Memorial rifle, NO politics please

M

masterblaster22

Private
Minuteman
Jan 10, 2010
6
0
42
wheremyheadlays
#1
To all who clicked on this, thank you.

I am a soldier currently overseas. A few days ago we lost a friend, a brother, a leader. He was devoted. He WANTED to be where we are at, with us. He believed and protected everything that we all hold to be true if you are on this site. He was a center piece of one of the most successful teams in this country.

He was an avid shooter and wanted to get into long range shooting. He was a good shot and had a sharp eye. He had trouble understanding exterior ballistics but he had a steady hand to 800 meters. We spent many hours on the range, and he never doubted my calls. He accompanied me on many small unit operations. Not a day went by in the five years I knew him that he didn't ask me some kind of gun question. He never got to shoot a deer, but dreamed of it. He and his best friend were looking for a place to hunt when they got back to US soil. His birthday was two days before he was killed, and was to be married soon to his beloved fiancee'. He was less than 2 weeks from US soil.

We are building a memorial rifle in his memory. It will be chambered in 338LM as voted by our team. Once complete it will be sold in auction to the highest bidder. The reserve price will be the exact price of money the team pays out of pocket. It needs shoot as true as the values he died protecting. We want every shot from this rifle to be a salute to his memory. We are looking for some help, however big or small to build this rifle. Parts, an optic, rifle case, action, stock, barrel, machine work, ANYTHING. The proceeds are going to go to carrying on his memory and to help the other men seriously injured. I will provide a more detailed description if you PM me on who the men are, exact use of proceeds, anything else you might want or need to know.

EDIT: THIS WILL BE A NO RESERVE AUCTION (thanks for the start up funds Guys/Sir!)


If you have any suggestions on the best parts or where/how good parts may be obtained feel free to say so.
THANK YOU ALL.
 
#4
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shaggyback</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not to sound too heartless, but... any reason why specifics and names are only available in PM? </div></div>

Top Secret DD214's.
 
#5
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

If you're the real deal than you are going to need to speak with Lowlight before you start soliciting for donations and crap.

Also, it would lend you much more credibility if you weren't so ambiguous and used specific names, dates, units, etc.

If your "operation" was too classified to reveal than you need to have your "team" pony up for the price of the rifle and don't worry about covering your out of pocket expenses to meet the reserve price. Can you say selfish?
 
#6
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

many questions arise with this post..
1..your first post on the hide and you want donations for a build??
2.. Did you clear this with Lowlight??
3...You dont even have your profile filled in properly..
4..How do we know this is not a scam??
 
#7
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

This is being locked as it's suspicious. Contact Lowlight, who owns this site, to have it unlocked.
 
#10
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

I wouldn't say everyone was quick to judge. There are some pretty good BS detectors on this site and there were plenty of red flags in the post.

That being said, good luck with your build.
 
#11
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

really quick to judge, its his first post and i went back and read it again, he didnt ask for a single donation, just sugestions about the parts they should use for their build and the reason why they are building a rifle of that sort, i woulda answered his question if i knew the best way to go about it, i still dont and thats why i couldtn and cant suggest anything. the proceds he was talking about will come from the buyer of the rifle and after i read it a 3rd time i still cant find a reason why anything is suspicious, all he did is ask a question like everyone else has befor they built a rifle, hell ive asked alot.
 
#12
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

maybe my meager 28 posts and lack of information in my profile make me a non credible lurker who is out to do somebody harm in some way. But i see he wrote no politics please in the subject line and this thread turned to a certain type of politics quick, and yes i added to it. Im sorry lapuafor500alex if this wasent quite the response you accepted from a simple post like this. and i also hope someone can give you a straight answer without refering to the search function which has rarely if ever found what i was looking for..
 
#13
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

dammit, now after the 6th read over i realize he might have asked for some kind of donation or something like that, and if you dont want to donate anything you dont have to. if someone does, good for them. if its a scam, someone must have their morals up their ass to use a story like that to get parts for a rifle. However, i dont beleive asking for a pm is a crime with his situation, he doesnt want the thread to turn into a conversation with many details about many people and information involved
 
#14
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

dudes, chill out. Frank has told you the situation, so now move along.

