Custom Martini Zimmerstutzen .22LR Single Shot Gallery Rifle, 1900s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,258.00
LSB# WY250328GC014
Make: Unknown
Model: Zimmerstutzen Rifle
Serial Number: 6120
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1900s. C&R
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Double Set Trigger, Martini barreled Action.
Markings: There is a brass insert in the rear sight dovetail marked with the initials, “WUW”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “6120”.
Barrel Length: 27” Octagon barrel, counter-bored to have 10” of rifling.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with open protective wings, the barrel is dovetailed for a rear sight. There is a micro-adjustable Schuetzen diopter tang sight with a medium eye disc. The left front sight wing is slightly bent inwards, there is spots of rust and pitting on the tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece checkered walnut with a shallow schnabel forend, wedge block with brass escutcheons, straight wrist with thumb rest, cheekpiece comb, and Tyrolean style buttplate. There are two sling loops. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with some small chips. There are no cracks. The checkering has worn peaks. The LOP is 13” from the front trigger to the buttplate. Overall this forend is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no notable erosion in the bore, but there is some moderate fouling in the shroud. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning throughout the case color in wear spots. The rest of the case color is bright. There is light thinning to the barrel and the lever has turned to a plum color. There are refinished over pitting marks at the stock line. The action has light to moderate wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled, the pins have some light damage. The markings are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. This rifle features a double set trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This custom Martini-action Zimmerstutzen is a fascinating example of early 20th-century European precision craftsmanship, built for gallery and indoor target shooting. The term “Zimmerstutzen” refers to a class of German and Austrian rifles designed for low-recoil, short-range marksmanship, typically using .22-caliber ammunition or unique sub-caliber gallery rounds. This rifle appears to have been converted to fire .22 LR, making it more practical for modern collectors and shooters while retaining its historical roots. It features a Martini-style falling block action, a double set trigger for hair-trigger precision, and traditional Schützen-style features such as the Tyrolean buttplate, thumb rest, and cheekpiece—all typical of offhand shooting rifles of the period. The 27-inch octagonal barrel is counter-bored to approximately 10 inches of rifling, a hallmark of Zimmerstutzen gallery rifles intended for short-range precision. The bore remains bright with strong rifling and only minor fouling, rating 9/10. The Schützen tang diopter sight is fully adjustable, though it shows some external pitting and wear, and the front sight’s left wing is slightly bent inward. The wood stock displays character consistent with use—pressure dents, small chips, and worn checkering—but remains structurally sound and elegant in profile. While the rifle has been refinished, it retains about 80% of its current metal finish, with thinning and evidence of wear around the stock line. The action remains fully functional, and the double set trigger is a hallmark of precision rifles from this period. Though unmarked aside from a “WUW” brass insert at the barrel’s rear sight dovetail, the rifle’s quality and design suggest German gunsmithing typical of the early 1900s.
For collectors of Schützen rifles, enthusiasts of gallery shooting, or anyone interested in the transitional period of sporting rifle development, this custom Zimmerstutzen represents a rare and functional piece of firearms history. Its conversion to .22 LR makes it far more shootable and practical today, while its historical craftsmanship and distinctive silhouette make it a compelling addition to any collection. -R.E.
