Now have an FWB 300s with 33xxxx serial number. Has Beeman marking. Thumb hole stock, enlarged loading port, no front sight. Trigger has no first stage and is heavy for a FWB, but breaks clean. Think the scope mount rail is extra long. Could find no photo on line of one like it. Shoots better than me. Hoping photos come through!
Is this a factory version or a Frankenstein’s monster?
Chuck in TN
Hi Chuck and Mike! Chuck, Mike is 100% correct. The Running Target model came without sights as it was intended to be scoped. It was equipped with a single-stage trigger that was heavier than their two-stage match triggers because it offered better control as the rifle was being swung on a moving target. It is a factory model but it is quite rare. Undeniably beautiful in my opinion!
That is a true running target version of the 300S, a most rare and valuable variation. One more often sees a standard action stuck in an RT stock, but the single-stage trigger, lack of sights, enlarged loading port, and long scope grooves prove you’ve got the real thing.
The rules of RT competition called for the single-stage trigger, and limited how low the pull weight could go. (By the way, should you be so inclined, the ingenious design of the FWB trigger enables you to switch to the “normal” light two-stage trigger, by changing out a single part.)
FWIW, RT competition was shot with specialized high-quality 4x scopes that had a unique adjustable double reticle to help figure lead. The most popular one was made by Nickel...and cost about as much as the rifle. The competition involves shooting at laterally-moving targets. It’s fired in two rounds, with the targets moving at different speeds in each round; you bring the rifle to the shoulder only after the target appears (thus the slick wood buttplate - doesn’t catch on your shooting jacket). All in all, a very demanding discipline.
Here’s a link to a Nickel RT scope which you may find interesting:
http://www.nickel-ag.com/en/products/scopes/r436.aspx
And hey when you get tired of it, give me a call...I live in TN too, and will BE RIGHT OVER, LOL... ?
Not sure how many were produced, but that is the real deal. I bought one new from a collector what he paid for it in the 80's - $1,800. Cannot remember if it came with mounts/scope, but I knew I would never find one in that condition again.
Another one-of-a-kind 300 is a 600 prototype (either the FWB 301 or 302). Jim E wanted to buy it back, but it was too late - it was already in my stable! Mounted a just as rare Hakko SS-8L scope on it.
Hello Mike Driskill! All my favorite people are showing up in this conversation! And an individual I had been meaning to contact ---> Mr. sonnysan. I was aware that you had purchased your FWB "301" from Jim Edmondson. I wanted to speak to you about that model but not here on Chuck in TN's time. May I request that you email me directly when you have the chance? My email address is sang@pinnacleproshop.com; my name is Sang Lee. Thank you!
I was at AoA today to look around as I was passing through. The fellow in the store was not impressed with THIS 300s. Estimate of value (full retail) $500. Said they sold one with original box and a “original “ scope in perfect condition within the last six months for $ 800.
It is good that I am glad to have it, but perhaps not be as great a find as I had though.
I had though the thumb hole running boar version, even with incorrect buttplate would be estimated at 3 to 5 time more than AoA was talking.
Really, I would have to have a buyer to know it’s true value.
Chuck in TN
Well the fellow at AoA needs to look at the classifieds or auction sites from time to time. Ordinary variants of the 300S in shooter-grade condition can pull close to 5 bills these days.
And again, regular 300S actions in RT stocks, are a lot more common than true RT’s. This guy may not know the difference.
He did have a point though - a contemporary high-end specialized RT scope and mounts would significantly enhance the value.
