Martini-Stahl Schuetzen Rifle Made by Friedrich Reitz .22LR 30” C.1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,525
WOA:WY240318RU095
Make: Receiver is a Martini-Stahl. The Rifle was made by Friedrich Reitz.
Model: Schuetzen Rifle
Serial Number: No Visible Serial Number.
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1920.
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Martini Action, with set triggers.
Markings: The left side of the barrel near the action is marked “005grN.G.P. M/71.” and the receiver is Stamped with a Crown U and a Crown B German proof marks.
Barrel Length: 30” Fluted Octagon Barrel.
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a Globe front sight with a circle post insert dovetailed to the barrel. The barrel has two blocks that have been drilled and tapped for the mounting of a scope. The rear sight is a tang mounted, fully adjustable, Schuetzen Rear sight with an oversized eye cup.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The Stock is a right handed, wooden, Highly decorative “Tyrolian” style stock with large thumb shelf and Large Cheek Shelf. The length of pull is 13”. With a checkered wrist, Grip and Thumb rest. The wood on the stock has been expertly carved with floral patterns throughout the wood. The butt plate is a Schuetzen style “hook” metal buttplate. The forend is also a wooden forend beautifully carved with Dog paws, and a dog’s head complete with ears, nose, mouth, scruff and inlaid Glass eyes. There is a small chip on the right side of the forend where the wood meets the receiver. There are also a few small depressions scattered throughout the wood. In this writer’s opinion this rifle is museum worthy. The carvings are beautiful to behold in person and the stock folds into the shooter and becomes an extension of your shoulder. Saying that the forend and stock are in Excellent condition does not really do this rifle justice.
Type of Finish: The barrel is blued and the receiver, lever,triggers and rear sight are color case hardened. The receiver is beautifully inlaid with silver.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are a few small nicks in the blueing on the barrel. The cut in the top of the barrel has a small nick. The receiver also has several small nicks. The hook, muzzle, receiver, lever, rear sight and sling swivels all have patina marks from age. This writer was unable to find any surface rust or rust freckling. The screw heads are undamaged and sharp. The markings are 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: This rifle includes an Article written about the maker of the rifle.
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 produced by legendary Schuetzen maker Friedrich Reitz of Schwabisch Hall Germany. This rifle was most likely made in the early 1920s. Seeing this rifle in person and shouldering it is an experience in itself. The stock perfectly balances the barrel. The cheekpiece places the shooter’s eye in place for a perfect sight picture. The action functions smoothly and the trigger pull and break is extremely clean. The wood work is exquisite, the dog’s face even has glass eyes, and the wood is high grade. The chambering in .22LR is a rare find as well, making it easy to find ammunition. This writer was informed by the owner that when he fired this rifle it “laid all the rounds in one ragged hole” not surprising for a rifle of this quality.
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.
