Custom Flaig “Ace” 243 Winchester 26” Mauser Type Bolt Action Rifle & Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB250802DH011
Make: Charley Flaig; Pennsylvania, USA
Model: Ace
Serial Number: 8525
Year of Manufacture: Circa Mid 1950’s – Late 1970’s
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Mauser Type Controlled Round Feed Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “FLAIG’S / “ACE” / 243 WIN.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “8525”.
Barrel Length: 26” Heavy Contour
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The receiver is mounted with a Blazer 8-32×44 scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows minimal wear, with only minor handling marks present. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Weaver base, and sits in high-mount 1” rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece, skip-line checkered walnut stock, with a traditional pistol grip, monte carlo comb with roll-over cheekpiece, black rubber buttpad, sling studs front and rear, and a wide forend. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with a few scattered patches of thinning finish at the top of the left side of the wrist, and on the bottom of the cheekpiece. The checkering is well defined, with one scuff in the checkering on the bottom of the forend. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few light scratches on the trigger guard and on the bolt release lever. There is some thinning finish on the back end of the bolt, and on the leading edge of the muzzle. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The jeweling on the bolt and on the magazine follower is vivid and bright. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger features Flaig’s “Ace” trigger shoe, and the trigger has a light, crisp, and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Charley Flaig of Millvale, Pennsylvania, was one of the most respected custom rifle builders of the postwar era, known for crafting accurate and beautifully fitted sporting rifles under the “Flaig’s Ace” name. Working from the 1950s through the 1970s, Flaig’s shop specialized in building precision rifles using high-quality European Mauser actions and custom barrels (most often Douglas barrels) — were often tailored for the serious hunter or target shooter who demanded accuracy and old-world workmanship at a fair price.
This example, chambered in .243 Winchester, represents the kind of precision sporter that made Flaig’s rifles sought after among knowledgeable marksmen. The .243, introduced in 1955, became one of the most successful dual-purpose cartridges in American history, combining flat-shooting accuracy for varmints with enough energy for medium game like deer and antelope. Flaig’s execution here — a heavy 26-inch barrel, jeweled bolt, and finely checkered walnut stock with a rollover cheekpiece — shows the builder’s meticulous attention to both form and function.
Retaining roughly 98% of its original blue finish and featuring a mirror-bright bore that rates a perfect 10/10, this rifle has clearly been well cared for. The crisp Flaig “Ace” trigger, strong Mauser-type controlled-round-feed action, and included Blazer 8–32×44 scope make this a ready performer as well as a collectible piece of American custom gunmaking history. A fine blend of craftsmanship, precision, and practicality, this Flaig’s Ace .243 exemplifies the golden age of hand-built sporting rifles. Please check out our high quality photos and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
