German System Original AYDT Schuetzen Rifle 8.15x46R 31” Left Hand C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,830
WOA:WY240318RU094
Make: Receiver is an Original Aydt.
Model: Schuetzen Rifle
Serial Number: Receiver: 291, Barrel: 14608, Rear Sight: 14608
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1920.
Caliber: 8.15 x 46R
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block Action, with set triggers.
Markings: The left side of the barrel near the action is marked “CUSS-STAHL”. The right side of the Barrel is marked “KRUPP-ESSEN”. The barrel under the forend is marked “S”, Crown “M”, “14608”, Crown “B”, Crown “U”, Crown “G”, “7,6m/m, “4.25”, “746”. The front of the action is stamped “291”. The forend pin is marked, although it is faded, “1533 / 1”. The top of the action is marked “M ORIGINAL AYDT”. The rear sight is marked “14608”.
Barrel Length: 31” “Light” Octagon Barrel. The length of the top of the barrel has been finely checkered to reduce glare.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a selectable post front sight. This sight has four different posts set to a clockwheel so the shooter can select the best front sight for the situation. There are three hair dot posts of different sizes and one block post. The sight is set on a checkered ramped base, dovetailed to the front of the barrel set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Schuetzen style, small eye disc rear sight set screw secured to a riser in the tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The Stock is a LEFT handed, wooden, Highly decorative semi- “Tyrolian” style stock with large thumb shelf and large Cheek Shelf. The length of pull is 13.25”. With a checkered wrist and Grip and a smooth Thumb rest. The butt plate is a Schuetzen style “hook” metal buttplate. The forend is also a wooden, very light Schnabel style with a small checkered triangle coming from the receiver. The wood shows a few small scattered compressions and a few very small surface scratches. Overall the wood on this rifle is in Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel is blued and the receiver, lever,triggers and rear sight are color case hardened.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There are a few scattered patches of visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are a few small nicks in the blueing on the barrel and some scratches on the front of the muzzle. The receiver also has several small nicks. The hook, muzzle, lower tang, lever, rear sight and sling swivels all have finish loss and patina marks from age. This writer was unable to find any surface rust or rust freckling. The top of the action and the block has been engraved with a beautiful checkering pattern. The screw heads are undamaged and sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition especially given its age.
Mechanics: This rifle has double set triggers, which function correctly. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Schuetzen rifles, also known as “schützen” rifles (German for “shooter” or “marksman”), are a class of single-shot rifles historically associated with target shooting competitions in Germany and the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These rifles were specifically designed for precision shooting at stationary targets, emphasizing accuracy and consistency. One of the defining characteristics of Schuetzen rifles is their long, heavy barrels. Typically featuring octagonal profiles, these barrels help dampen barrel vibrations, reduce muzzle movement, and contribute to improved accuracy. The added length also allows for greater sight radius, aiding in precise aiming. Many Schuetzen rifles are equipped with set triggers, a feature with two stages of operation. The first stage sets the trigger mechanism, reducing the trigger pull weight for the second stage, resulting in a lighter and more predictable trigger break. This enhances shooter control and precision. Precision target shooting requires precise aiming, and Schuetzen rifles often come with highly adjustable sights. These sights allow shooters to make fine adjustments for elevation and windage, ensuring accurate placement of shots on target. Schuetzen rifles are also known for their elaborate stocks, often adorned with intricately carved designs and decorative elements. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these stocks provide a comfortable and stable platform for shooting. In terms of caliber versatility, Schuetzen rifles were produced in various calibers, ranging from smaller rimfire cartridges to larger centerfire cartridges. Shooters could select a caliber based on their specific shooting discipline and preferences, with some competitions having caliber restrictions or preferences.
This example was most likely made in the early 1920s. The action functions smoothly and the trigger pull and break is extremely clean. This rifle is chambered in 8.15x46R, which is a vintage rifle cartridge primarily associated with European firearms manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The cartridge is very similar to and can actually be made from 30-30 brass. This rifle has been built specifically for a Left handed Shooter and is very well balanced and extremely comfortable to shoulder.
Overall, Schuetzen rifles were purpose-built for competitive shooting matches, where accuracy and consistency were paramount. While their popularity waned with the advent of more modern rifle designs, they remain highly prized among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage firearms and competitive shooting history. Today, Schuetzen rifles are cherished as examples of fine craftsmanship and precision engineering from a bygone era. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