To the OP: good luck with build, I think it's a nice gesture. I hope it works out to help support the wounded & killed troops and their families.

I would recommend you contact someone who is familiar with these types of thing. IIRC, GA Precision has done several commemorative rifles. I would suggest you give George a call there and ask him for his advice on specs, etc. You want to pick something that everyone wants to bid on, so not too overly specialized.

GA is also the place I'd suggest to have do the work, they are widely regarded as "top tier". Not to say others are not, but GA has a reputation that preceeds it.

There are several great platforms to start on for a .338 LM:
AI/AW
McMillan
DTS

These as well as custom actions. GA will be able to recommend the best actions, however the Surgeon XL with the .338LM boltface is always a great choice. The Surgeon has an integral picatinny rail also, and custom bottom metal.

Barrels are widely available. Don't skimp. Bartlien, Rock, Broughton, Brux, etc. IMHO you want to have a long finish length to maximize velocity... 28"-30" would be good. Heavy contour, like MTU. Have it threaded so the buyer can do a brake or supressor.

Stocks are available from Manners, McMillan, or a chassis system like an AICS. I'd go with a McMillan a-5, sniper fill, with 4 flush cups (2 bottom, 2 left side), and a bipod stud up front (bottom). Get the KMW cheek hardware and LOP spacer options too.

Bottom metal is available from several makers. For wide availability of mags, i'd suggest the Surgeon metal that can be bought with the XL action, or the badger DBM. Both are compatible with the AICS .338 mags, as is the AICS chassis system.

That's really all you need to get started. Your smith can advise you on everything i've said and all the other options and accessories.

Did you want to pacakge optics on it? if so, go with a USO SN3... made in America, excellent glass, lots of reticle & knob options, and supported by a great company for life. Also, hell for stout... and you can beat the enemy to death with it if the gun ever jams, lol.

Good luck, and my condolences on the loss of your team member. Prayers for all involved, and best wishes with the tribute build. Keep us posted on this.
 
#15
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

Thanks guys,
I have talked to lowlight. Sorry if i caused a stir and I do understand peoples concerns. We will be back on American soil before many of you get your EOM pay. When I get home i will release more details and info when I am not on a public computer. I will also provide more information upon request to those who may wish to send their condolences to the family directly thru mail.

We picked 338LM because that was my friend's next dream rifle. You are right, a highly specialized rifle will not be as marketable. Other caliber suggestions are welcome. Every single piece of this rifle WILL be 100% AMERICAN, no questions asked. Initially, I posted that the reserve price would be set at the cost we put in. I have (since yesterday) been able to secure enough donation money to minimize everyones collective cost. THIS WILL NOW BE A NO RESERVE AUCTION when complete.
I do not know about optics, Yes it would be nice. The price of a new optic as we know can often be more than the rifle, and many out there are peculiar about their optic types, which even on this build could lead to negative attention. I only hope that the price it fetches will be equal to or greater than the price paid.
Yes i am asking for help. If not with this build, then with it's support; And if not with its support then say something nice to the friends and family. Support doesnt nessecarilly need to be a tangible object, it could be a PM saying "i know a guy who knows a guy that used to be this guys uncle that has a daughter who is married to a gunsmith who does an awesome job at chambering" You get my drift. Thanks to all, even you...(you know who you are)
 
#16
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

MIKE,
I will provide these publiclly when we am back on US soil and not on a public access computer. We here must do our best to keep the other guy thinking what they think. Thank you for your concerns and I do understand. You may contact Lowlight about specifics (he has them) or you may PM me.
 
