A newbie to the board I am. Several years ago I picked up the Model 1905 9x56 Mannlicher Schoenauer carbine and it is truely a work of art. I originally purchased the rifle via pictures and verbal description. The stock had a few more dings then I expected but the metal was better then I expected, so that is a wash. The "STORY" I got with the gun was that the person I purchased it from told me that it was used in Africa by his uncle to hunt dangerous game including elephants. The gun has seen some use so it may be true. Just so you know, I bought the rifle, not the story. Another negative I found after the fact was a missing nose cap screw Hopefully, I can locate a replacement someday. The HUGH positive are the sights. It is the Lyman No 36 Mannlicher Schoenauer receiver sight with the matching front sight. Considering the way this gun shoots and feels I am truly ecstatic! BTW, the serial no. is 178X. Looks like an early rifle. I take it to the range every few months just to hear the comments. It's fun.