Keener Gun Works Custom Mauser Model K98, Fancy Checkered Stock, Blue 24 5/8” Bolt Action Hunting Rifle & Scope, MFD 1955-1973
Sold For: $665.90
LSB#: 160825MD48
Make: This is a custom rifle assembled by Keener Gun Works of Northridge based on a Mauser K98 action.
Model: Hunting Rifle
Serial Number: 52727
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1973 (The .243 Win. cartridge wasn’t developed until 1955 and Keener Gun Works went out of business at the end of 1973).
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine with Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “243 WIN”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “E. L. KEENER / NORTHRIDGE” and the left side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “52727”. This number is stamped over the top of the faint remnants of the original serial number, which appears to have been the same. There is a circled cross marked on the magazine’s floorplate and another on the tang in front of the floorplate. The underside of the bolt handle is faintly marked with what looks like “21637”. There is a crown mark on the bolt release and another on the bolt release lever.
Barrel Length: The barrel is 24 5/8” in length and has a recessed crown.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. There is a Weaver Model V9 3X9 variable power scope mounted on the receiver with a one piece Buehler mount. The objective of the scope is adjustable for focus and is marked from “50FT” to “1000 YD”. The reticle is a fine crosshairs and the lenses are clear and free of distortion. The power ring is a little stiff to turn, but does move throughout its normal range. The outside of the scope shows only a few very light marks in the serrations of the object. The scope is in about Fine overall condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece fancy checkered walnut with pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb and cheekpiece. The grip widens at the bottom to form a full pistol grip and has a hardwood grip cap with a pronounced dark grain that matches the undercut forend tip. There is a black vented rubber recoil pad mounted on the butt with white and black spacers marked “WHITE LINE” and sling swivel studs mounted near the toe and in the underside of the forend. There is a tiny ding behind the rear sling swivel mount, a tiny ding in the right side near the butt, a bruise behind the cheekpiece on the left side and a few marks in the finish at the front edge of the magazine well’s forward tang. The checkering is sharp and unblemished. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad is getting hard, but is still slightly pliant on its edges. The rear face of the pad shows only very light wear. The pad is in about Fine condition. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: The rifle has a high luster blued finish. The bolt has been highly polished and then jeweled and the bolt knob knurled.
Finish Originality: The finish is not original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal finish. There are a few light marks under the finish in the barrel, three tiny pits under the finish on the left side of the barrel shank, a tiny pit in the trigger guard and tiny marks under the finish in the tang at the front of the magazine well. There are also a few light marks in the finish of the magazine’s floorplate , The screw heads are sharp except for the screw behind the trigger guard, which is disfigured. The markings on the barrel shank are faded and the serial numbers on the receiver are clear, but the numbers were stamped over the top of the faint remnants of the original number. The rifle is in about Excellent condition as re-finished.
Mechanics: 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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The attached scope is included.
Our Assessment: This is a beautiful custom hunting rifle built on a Mauser action by Keener Gun Works. All that we could find out about Keener was that it went out of business at the end of 1973. Since it was made by Keener, the rifle has been refinished with a high luster blued finish. The barrel has a recessed crown and is without provisions for iron sights but has a vintage Weaver V9 variable power scope mounted on a one piece Buehler mount. The stock is beautiful with a dark grain, so please see our pictures. The rifle is in about Excellent condition as re-finished with about 99% of its current finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. The .243 Win. cartridge is based on a necked-down .308 Win. case, and is capable of driving a 55 grain bullet at 4000 fps. or a 105 grain bullet at 3000 fps. It makes an excellent all around cartridge that can be used on everything from varmints to medium sized game, but is excellent for hunting antelope on the plains where a flat shooting rifle is a necessity. This rifle will not only make a great rifle for antelope or deer, it is also beautiful, and is sure to make you the envy of your friends. With its strong Mauser action and nice bore, this rifle should continue to provide shooting enjoyment for decades if properly maintained.
