C.C. Johnson Custom Mod. 98 questions

[MightyMo]

I recently purchased a lot of about 8 guns from a young man that had inherited and amazing collection, to which he cared nothing for. This one I had trouble Identifying, but I think I've finally identified it as a C.C. Johnson Custom Rifle. I have no way of dating it, but everything points to the 1940s/1950s.
THE ONLY MARKS on the gun ANYWHERE outside and inside the stock is "MOD. 98" on the left side of the receiver.
I intend to chamber cast it this week, but it shows as a .22 caliber, with only a .22-250 actually chambering.
It is a beautiful gun, very ornate and well put together. Other than showing minor signs of age, it is still a beautiful gun with great metal and bore. The scope will require work or replacement as the cross hairs have dropped. I know it can be fixed, but I'm leaving that to whoever the new owner might be.

Once I chamber cast it, I'll have a better idea of the exact chamber.
I'm not sure I have questions, would just like your opinions, ideas, input, etc. And even if you don't know what it is (like me), its still an amazing example of old world craftsmanship to feast your eyes upon.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Very nice! Looks like it hasn't been used for a long time, and would benefit by having the bolt disassembled and cleaned. If it was mine I would have to change out the scope for something a bit more handy and modern. Overall, it is truly an example of a fine custom rifle.

Welcome to the Castboolits Forum!

DG

[MightyMo]

Thank you very much.
Yes, it it will get a thorough cleaning once this phase is over with. Agree with the scope, if I was keeping it. I also got a 1938 Winchester Model 70 in .300 H&H Mag that needs work. Picking my battles, thinking that will be up to the new owners.

[nagant]

Like the triggers and that floorplate lever, barrel lined? Interesting for sure!

[RustyReel]

Probably lots of 22 wildcats out there when this was made, including what became the 22-250. I would not shoot anything in it until you do a chamber cast. Knowing exactly what caliber it is, even if it is something weird, will increase the value. Stock looks American, everything else looks European. Neat rifle.

[sukivel]

That stock is cool!


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[jdsingleshot]

A dissent here. I don't like the floor plate release lever. It is right in the way of where I want my hand when I carry a rifle.

[Texas by God]

It may be chambered for J.E. Gebbys “22 Varminter” copyrighted ancestor of the 22-250. Or .220 Swift.
I’d probably get the Unertl scope repaired to avoid D&T on that nice stippled action ring.
That is a “Ghost Gun” as in it seems to have a spirit to it….
Thanks for sharing!


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[405grain]

You can get that scope repaired here: https://www.vintagegunscopes.com/

[country gent]

Beautiful rifle. may have to get special dies for it as when the 22-250 was granted legitimacy there were some changes made. I would repair what I could and keep it as is its a piece of the history that needs to be remembered. Its an interesting rifle and was somebodies pride and joy.

Just curious is it a sporter or heavy barrel?

[MightyMo]

Beautiful rifle. may have to get special dies for it as when the 22-250 was granted legitimacy there were some changes made. I would repair what I could and keep it as is its a piece of the history that needs to be remembered. Its an interesting rifle and was somebodies pride and joy.

Just curious is it a sporter or heavy barrel?

Appreciate the nice words. This gun will go for sale as soon as I know what caliber it is. I thought about fixing the scope, but I leave stuff like that to the new owner. Repairing things doesn't always make them worth more money. I have 1938 Winchester M70 in .300 H&H Mag with a fairly bad stock. I'm on the fence with that too.

The gun is a heavy barrel.

[MightyMo]

It may be chambered for J.E. Gebbys “22 Varminter” copyrighted ancestor of the 22-250. Or .220 Swift.
I’d probably get the Unertl scope repaired to avoid D&T on that nice stippled action ring.
That is a “Ghost Gun” as in it seems to have a spirit to it….
Thanks for sharing!


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The .22-250 chambers, a .220 Swift will not chamber. I've put every single round into this gun that I can find in my shop which is about 20 different varieties. Once I finish the chamber casting, this gun will get a good cleaning and go on gunbroker or another site.

I like your description, "Ghost Gun". Maybe, it is a beautiful piece. I agree about the stippled action ring, but I'll leave that to the new owner when it sells... I wish I could keep every gun I buy, but......LOL!!!!

[MightyMo]

You can get that scope repaired here: https://www.vintagegunscopes.com/

I very much appreciate that, and will include that information to the new owner when I sell it. I have to draw lines on how much I fix $$$$!!!.
Thank you very much for your comments.

[Rusty Goose]

Beautiful work on the rifle.

[MightyMo]

Beautiful work on the rifle.

Thank you!
Left Northern CA in 1986!