Well, I know some weisenheimer is going to request pictures, and I'll put some up when I find my camera -- problem w. buying one of those ones that fit inside an altoids tin.
But, here it goes:
Marlin 45-70 Cowboy -- straight stock, 26" octagon ballard barrel, 9+1
Wild West big loop -- doesn't give me as much length as I want, but it should help getting gloves in the loop when I use it in the cold. Gives a much tighter lockup (v. important w. my hot loads for Africa, and a much more "solid" feeling lever -- no wiggle) When Jeff rounded the edges on the loop, and teflon coated it, it became much more pleasant to shoot.
Wild West trigger -- best, and easiest thing to do to the gun -- no more flop, and I doubt pull is over 4.5#
Wild West ejector -- double the thickness of stock, and one piece -- really tightened and smoothed out the bolt -- both my smith and I were surprised by how much an improvement it made.
Wild West follower -- Ok, maybe this didn't have much point, other than it replaces the plastic one w. a much lighter anodized aluminum one -- might have made it easier to load, but that could just be me trying to justify the fact that I bought one.
Trijicon Reflex sight w. 4.3 MOA dot -- I can shoot the "paper plate" group just fine at 80 yds, but the dot precludes doing anything more accurate -- however, it works very well in all lighting conditions (I was told to be prepared to go after some "problem" animals, and so we might be going after some things at night.) and is very fast, and I don't lose sight of the target -- best "both eye open" sight I've used. I will probably be switching to ghost rings after this trip, however, since I don't think I'll need the low light use, and it does look pretty Frankensteinish.
To be done on return: Custom stock from some really nice Turkish walnut I saw at the stock show -- amazingly nice stuff -- if any of ya'll are planning to have a custom stock done, send me a message, and I'll give you the information I have.
Blue the gun properly -- leaving only the top of the receiver matte.
Custom checkering, and having the bolt jeweled...and maybe a Texas A&M logo engraved on the bolt as well.
