I need your help with Austin’s guns

[Jean Swanson]

I never had the opportunity to discuss these guns with Austin before he became a victim of ALS. I would like info on the makers history and the value , for I know absolutely nothing about these guns . Once I have the necessary info ,I will properly post on the “ For Sale “ forum. I assume that Austin used these gun in his younger days of competitive rifle shooting. Thanks in advance for your help ,Allan

[Dean Romig]

They are beyond my scope of knowledge Allan.

[Robert Delk]

Taylor & Robbins are or used to be a pretty big deal in bench rest and varmint shooting.Pennsylvania is a big bench rest and varmint hunting state so maybe they are still in business.

[paul stafford jr]

my blessings to austins family... this is an early custom bench rest rifle,1960s early 1970s the 219 donaldson wasp was a very popular wildcat caliber. in good wind these things would put all the bullits threw the same hole at 100 yards, very cool!

[paul stafford jr]

also looks like a mauser action

[winplumber]

I have some Unertls that would top them off nice ! Is the first gun a Remington action ?

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Originally Posted by Steve Huffman

I have some Unertls that would top them off nice ! Is the first gun a Remington action ?

looks like a 700 Rem
second is a Mauser

[winplumber]

Is pin on the left side the bolt stop or ?

[Bill Zachow]

First one appears to be a 721 or 722 Remington actioned bench rest gun built for the .219 donaldson wasp cartridge. The second, same caliber built on a mauser action. Austen new Harry Donaldson and I believe they shot benchrest together in the Mohawk valley of NY. If Austen maintained documentation of his association with Donaldson, or if one of the guns came to Austen from Harry, then they would have value to a historical bench rest shooter. If not, the value becomes somewhat limited as the new bench rest rifles are extremely high tech and probably shoot rings around these. Wish I could remember more. Ask Pam if she can find any target books that Austen may have kept.

[Bill Zachow]

Austin, not Austen. Damn, I hate to get old.