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Hi all,

Last week when visiting a gun shop nearby I came across a Mannlicher Schonauer 9.3x62mm rifle, I think it is the GK model (not 100% sure),



Concerns / Doubts

- The rifle felt really light when handling it, did not weight it, but it should not weight more than 3.1 / 3.2 Kg. 7 lbs

- Thin stock, especially on the comb, with significant drop, although it lines up fast with the open sights, and handles really nice

The two factors combined make me think it might have excessive, uncomfortable recoil.

- No scope bases, this might limit the use, but as I mainly hunt boars in dense areas I could use it as Is, if I can find and change the front sight/bead for a bigger and more visible bead, the one installed is brass and very thin ( I would say about 1.5mm)

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View this link:
MCA

The information is from the Mannlicher Collectors Association.

I am more familiar with the 'pre war' MS, as I have a M1910 Takedown (9.5X57).

As for your concerns, I agree with Louis' and Heym's observations. The light weight makes it a breeze to carry and, as you've noticed, "lines up fast with the open sights and handles really nice."

That is just as intended. Though the comb's drop and apparent delicacy of the stock may seem odd at first to the modern shooter, they were designed for stalking and 'snap shooting' with iron sights - perhaps the perfect 'pig gun.'

Recoil isn't bad at all as long as you hold her nice and tight to the shoulder. Mine wears its original steel buttplate and it's never bothered me a bit.

Scope mounts were usually 'see through' (as are mine) so that one can still 'snap shoot' through the iron sights with a scope mounted. Claw mounts allow instant removal or replacement of a scope with precise and automatic return to 'zero.'

Scope mounting over the open bridge of a MS is difficult and expensive, however. This is a photo of a very 'clean' MS scope mount. Many have a dovetail cut into (or a saddle added to) the front receiver ring or (as on mine) just ahead of it.



This is the 'pre-war' MS, from the 1939 Stoeger.


Given your list of 'positives' (though hard to say without photos) I'm inclined to say seal the deal before it gets away. Mannlicher Schoenauers are considered to be among the finest sporting arms ever (mass) produced, and if you buy this you'll soon see why.