This huge .577 Nitro Express double rifle was built by Ken Owen, one of the only makers of fine double rifles in the United States, and rivals the beauty and quality of his European counterparts. The .577 N.E. is among the most powerful shoulder fired cartridge available and is capable of taking any game this world has to offer. Built with massive blued steel barrels featuring a beaded blade front sight with a flip-up moon bead, raised rear quarter rib hosting a two leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight with gold centerlines and marked "M. K. OWEN" and "577 N. E./100 GR. CORDITE/750 GR. BULLET", and chambers with a single extractor. The casehardened action is of the same massive scale with "M. K. OWEN" in a banner on either side and fine scroll engraving along the edges and lines which extends to the toplever, both tangs, and the trigger guard. While the rifle is not signed by the engraver, an included letter from Ken Owen, the maker, states that the engraving was carried out by Dennis McDonald in 2020 when the rifle was finished. The rifle features bushed firing pins, a set of dual triggers, and a manual tang mounted safety switch. Exceptionally well-figured, multi-point checkered forend with casehardened and engraved fittings and a pistol grip stock with teardrop carved flats, a casehardened and engraved grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, and a Decelerator recoil pad. The aforementioned included copy of a letter from Owen gives some background on his gunmaking and list the stock measurements for this, and the consecutively serialized 600 N.E. which is the next lot in this sale. It also mentions that this and the 600 N.E. will likely be the last guns that he builds due to his age. Included is an oak & leather takedown case, loading data, and 20 577 N.E. cartridges (14 soft points and 6 solids). The length of pull is 14 3/4 inches and the rifle weights in at 14 lbs. 7 oz.

Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence on the metal. The wood shows some chipping at the edges of some of the inlets, but is otherwise very fine with a few minor marks and sharp checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to own an American built dangerous game rifle by master gunsmith Ken Owen.