Al Biesen Custom Commercial Mauser 416 Rigby 24″ Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,025.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL003
Make: Mauser
Model: Commercial large ring. Customized by Al Biesen
Serial Number: 104192
Year of Manufacture: Action date circa 1920s-1940s, Custom build date unknown.
Caliber: 416 Rigby
Action Type: Bolt action, fed by internal box magazine, with drop floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Al Biesen Gunmaker, Spokane, WN”. The left side of the barrel is marked “416”. The left side of the receiver is marked “104192, Waffenfabrik Mauser-Oberndorf”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “BN”. There are German proofs stamped in various places. The cartridge trap is marked “GL”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a base that is soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is an express 5 leaf that is marked from 100-500 yds.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Al Biesen custom, one piece, fleur-de-lis checkered, tipped forend, capped semi pistol grip, beaded cheekpiece, and rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There are sling mounts on the barrel and buttstock. There is a cartridge trap on the belly of the buttstock. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are a couple light spots of flattened checkering but it’s mostly sharp and clean. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished but original to custom build.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current finish. There are light scratches scattered throughout. There is light handling and operational wear. The jeweling is mostly crisp showing only light operational wear. The metal checkering is mostly sharp showing only minor handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Built on a commercial large ring Mauser action from Oberndorf, this rifle reflects the enduring appeal of Mauser’s controlled round feed design, widely regarded as the standard for dangerous game rifles. These commercial actions, produced between the interwar and early postwar periods, were prized for their smooth operation, strength, and refined machining, making them a preferred foundation for high-end custom sporting rifles. This example was subsequently transformed by Al Biesen of Spokane, Washington, a master gunmaker known for elevating classic actions into finely balanced hunting arms. Chambered in .416 Rigby, one of the most storied African dangerous game cartridges introduced in 1911, the rifle is rooted firmly in the tradition of safari rifles built for reliability and decisive stopping power.
The rifle exhibits classic Biesen styling, with a one-piece walnut stock featuring fleur-de-lis checkering, a beaded cheekpiece, and refined appointments including a capped semi-pistol grip and tipped forend. The inclusion of a cartridge trap in the buttstock and sling mounts further emphasizes its practical field configuration. The express rear sight with five leaves graduated from 100 to 500 yards complements the beaded front blade, providing a traditional sighting system suited to both close and intermediate ranges. The metalwork retains approximately 97% of its finish with only light handling wear, while the jeweling on the bolt remains largely crisp. The stock shows minor handling marks and light compression consistent with careful use, but remains structurally sound with sharp, well-defined checkering.
Mechanically, the rifle remains in strong functional condition, with the action operating correctly and the bore retaining sharp rifling with only light fouling present. The combination of the robust Mauser action and the powerful .416 Rigby chambering reflects a purposeful design built for demanding conditions where reliability is paramount. Overall, this rifle stands as a well-executed example of a classic safari rifle, blending German engineering with the refined craftsmanship of Al Biesen to create a cohesive and historically grounded sporting arm representative of the golden era of custom rifle building. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bids! MF