It has been approximately 30 years since I last competed, but I am still a life member (just can't remember my number).

I have a question for one of you pistol gurus. My prized possession is a very special unlimited pistol conceived by IHMSA's founder Elgin Gates and built by master gunsmith Jack Dever. He built 25 of them with a Shilen stainless steel match grade barrel and action (marked Shilen BP-S and other letters hidden under the rear sight), Canjar set trigger, Williams receiver rear sight and globe front sight. It is laser engraved with "IHMSA Limited Edition - 1 of 25 7mm International" on the barrel and the IHMSA logo plus serial number over the chamber,and all this is mounted in a fiberglass rear grip that has pin stripping on both sides along with a RAM in the middle. Can you tell me: 1-when it was built, 2-any additional history that you are aware of, and 3-approximate value (for insurance purposes only because it ain't for sale). Federal made a special run of match brass with a ram headstamp back in '80 or '81, I have 4 or 5 boxes of these untouched cases. Any one have an idea of their value?

By the way, if anyone is in touch with Donn Key (he was one of the IHMSA board members back in the early 80's) have him drop me a note. I helped him form the Tri-City Metallic Silhouette Association in Pasco WA back in '80. He was the first match director and I took his place the following year.

I can be reached here or at sgtrock965@earthlink.net

Hi, I knew Jack Dever sr for many years and he has built several xp's for me, The bottom of the barrel near the receiver will have the year built stamped with his jb dever initals. Jack Dever junior is still living in okc. you could contact him, is in phone book. I'm sure he might have the answers you are looking for.Jackie Brown, Moore okla.

There were 2 of those pistols in Louisiana when I started IHMSA shooting in 1980.

If you do not mind me digging up an old thread
I am interested in the value of this, seems same run, one of 25 but not a Canjar trigger

hairtrigger wrote:If you do not mind me digging up an old thread
I am interested in the value of this, seems same run, one of 25 but not a Canjar trigger

If you were to try and build one like it,$2500-$3000.JMO

Very nice set up! It`s not a single shot,its a Shilen action with 4 down right? Ive seen one of those in Mr Dever office. Mr Dever was a Shilen fan,but that doesnt look like a Shilen trigger?
Tonedaddy is correct to "the right person" it would bring its worth easy.I personally dont think you can put a Value on it ,simply because of the gunsmith that built it and Mr gates input on this build! JMO

Mine is a single shot, The trigger is not a set trigger but light enough my RCBS trigger pull gauge (like a fish scale) does not register
Also. The felt in the box is torn and worn. And the box is missing one latch

I have a similar gun, but not a IHMSA commemorative. Mine is a stainless receiver in 6br, Dever built, Redfield? globe front and Bomar rear. Canjar 2 ounce wire trigger.

I inquired to Shilen about the actions (mine has a pretty low serial number), they replied they thought there were only about 130 of the BP-S actions made. Does that info correspond with your serial number?

Mine has a two digit number on the side and bottom of the receiver, Williams rear and Redfield front sight