Shilen Model DGA Varminter .22 Cheetah MK I 27" Octagonal Single Shot Bolt Action Target Rifle with 24X Leupold Our Assessment: "A member of the Benchrest Hall of Fame, ed Shilen set many records during his long shooting career. Thomas "Speedy" Gonzalez, wrote: "ed was always in your corner always wanting to see you succeed. He was one of our sport's great gentlemen, innovators, and promoters of accuracy to the end. Thank you ed for building me the barrels that allowed me to complete a dream and life's work. Your family and friends are in my prayers. God bless them all!" High praise coming from Speedy who won all but one of his Hall of Fame points using Shilen equipment. This a Shilen DGA single shot rifle chambered in .22 Cheetah MK I. The .22 Cheetah MK I is essentially a .308 BR necked down to .22. It was developed by Jim Carmichel and Fred Huntington, hence the capital CH in the name. It is capable of pushing a bullet over 4,000 FPS and is lauded for its accuracy. This particular rifle is Shilens Varminter model with a checkered AAA walnut Varmint stock. It has a 27" octagonal barrel and a 2 lb trigger. This one comes with a nice Leupold 24 power scope and is included with the build sheet from Shilen. If you've been after the best Varminting rifle you can get your hands on, well, you've just found it! Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Shilen
Model: DGA Varminter
Serial Number: 2774
Year of Manufacture: 1985
Caliber: .22 Cheetah MK I
Action Type: Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 27" Shilen No. 5 Profile Octagonal
Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver is installed with a pair of bases and rings holding a Leupold BR 24x scope. The scope has a bubble level installed. The scope has a couple of minor marks. The scope has a fine dotted crosshair and the glass is clear. The scope rates in excellent condition.
Weight: 11 lbs. 4 oz. as configured.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a checkered AAA walnut with a flat-bottom semi-beavertail forend, flared pistol grip, cheekpiece, and black rubber buttpad. The cheekpiece is contoured for a right handed shooter. There are some scattered minor marks, some through the finish. There are some light compressions. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some light wear with a few heavier marks on the edges. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There are a couple of tiny spots of stubborn lead fouling. In my opinion, this bore rates 9.5 out of 10 and after patient cleaning will rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The underside of the bolt handle is marked "774". There are some little draglines and a couple smooth spots on the stainless. There is some faint finish wear on the edges of the blued components. The screw sockets are strong. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle weighs 11 lbs. 4 oz. as configured. The trigger is 2 lbs. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the previously described scope and Shilen paperwork including a build sheet/invoice. There is a note at the bottom of the original stating the customer called and updated to an octagonal barrel and a photocopy stapled to the original with written updates and highlighter noting the octagonal barrel.
CA LEGAL: CA DEALER: YES, CA PPT: NO
RIFLE