look at it. Is that to serve as a bit of a cheekpiece?? Would explain why such a well configured, classically carved stock doesn't have one.

Here are two pre-war sporters by the same maker,one with a cheekpiece, one with-out.

Nice comparison shot, thanks! Maker?

Both rifles are by Barney Worthen.