The journey that this rifle has made in the intervening 30 years is typical of many of the fine objects that Jud has created for his customers and friends. This rifle has passed through many hands before landing in the collection of our good friend and fellow enthusiast Gary from Philadelphia, a man who truly appreciates its amazing beauty and has dubbed it "Big Boy". It is an outstanding validation of destiny and fate that it was returned to Jud now, in its 30th year for a very minor repair, thereby giving the author a chance to photograph it.
Some unusual and special features of this rifle:
1. The 52 inch long Bill Large barrel began as a straight heavy barrel which Jud carefully and painstakingly milled and filed down to its current dimensions. It thus became a very slender barrel giving it a light as a feather feel in spite of its tremendous length. Starting just forward of the entry thimble the stock is so thin as to appear almost painted onto the barrel.
2. The wood has special provenance beginning as a tree by the side of a road in Michigan that was ordered removed by the State Highway Commission for when the road was widened. There are only a few stocks made from the trunk of this tree and all have legendary curl.
3. Careful inspection of the patchbox shows the detail work in the engraving with the pattern extending onto 2 of the screw heads - a detail that I have not previously witnessed.
4. The final assessment of this rifle is that it is elegant and spare with each component pared down to its essence with not an ounce of extra bulk. The end result is an exceptionally light and easily shouldered piece that rises naturally to hand with the esthetic of the finest originals, featuring all lines converging towards the muzzle. This rifle captures the essence of Jud's finest works and in the details of the execution of Jud's artistic vision, it surely numbers among his finest creations.
A personal note: We are now experiencing -40 degree temperatures and 3 hours of daylight in the Interior of Alaska, so taking full length pictures that would show the full extent of this rifle and the Oerter Rifle preceding would require prolonged exposure to the elements and is just not possible in these conditions. The author hopes to have the opportunity to take some full length photos soon!
