I never met Melvin but I talked to him a few times. I have built quite a few rifles in my life, including two target rifles which won three national championships. Twice I bought actions from Melvin to build personal rifles a centerfire and a rimfire. In neither case would a standard barrel shank or recoil lug fit the action (which was designed to be Remington compatible). Both times I contacted him and his reply was that his actions were threaded to Specification XXXX and the barrels and lugs were not the right size. The same comment was made about the rear bridge scope mount hole spacing. These were all when using components from famous and well respected sources. Another quirk was that the rimfire action had the bolt and receiver were made from the same alloy and would gall at the slightest chance.
His guns were unique when made and he spawned an entire new class of rifle (the accurate lightweight) His perfect faith in himself and his perseverance were characteristics that led to his success, but his designs were never destined for the mass market.