#17
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

Brad,
Question:
What about Kreiger?
Who is DTS? (Desert tactical?)
I am familiar with the XL, great action. Almost went with one before i got my Lawton 8500. (price) how do you feel about Mcrees? we have an inscription that we want on the rifle and i was thinking it would best be done on an aluminum chassis.
"THIS RIFLE WAS BUILT IN MEMORY OF A MAN WHO HOLDS THE SAME VALUES THAT YOU HOLD. IT WAS BUILT TO BE SHOT, AND IT WAS BUILT TO FIRE AS TRUE AS THE VALUES HE DIED TO PROTECT FOR YOU. MAY EVERY ROUND FIRED BE A SALUTE TO HIS HONOR."
His name and rank will follow at the end.
Thoughts?
 
#19
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

Sorry about your loss and welcome to the 'Hide. Things can get a bit abrupt here because of the volume of BS posters who try to hang out here. No harm intended, I'm sure. There are a LOT of brothers-in-arms here who completely understand your loss and your project. I hope this all works out the way your guys would like. Best regards.
 
#20
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

I know this rifle is ment to be shot and shot by someone who has puts certain things like honor, integrity and commitment at the forefrot of their lives but have you considered a hinged floorplate versus a DBM? You could do a special engraving/inscription on that piece. Because this build will be a show piece as well as a very effective tool then get some creativity (not saying you don't have any) and have the barrel engraved with the message you want... Start on one side about 6" from the action and have the sayig go the length of the barrel or have it a block that's about 3-4 lines but fits all the text you want. Then do the same thing with scope, make it match the general theme of the rifle. Something I think would be nice is if all visible parts had some subtle engraving work that linked the individual parts to the rifle as whole. Maybe a unit symbol or a symbol that you and your fellow teammates and friends feel was significant to the man who died.

In the end, if this was me tryig to do this, I would want the rifle to be one of kind. A rifle that no one else could match unless they had the same dedication totheir fallen as you. Tie the individual parts together with a common symbol or collection of sayings. Have the stock airbrushed then clear coated with a mural of some sort, a collection of events or people or him. Make this rifle completely unquie (wow can't spell today) and make it so that the person who will ultimately receive this rifle knows what sacrifice that man gave for his country and his brothers.

As for rifle parts I vote:
krieger 30" barrel, rem varmit contour
surgeon XL action
I would suggest surefire break and suppresor as well
A US optics sight, highly customizable
for a stock I'd suggest calling Manner, McMillian etc.. And seeing what custom work they would be willing to do to make your stock special

I realize a lot of the things I suggested have an enormous amount of cost to go with them but in my mind some people are worth more than any amount of movie and it seems to me like you feel that your friend was one of those.
 
#22
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

First:

I wish you, your team and most importantly his family all the best. I know this is tough.

Second:

I would like to help any way I can. I am not a vendor, but may have some stuff available, a set of Seekins 34mm rings comes to mind if you need/want them. Let me know of any other parts you are lacking, I will see if I can help with them.

Third:

I personally would recommend a raffle rather than an auction. With a raffle you can make a lot more over the cost of the rifle for the family. An auction will net you very little if any over cost.

Fourth:

If you can/want to. Please PM me any info on his family (address, email, whatever) as I would like to offer support. If you don't think its time or they are not ready or whatever I understand. Also, let me know what parts you need and I will try to source some.

Last:

This is a really cool idea. It is a great way to honor him. The inscription is perfect.
 
#23
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: crumpmd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would get Preston Pritchett to build a "Remedy" for you. Using a Kreiger barrel in 5R , Manners T4a, Surgeon will do the Action and bottom metal. It will be a 1/2 MOA or better rifle.

Preston is Surgeon Rifles. Click here</div></div>
I 2nd this motion.
i have a Surgeon Remedy in 300 Win. and it is absolute hammer.
 
#26
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

To all you guys,
The raffle is an awesome idea. You are 100% right. Articfun and Gugbica your post mean alot I am in the process of passing them on to some of the guys. Jong, we have talked already... thanks bro and stay safe up there. We will set up the raffle when we are set to touchdown in a several days and I will edit the original post with an official address and neutral party. There are two sides to this project; the charity and the memorial.

Lowlight knows my personal deal, but the information has been made public.

