G. Fritsch Zweibrucken Schuetzen 8.14x46R Single Shot Target Rifle MFD 1909
Sold For: $1,247
LSB#: 200804MB33
Make: G. Fritsch
Model: Martini-Schuetzen
Serial Number: 3083
Year of Manufacture: 1909 (3.09 date code)
Caliber: 8.15x46mmR
Action Type: Single Shot, Martini Action – Lever Actuated Pivoting Block with Set-Trigger (only fires when set)
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “G. FRITSCH, ZWEIBRUCKEN.” in silver. The bottom of the barrel is marked “3083”, crowned “BUG” proofs, “172,28” (recommended charge weight), “3.09” date code and “669” (669th gun proofed that year at that proof house). The right of the receiver has crowned “BU” at the top-front. The front face of the receiver is marked “3083”. The right of the breech-block has crowned “BU”, the left is marked “46”. The left of the lever assembly is marked “46”. The top of the barrel at the muzzle is marked “46”. There is a plate on the bottom of the forend marked “CHR. PHILIPPI / HOMBURG. PF.”. The receiver has relief foliate engraving with portraits on each side.
Barrel Length: 30 1/2”, Fluted
Sights / Optics: There is a serrated, ramped base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. There is an in-line dovetail with a spring-clip for a sight which is not present. The rear of the barrel has an integral rib for mounting an optic/sight (none present). The top of the receiver behind the breech-block has an integral mount for a rear sight which is not present. No sights are included.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut. The forend is carved with a dog’s-head at the nose, german silver wedge escutcheons, and name-plate on the bottom. The buttstock has a straight checkered wrist, deep oversize cheekpiece, thumb-rest on the right, case-color schuetzen buttplate and a sling swivel in the belly (the other is mounted to the bottom of the barrel in front of the forend). The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scratches and scuffs, slight discoloration in the handling areas, and there are some lines below the cheekpiece which look like a carving pattern was laid down, but not carved. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/8″ and 11 5/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows muting and minor surface oxidation in some areas with strong color in the face. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has some scattered light finish wear, most on the bottom, with a few light nicks, scuffs, scratches and infrequent minor surface oxidation. The receiver’s case color is generally strong with some scattered minor surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. When set, the trigger is very light and crisp. When not set, there is significant creep, but still fairly light. The lever locks up properly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Alternately translated as “shooter” and “marksman”, Schuetzen also refers to a German shooting sport from the turn of the 20th century. As with many types of firearms, German gunmakers took the design and manufacture of Schuetzen rifles to the extreme, with elaborately carved stocks, engraved receivers, and capable of astounding precision. This is one such example made by a gunsmith named Fritsch in Zweibrucken. It is chambered for 8.14x46R, a popular Schuetzen cartridge, and was made all the way back in 1909. For a 110 year old gun, it’s in great shape with a nice bore, strong mechanics, matching parts and retaining about 87% of its metal finish. Those who can appreciate old-world quality will love this classically-styled rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R CAN be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
