I have recently joined this Forum, and perhaps my inquiry has been dealt with previously? I have not found it specifically mentioned in the researching of older Posts (it might be there, I wasn't able to find it if it was?).

I have been around Mannlicher Schoenauer/Steyr carbines and rifles since the late 1970's, having had upwards of from twelve to twenty at one given time. In the 1990's I thinned down my accumulation of M-S firearms to other collectors, though retained the first carbine I'd bought, a Made in Germany Model 1903 6.5x54mm, proofed in .39, along with two other Model 1903's. Since then a few of others have found a home with me! Once they get in your blood...

My first Model 1903 carbine is marked on top of the front ring of the action Made in Germany. I am familiar with Germany forming a union with Austria in 1938 and thereafter M-S/Steyr carbines/rifles were marked Made in Germany from 1938-1945.

Made in Germany marked carbines/rifles, at least in the United States, are rather rare to find, or so it has been my experience. Granted, directly after 1938 the factory was most likely involved with producing other products than sporting rifles for the general public or export, so production may have been limited?

Hopefully members will share information/knowledge and their experiences regarding: Made in Germany marked firearms. Such as: are they very common in Europe (probably more so than in the US), or are they also difficult to find? Other discussion is most welcome as well.

best of regards,
awanderingbear