Author Topic: Identification of single shot rifle (Read 1120 times)

DRBOB · « **on:** July 28, 2004, 03:08:08 PM »

Gentlemen,
I have a friend who has a very unusual rifle that he is trying to I.D. It is a single shot, appears to be a Scheutzen rifle, in 8,15x46 caliber.according to the RWS ammo box, he has 4 rounds. Their are no markings on this rifle, but there is a consistant, "C" type letter on the barrel, the breach, and several other places in what appears to be gold or brass. He was given this rifle in the 1950's, while he was in Germany, and has never shot it. When you drop the trigger guard the plate in the action gooes down and you load it from the top, similair to a Sharps. Their is no hammer and it has double set triggers, with a type of peep sight on it, with a metal buttplate that has a large hook on the bottom of it. Any ideas as to whether this is a Scheutezen rifle or not also anyone familiar with this caliber?Thanks for the help DRBOB

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2004, 04:06:23 PM »

Dr.Bob.

Need more info or pictures would be even better. There are a bunch of different type Single shots that come out of the part of the world.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2004, 12:32:12 PM »

I'd be willing to take a WAG, and say it's an Aydt. Almost all these rifles closely matching your description were Aydts. The majority built by Haenel, as they are credited with designing the action, but if it's not marked, your's is most likely another brand of Aydt action.
Does it look anything like this:

This is my Haenel Aydt Schuetzen rifle, also in 8.15x46Norm. (or rimmed.)
Mine does not have the rear sight on it in this picture, but I'd guess your's has two small square head screws to adjust windage and elevation, with a large diopter disc aperture?
Some of these guns were external extractors, like mine, while a small number didn't have the polished crescent shaped operators on the external left side, and instead were internal extractors.
Hope this helps.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2004, 12:45:37 PM »

By the way, ammo for the 8.15x46R is very easily made from .30-30 brass. Dies are available through Buffalo Arms, made by Hornady or C&H Dies. Midway also carries Hornady dies for the caliber. You'll need to slug the bore before getting bullets, as they run all over in size, depending on who made it. I've seen them as small as .312, all the way up to .323" Mine slugs at .319, and I use 170 grain .322 bullets with great accuracy. Mine are from Meister hard cast, and are flat points designed for the .32-40 or .32 Special. I load them with 8.0 grains of Unique, and they're very mild also. The .30-30 cases need to be trimmed about 1/4" before sizing, and another 1/16" or so after sizing. They're cheap and fun to shoot, once you buy the dies. Dies weren't nearly as bad as some oddball calibers are priced.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2004, 11:15:36 AM »

Well......

DRBOB · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2004, 03:15:15 PM »

Marlinman,
the rifle that you show is almost the same as the one he has.
The stock is slightly different, at the cheekrest but your description is right on. I'm sorry it took so long to reply, when you have church members in the hospital it takes up a lot of your time. I am very suprised that I received so quick a reply and thank you again for your help. I tried to identify a bullet that was found in S.C. while deer hunting and every where I asked could give no ideas or help. Thanks again DRBOB