
Monty Kennedy Herman Waldron Steyr Mannlicher GK Carbine .308 20″ Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,630
LSB#: 231002DL002
Make: Steyr-Daimler-Puch
Model: Mannlicher Schoenauer GK
Serial Number: 32342
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Rotary Magazine and Double Set Triggers
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a finely stippled ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up “U”-notch sight dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel. The left side of the receiver is installed with a Griffin & Howe base via holes that are below the stockline. The QD base has rings holding a Leupold M8 3X scope. There are a few scattered marks through the finish and light handling marks. The scope has a duplex reticle and the glass is clear. The scope rates in Excellent condition. The left rear of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a custom Monty Kennery one-piece checkered walnut half-stock with a Schnabel tip, steel capped pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered steel buttplate. There is a sling stud in the belly and the corresponding mount is on a barrel band base. There are a few little compressions and draglines. There are a few little marks in the wood. The most noticeable marks are on the sides of the buttstock toward the rear, on the belly, and on the forend at the front. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ and 13 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The custom buttplate has a hinged door for storage. There are a few marks in the metal, but the checkering is generally strong. Overall, the stock is in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Herman Waldron Customization.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is deep and sharp. There is no erosion. In my opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The bolt is serial matching. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few tiny nicks. There are a few little spots of light thinning, most noticeable on the right rear of the receiver. There is a mark under the finish at the muzzle, likely from removing the factory band base. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the previously described scope and framed paperwork from Monty Kennedy.
Our Assessment: The Mannlicher Schoenauer rifles were very popular in Europe, and were mainly made in European calibers until after WWII when they began to be imported into the United States. Manufactured by Steyr, the Model 1900 rifle continuously evolved with various chamberings and configurations. The sporting variants tended to have distinctive features such as full-length stocks, butter-knife bolt handles, and many had double set-triggers. The rifles were also distinctive for their split bridges, where most mid-20th Century rifles had gone to solid bridge receivers.
This is a Steyr GK Carbine with a 20” barrel chambered in .308 Winchester. The Steyr is an already beautiful rifle with pleasant lines and a wonderful fit and finish. When dressed in factory trim, these are already highly sought after by collectors. This one has been pushed above and beyond by Monty Kennedy with the stockwork and Herman Waldron with the metalwork. Just one quick Google search and you will quickly see the caliber of artisan that these men are and the echelon of custom rifles their work is in. The rifle sits in a beautiful custom walnut stock by Mr. Kennedy with a schnabel tip, capped forend straight comb, and trapdoor buttplate. The hand checkering is superb and the borders are crisp and clean, the work of a true artisan. Not only that, but the blank that was selected is beautiful! In the letter from Mr. Kennedy, he states that this only Mannlicher rifle he has ever done, and that he hopes not to do more! While it may have been a challenge, the end result is jaw dropping, and since he didn’t do many, this is one of the only Mannlichers to ever wear a Kennedy custom stock. Mr. Waldron has removed the barrel band front sight and replaced it with a stippled ramp and applied stunning new bluing. It also appears that he modified the barrel mounted sling mount, and reknurled the back of the bolt. The receiver is installed with a classy Griffin & Howe mount holding a quality Leupold scope, an appropriate choice. Although this rifle would make someone a great lightweight deer rifle that could be used on most North American game animals, it is also almost certain to be added to the safe of a Steyr collector or custom sporting rifle aficionado. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
