Looking for info from Elmer Keith’s book Gun Notes volume 1

[Lee in Texas]

I read that this book might have some info on Elmer’s 280 OKH. FWIW, I’m about to order the book. I just bought the rifle and it would be great to see a photo of it from way back when.
Thank you. Lee

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Good luck with your search! Post pictures of the rifle!

 

[Joker12]

I just looked through my copy of Gun Notes volume 1 and could find no pictures or information on that rifle. I will check vol 2 and his book Hell I Was There and see if they have any information.

 

[Joker12]

No pictures in vol 2 either. There is some information on the 285OKH cartridge. In his book "Hell I Was There" there are a couple of pictures (not very good ones) of his 280 Dubiel built on a magnum mauser action.

 

[Ravensview]

I just looked through my copy of Gun Notes volume 1 and could find no pictures or information on that rifle. I will check vol 2 and his book Hell I Was There and see if they have any information.

Awesome Book

 

[Lee in Texas]

I just looked through my copy of Gun Notes volume 1 and could find no pictures or information on that rifle. I will check vol 2 and his book Hell I Was There and see if they have any information.

That’s a bummer. A previous owner of the rifle has threads looking for info ten years ago. This was a suggestion with no follow up.

 

[Lee in Texas]

No pictures in vol 2 either. There is some information on the 285OKH cartridge. In his book "Hell I Was There" there are a couple of pictures (not very good ones) of his 280 Dubiel built on a magnum mauser action.

The 280 OKH was apparently rechambered. The barrel also has “280-300-CCC”. I forgot what CCC stands for but it was forward ignition.

 

[Joker12]

Well it should be an interesting project when you get the rifle. Elmer certainly had strong opinions but he had also "been there and done that". An interesting man for sure.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I found out that Rifle magazine, Volume 1, issue #4 (1966) may have some info on this rifle. I have searched a few sites but haven’t found it yet. Does anyone here have it?

 

[Lee in Texas]

It turns out that was Handloader magazine. I found a copy and ordered it.

 

[Lee in Texas]

And the Handloader magazine has no photos and just has a few sentences about it. It says the rifle was experimental and not successful due to the powders available at the time.

I don’t have photos of the whole rifle. I keep getting home when it’s to dark to get a decent photo outside. I did get some detail pics; things that only a rifle nerd would love.

1917 DWM Mauser.
Gewehr 98
280 OKH chamber marking

 

[Lee in Texas]

More nerdiness

The barrel has been set back and rechambered. Originally 280-300-CCC (.280/300H&H/front ignition). Notice old locations for Unertl scope blocks.

Original chamber marking

Massaged action compared to DWM 1909 Argentine

 

[Lee in Texas]

Comparison with unmodified DWM 1909 Argentine.

I don’t know what the twin identical marks are. Can anyone here tell me?

Charlie O’Neil was here

 

[Lee in Texas]

Yikes. I am so tempted to repair the stock damage. I think I will not be able to resist repairing that tip.

 

[Lee in Texas]

What is this thing at the back of the trigger guard?

That is a huge gap in front of the follower. No surprise, but…that’s a whole lotta gap.

 

[Lee in Texas]

Modified vs factory 1909 Argentine

I hope this hasn’t been too nerdy for you. I’m just fascinated by this, and determined to work up a load for it. The barrel is.288” instead of the modern .284. I contacted Hammer Bullets to ask about custom machined solid copper bullets. Not a problem. I need to pay for some kind of special tool and buy at least 500 bullets, but the price per bullet is the same as their regular production. That sounds good to me.