Paul,
I bought up Jim's R9 that you tuned. It is really nice. It shoots much more solid and less noisy than the other two factory R9s that I have had and seems quieter. It is certainly smoother too. It is one real class act. After a quick swap of the stock I turned the thumbhole stock you made into a sporter which I prefer. Now I have two R series guns that shoot as nice as they look thanks to your great work. I will be buying more airguns, and you will definitely have to take your toll on them. Your work is fantastic.

The top one is the R9 you tuned for Jim and the bottom is my R7 that just got returned: both are amazing...

I really like that new stock design Mike did for the R9. I had made a similar pattern a while back but never finished it up. Thanks for the encouragement as well! I'm going to have to hit Mike up for one of those stocks as well I'm doing a R9 action for him right now. I'll have to hold it ransom

Many Thanks,

Paul

The low comb height lends itself to a nice open sights gun. If you shoot scoped then I would suggest low mounts. The Simmons will have to be moved and replaced with a smaller scope in low mounts. I am thinking about either another small EFR or possibly just getting a 2-7x20 European re-parallaxed by Leupold. I think the lines of the 2-7 would look fantastic on that gun but I don't know if I would like it not having an AO. It is something to think about.

The pattern looks a lot like the R1 pattern I did not too long ago. I tried to keep the cheak piece close to the same level as the top of the stock inletting for that reason. It still favors a low mount and smaller scope. I just like the look of a straight comb though. It's just classic.

The next gun that I am buying will be an R1. I intend on most likely putting a 3-9x33 EFR with mildot reticle on it. Mike said he didn't do a pattern for my stock but that it was a one off piece he tried to make different because the wood was so unique. He said he was aiming for the older classic styling similar to what was found on the Queen Bee guns.

Most american bolt action rifles have that style layout. I was always partial to the model 70 Winchester featherweight. That's what i was shooting for with mine as well.

Paul