SCI Convention Auction Highlights: Commemorative Firearms and SCI History
Washington, D.C. (November 16, 2021) – Celebrating Safari Club International’s 50th Anniversary, SCI will be auctioning off not just rare and exclusive firearms but also a chance to be part of SCI history. Auction highlights include:
Hunt with SCI Founder C.J. McElroy’s Rifle
Celebrating 50 years, SCI will auction off a chance to hunt with the rifle belonging to none other than SCI’s late founder C.J. McElroy. When he died in 2002, his hunting rifle was enshrined in a custom display case at SCI’s headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.
While the rifle holds significance because it belonged to the man who founded the country’s most influential hunting group, it also has historical value. The Weatherby Mark V rifle chambered in the company’s flagship cartridge .300 Weatherby Magnum was gifted by Roy Weatherby himself.
Despite the sentiment, the rifle was built for the field. The winning bidder will be invited on a 15-day guided hunt in the Alaskan wild for Alaskan brown bear, black bear, mountain goat, and wolf. When attendees bid, they get not only the chance to win a once-in-alifetime opportunity but also a chance to become part of SCI history.
“Seldom in life are there opportunities to make such ties to the past while helping assure a bright future for both hunters and hunting. Think about it. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Steve Comus, SCI publications director.
Additionally, the hunting trip will be documented as a feature in Safari Magazine.
Freedom Arms Custom Model 83 .454 Casull
Premier gun maker Freedom Arms is offering up a custom Model 83 revolver chambered in .454 Casull for auction at the 2022 SCI Convention. As the first to manufacture a revolver capable of taming the powerful cartridge, the Wyoming-based company and.454 Casull go hand in hand.
This exclusive Freedom Arms Model 83 features an octagonal barrel and adjustable sights. The stainless steel design has a brushed finish and intricate engravings along the barrel, frame, and cylinder. The retail value for a Freedom Arms Model 83 revolver in .454 Casull starts at $3,040.
The 50th Anniversary Commemorative Rifle-Pistol Project
At SCI’s 2022 annual convention, attendees will have the chance to win the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Rifle-Pistol Project. The project is a two-year collaboration by custom rifle maker John Bolliger of Mountain Riflery and master engraver Mike Dubber. They plan to unveil and auction off the matching firearms at the annual convention in Las Vegas.
The Idaho-based Mountain Riflery custom rifle will use a Winchester Model 70 action chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum. The rifle will be constructed out of a Turkish walnut stock carved out of a 150-year-old tree.
Dubber will create a custom .45-caliber Colt 1911 to compliment the rifle. He will also engrave both firearms with elaborate scrolling and 24K gold animal vignettes. Plus, the pistol will feature the SCI logo and commemorative information.
“Some of the world’s best craftsmen have dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort to make this project truly special,” Bolliger said.
Registration for SCI’s 50th Anniversary Convention is now open. The event will be held Jan. 19-22, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Register today at
www.safariclub.org/convention
