Lee Martin
Hunter
Never been a fan of the “grail gun” idea, but this one comes close for me.
Chimney Rock El Dorados were the finest of that line and are pretty rare (roughly 700 produced over 10 years). 17-4 construction throughout and hand fit, they were essentially like a full custom. You even got to pick the serial number. And while there was talk of doing a 414 SuperMag, it never happened (Elgin Gates died the year they set-up shop in North Carolina). I have a fair number of NC El Dorados, but didn’t have the heart to tear one down…..that is until I bought an old IHMSA gun that had seen a lot of competition.
Originally a 10.5” 357 Max, I converted it to 414 SuperMag. Decided not to re-chamber the original cylinder but instead built one from scratch using 17-4. The barrel is Pac Nor blank cut to 9” even (7.5” is too short and 10.5” makes it longer than I like. 9” seems like the perfect compromise).
The action makes a Colt Python feel rough and the trigger breaks at well under a pound (no joke….you touch it and the gun goes bang). As for the grips, very few guys want to mess with Sevilles and El Dorados, but Carl Schultz took the job. The panels are high grade claro walnut, flat bottomed, and finished in matte. I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.
I’ve shot 210 grain XTPs and 230 grain Keiths so far and it drives tacks. Next up are 255 & 270 grain gas-checked Leadheads. I’ll post some favorite loads as this progresses.
Chimney Rock El Dorados were the finest of that line and are pretty rare (roughly 700 produced over 10 years). 17-4 construction throughout and hand fit, they were essentially like a full custom. You even got to pick the serial number. And while there was talk of doing a 414 SuperMag, it never happened (Elgin Gates died the year they set-up shop in North Carolina). I have a fair number of NC El Dorados, but didn’t have the heart to tear one down…..that is until I bought an old IHMSA gun that had seen a lot of competition.
Originally a 10.5” 357 Max, I converted it to 414 SuperMag. Decided not to re-chamber the original cylinder but instead built one from scratch using 17-4. The barrel is Pac Nor blank cut to 9” even (7.5” is too short and 10.5” makes it longer than I like. 9” seems like the perfect compromise).
The action makes a Colt Python feel rough and the trigger breaks at well under a pound (no joke….you touch it and the gun goes bang). As for the grips, very few guys want to mess with Sevilles and El Dorados, but Carl Schultz took the job. The panels are high grade claro walnut, flat bottomed, and finished in matte. I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.
I’ve shot 210 grain XTPs and 230 grain Keiths so far and it drives tacks. Next up are 255 & 270 grain gas-checked Leadheads. I’ll post some favorite loads as this progresses.
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