It's a pre-USRAC Big Bore with a heavy aftermarket barrel originally in 458x2. It has since been rechambered for .450 Marlin. John Traister apparently made it and did an article about it in Rifle. I found an article I believe to be about this exact rifle in the Nov. 86 issue of Rifle.
To make it even more interesting, the barrel crown was recessed and a shotshell choke added! Now all I need to do is work up some .450 shotshells with some No. 6 and those grouse and bunnies that always taunt me on the hike back from failed big game hunts are IN THE BAG. I've long wanted a general meat bag rifle for this state. Alaska has lots of overlapping seasons plus large pleistocene mammals that are awake and around even if you're after small game.
I'll report back on how it does. The first concern is magazine slippage, given the enormity of the round involved. However it looks like this may have already been addressed with a set screw on the custom forestock band. The barrel is stouter than anything that ever came from New Haven. I am somewhat concerned about the bolt face and receiver, but since this is a Big Bore it's been amped up. Nevertheless I'll watch for any pressure sign.
. Very interesting and congratulation on a very unique rifle.
As Traister wrote about this rifle: ".. recoil was violent. At each shot, my brain felt like it was bouncing around inside my skull. Five rounds of those heavy charges from a bench is all I care to fire at any given session." John Traister, "A Big Bore 94," reprinted in Wildcat Cartridges Vol. 2, p 560. I fired off 30 total, so I'm hurtin for certin. I actually made an "UGH" sound after each shot! Like some cartoon character.
