Product Details
MAUSER
A RARE 5.6X36RMM (.22 HORNET) 'MODEL KURZ' BOLT-ACTION SINGLE-SHOT RIFLE, serial no. 2
23 3/4in. nitro reproved barrel (in 2012) with (possible replacement) open sights, folding leaf sight and ramp-mounted bead fore-sight, original barrel markings '5,5. 5,75.380' only (no contemporary proofs), un-engraved Mauser 98 Kurz action with solid side wall, solid floor, integral diopter sight, bolt face with completely recessed rim and extractor, set triggers, non-functional magazine floorplate with military style release, early type Model B semi-pistolgrip stock with pre WWI type horn buttplate and horn finial, 13 3/4in. pull
Provenance: The rifle raises many questions, and is quite possibly a prototype model, bearing no original proof marks, factory marks, calibre designation or indication of a serial number. Kurz actions are generally recorded as being manufactured in 6,5mmK, 8mmK and .250/3000 Savage. It is possible that the rifle may have been re-chambered at some point.
The number '2' appears on virtually all parts - barrel, receiver, bolt, bolt-release, stock, magazine block and trigger blades, though the triggerplate is marked '1'. It is unlikely that the '2' refers to a batch or special order number in that all special orders for other rifle makers would have been proofed prior to shipment.
It shares many similarities with an example fashioned from an in the white K action by Walter Roll (see J. Speed Mauser Archive, pp504 / 5) but this example had both a serial number and proof marks.
Literature: In 'The Mauser Archive', pp 118 Jon Speed quotes the following:
"On page 96 of Volume 1 we described an unusual K action, in single shot form, chambered for the calibre 8.15x46R target cartridge and marked with the serial number '1' (Vol 1 fig. 157). This rifle was from the pre-1910 period, and several collectors have since asked if this was the only example recorded. The author has heard of a similar rifle with serial number 3 in France, but has not had this confirmed."
Estimate £6,000-8,000
S1