SGT David A Croft Jr., Plant City Florida born January 8th 1987 died January 5th 2010
He was a trooper of the 1st Squadron 7th United States Calvary Regiment (GARRYOWEN!); Ft Hood Texas
This was his second combat tour, i will tell you war stories if you would like just PM me
He couldnt wait to get home and brew this micro brew recipe that he had named "he-brew" (inside joke)
If you can find the time to google him you will see the news releases. Thanks to all.
 
#27
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

RIP Trooper, see you at the Green!

btw, its Cavalry, not Calvary.

I think it would be badass to have "Halfway down the trail to Hell..." engraved on the Barrel for a little Cav specificity as far as the status of it's memorial usage.

"
Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green.
"
 
#28
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lapuafor500alex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brad,
Question:
What about Kreiger?
Who is DTS? (Desert tactical?)
I am familiar with the XL, great action. Almost went with one before i got my Lawton 8500. (price) how do you feel about Mcrees? we have an inscription that we want on the rifle and i was thinking it would best be done on an aluminum chassis.
"THIS RIFLE WAS BUILT IN MEMORY OF A MAN WHO HOLDS THE SAME VALUES THAT YOU HOLD. IT WAS BUILT TO BE SHOT, AND IT WAS BUILT TO FIRE AS TRUE AS THE VALUES HE DIED TO PROTECT FOR YOU. MAY EVERY ROUND FIRED BE A SALUTE TO HIS HONOR."
His name and rank will follow at the end.
Thoughts? </div></div>

Kreiger is excellent.
DTS = Desert Tactical, you're spot on there
I think McRee stocks are excellently made, but they are a love/hate thing. It may turn off some potential buyers, same with an AICS chassis (although less so with that i'd guess)... I think an a5 would be a safer bet to avoid peoples personal feelings on chassis systems.

As far as the inscription goes, maybe someone could laser etch or engrave it on the floorplate if you don't choose DBM... otherwise, i'd see about having it stenciled on the buttstock in duracoat... or you could screw a small, thin, metal plaque to the side of the butt. Perhaps have it monogrammed/embroidered on a padded scope cover instead?

I agree on the raffle, it's much safer financially and will be more beneficial to the families, etc. It will allow a much wider variety of folks to get involved.

A surgeon remedy would be an excellent choice as someone mentioned, perhaps get it an MCM a5 in red/white/blue marble?
 
#31
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

If you want to recover the cost of the rifle and/or donate the money to his family or another cause, I'm not sure I'd recommend a raffle. A member here got parts donated for a rifle, luckily all parts and labor was donated, if I remember right he didn't sell enough tickets to cover the cost if he had to actually pay for it all.

While I like the raffle idea so more can participate, you'll have a LOT more time into managing it and dealing with payments, tickets, etc.

An auction once the rifle is built will be much simpler and probably raise more funds, but that's just my 2 cents.
 
#32
Re: Memorial rifle, NO politics please

Cavscout,
You are exactly right. Cavalry is correct. Some of these computers do an automatic spell check when you type.

We just reviewed your idea, and we agree that we are going to put, the "Garryowen!" unit crest at the 12 o'clock position of the barrel, followed by an excerpt from Fiddler's Green.
Are you a silver or gold Spur Holder?

By the way guys, dont be alarmed if somebody doesnt log on in the next few days... it just means we are in transit... which is a good thing. WE PROMISE we will answer any of your questions AND keep everyone posted on this project.

FLASH*****
We are attempting to schedule the raffle around the end of March. I will keep you posted on how tickets will be available and for those of you in Texas how you may attend.

Thank You all
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Suggestions please… PRS rifle for youth they won’t outgrow
Replies
32
Views
1K
GLG20
G
Craig Brown
Trigger Tech Diamond: Do they honor their warranty.
Replies
18
Views
961
TimResin
T
Lowlight
The Everyday Sniper Podcast: NF ELR Match, 1st Time Shooter
Replies
8
Views
479
ajokhan
ajokhan
GumbyActual
Kool Aid Pop Quiz
Replies
50
Views
2K
Jscb1b
Jscb1b
Maggot
Jimmy Stewart.
Replies
22
Views
1K
sirhrmechanic
sirhrmechanic
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts