English Herter’s U9 458 Win Mag 24″ Bolt Action Hunting Rifle 1960’s-1970’s
SOLD FOR: $1,052.00
LSB#: LSB251109DC115
Make: Herter’s; England
Model: U9
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1960’s – Late 1970’s
Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “458”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a BNP proof mark, “HERTERS INC. / WASECA MINN.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN ENGLAND”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The iron sights have been removed and filled with the appropriate screws. The top of the receiver is mounted with a two-piece Weaver base for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a rosewood capped semi-pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, vented rubber buttpad, a rosewood capped forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with a few light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The checkering remains well defined. The stock’s finish is intact throughout, and the stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates 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, but there is some minor pitting in the bore, just below the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with some thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is largely intact. The markings are mostly clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 mounts as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Herter’s U9 represents a fascinating intersection of mid 20th century American sporting ambition and traditional English gunmaking. Imported and marketed by Herter’s during its peak years, the U9 rifles were built in England and offered to American sportsmen as serious big game tools at a time when African hunting captured the imagination of the postwar shooting public. Chambered in .458 Winchester Magnum, this rifle was clearly intended to deliver authoritative performance for dangerous game, reflecting the era’s emphasis on power, reliability, and straightforward function over embellishment.
The .458 Winchester Magnum rose to prominence in the late 1950s as a practical alternative to the classic British big game cartridges, delivering heavy bullet weights and deep penetration in a more affordable, mass produced format. In the U9 platform, the cartridge is paired with a full length 24 inch barrel and a robust bolt action, lending confidence to both feeding and extraction under demanding conditions. While iron sights were originally standard on many rifles of this class, this example has been configured for optical use, reflecting a common period modification as hunters embraced scope technology for both African plains game and North American large game.
This rifle presents in solid condition with strong remaining finish, a well preserved stock, and a bore that remains bright with only minor pitting near the muzzle. These attributes align with a rifle that was well cared for and likely sparingly used, particularly given the specialized nature of its chambering. As a result, this Herter’s U9 stands as both a capable big bore hunting rifle and an increasingly uncommon artifact from a unique chapter in sporting arms history, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts drawn to classic magnum rifles with international provenance. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
