Thread: Gunsmith Howard C Lopdell

Between the mid to late 80's Howard had a company called South Pacific Gun Supplies based in Beachlands. He imported rifles from the USA and sent several of them down to me in Rotorua where I had a small rural based licensed firearms retail outlet.

I remember having three Howard's Custom Rifles all of which resembled the one the OP has purchased. One in particular was an absolutely stunning Mauser action rifle with a gorgeous walnut stock in 6.5x57mm. The other two were a 308 and a 270.

Howard had a jobber in the US that sent him Ruger rifles, mainly the higher classed rifles such as the walnut stocked 10/22 Deluxe and fully wooded M77s.
Another rifle that I remember well that I sold for him was a mint Kimber of Oregon Model 82 Super America 22LR. Now that rifle was an absolute stunner!

Howard had an amazing eye for detail which can be seen in the photos that the OP has downloaded. From memory Howard passed away in 1988.