Help Identifying a Custom Rifle

[PopsHomer]

Vote Up if you like it

Up

4

Down

Vote Down if you don't like it

::

Hello all,

I’m hoping to get some expert insight into identifying the stockmaker of a custom .338 Winchester Magnum rifle that belonged to my father. The rifle is built on a Whitworth/Interarms Mark X Magnum Mauser action with a 26″ custom octagon barrel, Timney trigger, side‑swing safety, and upgraded bottom metal. The metalwork appears to be professionally done, but the real standout is the stock.

The walnut stock features deep, flawless hand‑cut checkering with elongated heart‑shaped borders and five large raised motifs (approximately 1.5″ × ¾”). These motifs are sharp‑edged, stylized shapes that could be interpreted as a bird, cross, or fleur‑de‑lis‑type emblem. Two appear on the buttstock and three on the fore‑end, all oriented directionally with the rifle. The checkering and motifs are clearly the work of a highly skilled stockmaker.

I have already spoken with Gene Simillion, who confirmed the stock is not his work. Based on comparisons and feedback from others, I now believe the stock may have been made by Gary Goudy, and I am reaching out here in hopes that someone familiar with his work — or with other stockmakers who used similar raised‑motif designs — might be able to confirm or point me in the right direction.

I’ve attached detailed photos of the checkering, raised motifs, and the action markings for reference in the Stockmaking Forum. Any insight or historical context would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.

— Brad

[Robert Rowen]

Hello Brad –

I spoke with Gary Goudy a few years back and he mentioned that he always marked his stock builds inside near the recoil lug area. I have one he made and you can see how he marked it.

Pull the barreled action and you should be able to see if it is his. I will say that the checkering and fluers on mine are a good bit different than yours so I wont be surprised to find he was not the stockmaker, but maybe so.

Good luck on your search

Rob

[PopsHomer]

Thanks Rob for replying. Mr. Goudy told me that as well and I did what both you and he suggested. Pulled the barreled action and you are right he was not the stockmaker. So I’m currently mulling over my next option’s. I went to where my dad purchased the gun 8yrs ago and unfortunately they get rid of all ther records everey 3 yrs when they renew there FFL. I may try and reach out to Whitworth/Interarms and see if they can tell me who bought the action. I know it’s a long shot. But I know the answer as to who built it is out there somwhere. Thanks again for replying.

[Author]

Posts