Hey guys I’m looking for feedback regarding the accuracy (what kind of groups) and quality of the E.A. Brown 97D rifles.  Seriously considering ordering one in either 17 HeeBee or 219 Donaldson Wasp.  If you have any experiences with one of these 97D rifles I would like to hear from you.  Thanks.

Alan

Alan,  if the 17s interest you you might check out "the smallcalibre news"  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links); and The Woodchuck Den  330-897-0614.  they may have more info on that action in varmint applicaitons

One of ASSRA's stalwerts Dennis Hrusosky is the creator of the 17 HeBee.

While I have no personal knowledge of the Brown action.  I have recently aquired a 17 MachIV that is on a ruger #1 action.  it is currently in the process of being switched onto a S model FBW action repro and converted to the rimmed version.  I originally bought it basically for the action.  I'd never played with a hot varmint cartridge rifle before but I had a real ball with it before I shipped it off for the transmogrification.

Jeff_Schultz wrote on Jun 3^rd, 2006 at 10:16am:



At one time I thought my Borchardt was perhaps the ugliest single shot action I'd ever seen, but then I saw a Comblain.

Then for about 30 years I thought no one could possibly make an uglier action than a Comblain, but then I saw a Brown. It made that Comblain look like Racqel Welch!

But the looks notwithstanding, they do have a reputation for excellent accuracy.
Good luck, Joe

Hey J.D., there was one period dropping block action, I think by H&R or Forehand & Wadsworth, that made everything else, INCLUDING the Brown, look pretty.  I guess you had just been able to block it out of your memory.   

BTW, welcome aboard as a poster, Jeff!  For those who don't know him, Jeff shows up at Etna Green on a pretty regular basis, and just as regularly makes the middle of the target a very bad place to be.  Alan, you can take his comments to the bank, 'cause he has definitely "been there and done that" with the Brown.  When I read the jist of your question, I thought to myself, "He ought to talk to Jeff!"  As others have said in one way or another, it ain't pretty, but it gets the job done.

Regards,
Froggie

Thanks guys.  The three things I have heard several times is that they are accurate, the workmanship is excellent, and "get a rimmed case." If I order soon it should be finished next spring when my overseas tour of duty is done.  Looking forward to this rifle.  Thanks again.

Alan