J.E. Gebby .22 Varminter Remington Model 30 Express Custom Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,976.94

LSB#: LSB260627TM003

Make: Remington Arms Company / J.E. Gebby Custom Build

Model: Model 30 Express, Custom

Serial Number: 15273

Year of Manufacture: 1926-1940 / C&R

Caliber: .22 Varminter, predecessor to the .22-250 Remington

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine

Markings: The receiver is marked “Remington / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” and “MODEL 30 / EXPRESS”. The receiver is marked with serial number “15273”. The barrel is marked “.22 VARMINTER”, “J.E. GEBBY”, and “241”. There are additional proof and inspection markings.

Barrel Length: 26″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a boss on the barrel. There is a sight block mounted toward the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with an additional sight block. No optic is included.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is mounted in a one-piece custom walnut stock with a checkered beavertail forend, semi-pistol grip, raised comb with cheekpiece, and checkered steel buttplate. There are scattered light handling marks. There is a chip on the right side of the stock at the top of the wrist, immediately behind the receiver. The checkering remains well defined. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in about Very Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal magazine.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: The J.E. Gebby barrel retains its original finish. The Remington receiver retains its original finish. This rifle is a custom build utilizing a Remington Model 30 Express action and J.E. Gebby .22 Varminter barrel.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is very light erosion in the bore. In the writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: The J.E. Gebby barrel retains about 98% of its original finish. The Remington receiver retains about 80% of its original finish. The balance of the receiver finish shows operational and handling wear with thinning and finish loss. The screw heads show use. The markings remain clear. The custom stock shows scattered light handling wear and the previously described chip behind the receiver. Overall, this custom rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle includes a set of reloading dies and a signed letter dated June 26, 2026 from Tim McCormack, retired Manager of the Remington Custom Shop. McCormack identifies this rifle by model and serial number and states that its .22 Varminter barrel, numbered “241”, was made by J.E. Gebby, one of the original developers of the caliber. He states that his father acquired the rifle from Remington Arms Company in Ilion, New York during the 1950s and that the rifle was likely used in the commercialization process of the .22-250 Remington, which was introduced as factory-loaded ammunition in 1965.

Our Assessment: The .22 Varminter occupies an important place in American wildcat-cartridge history. Developed during the 1930s from the .250 Savage case necked down to .22 caliber, the cartridge became closely associated with noted rifleman and gunsmith J.E. Gebby, who adopted the “.22 Varminter” name for his version of the cartridge. Its combination of high velocity, accuracy, and relatively substantial powder capacity established the wildcat as a favorite among serious varmint shooters long before Remington standardized the concept as the .22-250 Remington in 1965. This custom rifle is particularly noteworthy for its 26″ J.E. Gebby barrel, numbered “241”, fitted to a Remington Model 30 Express action.

The accompanying provenance adds substantially to the historical interest of this example. Tim McCormack, retired Manager of the Remington Custom Shop, identifies this exact rifle by serial number in his signed letter and states that his father acquired it from Remington in Ilion during the 1950s. He further states that the rifle was likely used in the commercialization process that culminated in Remington’s introduction of factory-loaded .22-250 ammunition in 1965. That connection should appropriately be regarded as documented family provenance rather than definitive Remington factory documentation of experimental use, but when combined with the numbered Gebby barrel, it makes this a fascinating artifact from the transition of the .22 Varminter from celebrated wildcat to one of America’s most successful commercial varmint cartridges. The Gebby barrel retains about 98% of its original finish, the Remington receiver retains about 80%, and the bore remains bright with mostly sharp rifling and only very light erosion. The rifle also includes a set of loading dies and the signed McCormack letter, rounding out a compelling package for the advanced Remington, wildcat-cartridge, or varmint-rifle collector. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.