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zebra55 wrote:Just picked up my WBR from my dealer. Wood is exceptional. I was nervous because some I've seen on GB have been somewhat plain. I'll get some pics posted hopefully tomorrow...

Yes, the ones I've seen so far have not inspired much awe with regards to wood quality, fit or finish. For the stated (or even real world) price, limited production and considering it's supposed to commemorate the 100th birthday of the company's founder, I'm surprised these rifles aren't a lot nicer in every way.

I'm probably not being realistic here, but I would have expected to see VERY nice wood with the more extensive checkering pattern, as well as, a more retro look to mimic WBR's original rifle. That is to say, a red pad, unfluted front sight band and non-crinkle-finish three-screw trigger to name a few. Maybe even include a set of vertically split rings!

Lance You're really dreaming.
As for fancy wood the main reason you don't see much anymore is the lack of it. A friend of mine just sold 2 Walnut Veneer Logs for $3200.00 & $2800.00.
I imagine that is where most of it is going.

here are the pics

Well, that one certainly looks a lot nicer than the others I have seen!

(about like slightly better than average 1980's regular issue wood )

How are they numbered? Very nice!!

WBR-002 to WBR-100..Mine is 052..several on GB site now and Lee has a couple also...007 is on GB but wood is plain

Just curious - are you happy with the wood-to-metal fit on yours?

I would say the wood to metal fit is the same as any of todays number 1s, no better. The forearm has excess making it proud of the receiver. The engraving is done well as is the gold inlays and the wood configuration is nice. If I were to compare the quality to other guns I have, it's not on the same level as my Lyman grade 1, similar to the 50th anniversary gun, maybe a little less than the RMEF RSI krag, but better than the NRA. As far as $2400 price, it's on the steep side, but in between what I paid for the Lyman grade 1 (less) and the RMEF RSI (more). Bottom line, all in all I like the gun and it fits well in that portion of my No 1 collection, I hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply. Any firearm we purchase is done for a reason best known or justified by only ourselves. I can't fault anyone for wanting one of these; I thought I might try to get one too, but I have moved on from that thought as my interests tend to lie elsewhere, and I have a self-imposed restriction that my gun hobby has to more or less pay for itself (and it's been a lot more "less" than "more" lately )
That said, some would probably shake their head at some of my purchases (and the cost); both for No. Ones and other things that appeal to me.

I'll continue to search for one of the made up, uncatalogued 1S 270s from around the bicentennial era. Or, I may make one up myself if things work out that way.

here's a chance to possibly get one of these at a bargain price..auction on GB #608278537 has a penny start and no reserve