E.R. Shaw Mark VII

[horseman308]

Anybody had any experience with one of E.R. Shaw's Mark VII rifles? From what I understand, they're Savage actions, Shaw barrels, and your choice of a few different stock options. I don't really know much about them, but the array of barrel and chambering options seems pretty cool and the prices are pretty reasonable for a semi-custom (not truly custom I guess, but better than stock-factory perhaps).

[Mikey]

horseman308:  I do not have any experience with the Shaw rifles but know they make quality barrels, and that when a action is sent to them for rebarreling the work completed is of known quality.  I am going to assume that E.R. Shaw would assure the action to which they mount one of their barrels is of sufficient quality to maximize the capability of the barrel - which means they probably work or re-work the action to that level of quality. 

I would opine this to be the same as a 'custom' rifle.  Some rifle makers use Mauser actions made by European firms, some use Remingtons or Winchesters and call them 'custom'.  The Montana Rifleman for example, makes their own Mauser actions onto which they mount their barrels and they are 'custom' rifles too.  This is just my own 2 cents worth but I hope it helps. 

[horseman308]

Thanks Mikey. I guess when I said "semi-custom" I was thinking especially in terms of stock dimensions. I was thinking that unless the drop, LOP, etc. are exact to me that it isn't necessarily custom. Perhaps "custom-quality"? I don't know. I guess I'm saying my idea of custom is not just picking from a menu of available options, but picking pretty much everything on the whole rifle (trigger, action, internal parts where possible, stock and barrel dimensions and brands, etc.), perhaps while being guided by a professional maker's experience. Nonetheless, I can't afford such a thing so this is really kind of academic. That's why I am so interested in Shaw's Mark VII - it seems to offer enough of the options in an action and with a trigger that I like pretty well.

[Mikey]

Horseman308:  I can understand your interest in the Shaw rifle.  You mentioned that there are four different stock options - you may want to search Shaw's website for information as to drop, length of pull, grip circumference and length; other information about bedding and free floating the barrel might also be available.  If you need stock dimentions specific to you that you do not see offered, I would give them a e-mail or a call and see if they can provide what you seek.   HTH.