Odd Mauser

[jl1966]

Picked up this rifle at a pawn shop yesterday. It is chambered in .243, based on a large ring Mauser style action, nice walnut stock in good shape overall. The bolt stop is not the traditional Mauser stop though. http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc376/jl1966/DSCN0777.jpg I can't imagine why you would make a rifle using this action and then use such a flimsy bolt stop. Anybody ever seen anything like this before?

 

[jl1966]

Better pic of the rifle. http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc376/jl1966/DSCN0773.jpg

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes.
That is the type of bolt stop used on Browning brand bolt actions made by FN.
Not identical, but the same design. I don't know who else used it.
I don't guess there are any little hints like a brand name or proof marks or anything.

 

[jl1966]

Well, that helps a little. I had pretty much decided it was a commercial action. So at least that is a start. It is not marked in any way, other than ".243" on the right side of the barrel.

 

[Float Pilot]

Yeap, commercial FN action with a Browning style bolt release.
Not so sure about the stock. Looks like a Bishop aftermarket stock from the late 60 to mid 70s.
Those high see-under scope mounts stink...

 

[johnnydollar]

Could well be one of those Browning Safari rifles that originally came with the salt wood stocks. That could explain the FN commercial action, the Browning spec. bolt stop, and the apparent aftermarket stock. You might want to take the barrelled action out of the stock--those salt wood stocks were notorious for causing the rifle's metal to rust.

 

[jl1966]

No rusting on the metal, i have already had it out of the stock. I can find no markings on the gun anywhere, let alone a Browning trademark. The bolt stop is similar to the ones on the Browning Safari rifles, but by no means identical. Yes, the see through rings, and cheapo scope will have to go. I only gave $250 for it, so I can't expect too much.

 

[tahoe2]

for $250 that's a great deal, Congrats !! new rings and glass and you're set.

 

[Field Tester]

So that cut away looking part in the first picture on the receiver is the bolt release?

 

[rszwieg]

Those old Browning/FN Mausers had a good reputation salt stock problem aside.

You got a good deal.

 

[jl1966]

It is a pretty nice rifle, but that bolt release bugs me. It is a flimsy construction on an otherwise robust rifle. It does not retain the bolt well, when the action is worked vigorously, you are like as not to end up with the bolt in one hand, and the rifle in the other. I think I am going to try to add another piece of spring steel to the arrangement to see if that will help.

 

[Jim Watson]

Found it.
You have a Herter's XK3, early version made by somebody in Germany in the 1960s. Back from when a Free American was allowed to order a gun from Minnesota.

 

[jl1966]

Yep, that is it undeniably. Excellent Google-fu sir! I had been thinking some kind of store brand gun, but Herters never entered my mind. Hard to believe this rifle was considered a "cheap" gun in it's day. Other than the suspect bolt stop mechanism, it is a fine looking rifle in all respects. I love a good deal, and I feel like I got one here. Thanks again Mr. Watson!

 

[Jim Watson]

Google schmoogle, I found it in a BOOK. Bolt Action Rifles by Frank DeHaas. Later edition with addenda by somebody else, which is occasionally helpful, but I think they left out some DeHaas material to make room for it.

 

[Float Pilot]

I spent many a winter night thumbing through the Herters catalog. I bought rifle stocks, fly tying gear, fly rod kits, my first 22, and most of my clothes through them.
My mom used to order cases of Imperial Canadian jam from them...