Click here for larger version

450 Marlin caliber
Winchester 70 “Short stainless steel action
Shilen # 5 Stainless Steel barrel
22 inches including incorporated muzzle brake
Classic style fiberglass stock
Pachmayar recoil pad
Black matte Cera-Kote finish

Recommended additions
Leupold 1.5 x 5 x 30 mm Illuminated Reticle scope, black matte finish
Talley rings and bases
Brownells Latigo sling
Recommended load….450 grain Swift A-Frame bullets

Flying a Cessna Citation X at 40,000 feet, landing in adverse weather in Alaska, taking off on an undersized strip with a cargo of hunters and horns, a man learns the difference between an instrument that is built to a standard, not to a price. That’s why when Pilot Jim Bradley(somewherewww.mmm.com) inquired about a rifle, I knew he wanted something that would work “ every time”, not “most of the time”. When Mr. Bradley conveyed to me what he wanted, I knew immediately this wasn’t something he dreamed up one night after dinner and drinks. He wanted a “tool” that would work under all conditions. Feeding had to be faultless…..even with factory flat nosed bullets…(most custom rifle builders cringe when you mention feeding and flat nosed bullets in the same sentence), enough power to anchor a brown bear, recoil that was controllable, resilience to all kinds of merciless Alaska weather, and in a package that wouldn’t take up too much space in his plane. Quite a tall order, even for a Texan.

After several conversations, we worked out the details and I got started. Some weeks later, the Bradley Yukon was finished. Well balanced and versatile, the rifle felt like a dream. Shooting 450 grain Swift A-Frame bullets in 3\4 inch groups was most impressive as each bullet hole is nearly 1\2 inch ! Recoil was acceptable, indeed not like a 30-30, but suitable enough to allow for a fast follow-up shot, in the faint likelihood its necessary. When hunting in the thickets in Alaska, and walking up on a grizzly at hand-shaking distance, big tough bullets with fast follow-up shots are a real consolation. The Bradley Yukon is not for everyone…..only those who recognize the value of a rifle built to a standard, not to a price.