Custom FN Mauser .450 Ackley Magnum 21″ Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,367.00
LSB#: LSB260518LW010
Make: FN
Model: Mauser 98
Serial Number: 1916
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1950s C&R
Caliber: .450 Ackley Magnum
Action Type: Bolt action, centerfire rifle, fed from internal box magazine
Barrel Length: 21″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass insert in banded base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a receiver mounted Williams peep sight. The receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a custom one piece smooth walnut, tipped forend, double cross-bolt, double recoil lug, capped semi pistol grip, raised comb with cheekpiece, and rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 14 1/4″ from trigger to recoil pad. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is scattered finish wear. There is a little repair work done around the safety. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to custom build.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its blued finish. There is handling and operational wear. There is heavy chemical bluing loss on the top of the barrel. There are scattered scratches and corrosion stains throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in 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: None
Our Assessment: The custom FN Mauser 98 is a substantial big-bore sporting rifle built around the proven commercial Mauser action and chambered in the powerful .450 Ackley Magnum. This circa-1950s example features a 21″ barrel, Williams receiver peep sight, drilled and tapped receiver, and a heavily reinforced custom walnut stock with double cross-bolts and double recoil lugs. Its short barrel, robust stock construction, and large-bore chambering clearly reflect a rifle built for serious dangerous-game or heavy hunting use.
The .450 Ackley Magnum was one of the powerful wildcat cartridges developed during the mid-20th century for hunters seeking performance beyond standard big-bore sporting rounds. Based on the full-length belted magnum case and paired with heavy .458-caliber bullets, it became associated with custom rifles intended for large and dangerous game. Commercial FN Mauser 98 actions were a natural foundation for rifles of this type because of their strength, controlled-round-feed system, and long-standing reputation for reliability under demanding field conditions.
This rifle retains about 60% of its current blued finish, with heavy chemical finish loss on the top of the barrel, scattered scratches, corrosion staining, and normal handling and operational wear. The custom walnut stock remains in Good condition with scratches, compression dents, finish wear, and minor repair work around the safety but no chips or cracks. The bright bore has sharp rifling and rates 9/10 with only light fouling, while the action functions correctly. Overall, this is a Good-condition custom FN Mauser with a strong bore, serious big-bore configuration, and considerable interest as a period .450 Ackley Magnum sporting rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF