Lane’s special rifle is a 1948-vintage Winchester Model 70 that was customized by gunsmith Al Biesen and engraver Tommy Kaye.

You've probably heard several versions of the adage, "If you're not very smart, it pays to be lucky!" Fortunately, that's often been my lot in life. Just recently, I stumbled on to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a 1948-vintage Winchester Model 70 originally reworked by custom gunmaker Al Biesen and embellished by engraver Tommy Kaye.

For years, I'd wanted to attend Tulsa's huge gun show--11 acres under one roof with more than 3,500 trade tables. I finally followed through with my unfulfilled intention last October.

Longtime friend and fellow collector Don Findley was staying at my hotel, so I rode with him and his friend, Tom Nations, to the show each morning. Of course, we talked about guns all weekend, and that's how I got interested in Tom's custom Winchester Model 70 in .308 Norma Magnum.

Originally chambered in .300 H&H with a 26-inch barrel, Biesen had reworked the rifle in the early 1960s, first by setting back the barrel so the original chamber would clean up, then turning it down and shortening it to 24 inches. He also replaced all the bottom metal to complement the trim French walnut stock. Of course, it has Biesen's signature recessed checkering and classic-style comb.

The rifle was subsequently tastefully engraved and further adorned with carved gold inlays of various Alaskan game animals. The relatively uncommon chambering only added to its allure, especially to this handloader. Actually, the Biesen/ Kaye custom Model 70 was so attractive, the odd chambering probably wouldn't have mattered.

Nations bought the rifle about 10 years ago, and as you can see in the photos, the rubs and bumps on the barrel, scope, and stock demonstrate it has not simply hung on the gun rack since leaving Biesen's shop.

Nations threw in five boxes of factory ammo, 100 new Norma cases, new dies, a vintage 3-9X Leupold scope, and a Hoyt quilted-canvas gun case. The serial number indicated the rifle was made the same year I was born.

How in the world could I turn down such a deal? I couldn't.

After returning home, I called several acquaintances to share my good news and to learn more about the rifle. Tom Turpin, a custom Model 70 aficionado, suggested I write about it. Jim Carmichel, who has owned several Biesen rifles, shared his extensive knowledge about the man and his custom rifles. I commented to Carmichel that when mounting the gun, it felt like it was made just for me. He replied, "That's the mark of a quality custom firearm."

Another friend examining photos of the rifle at this year's SHOT Show commented, "The flowing, continuous wraparound checkering on the wrist is impossible to execute. Yes, I know I'm looking at a picture of it, but it's still impossible!"

As the photos show, Biesen truly was a master at doing the impossible. And obviously, Kaye's artistic additions were also tastefully done.