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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Big Bore Rifles

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ????
#258810 - 09/01/15 01:03 AM

Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ????

Hello All,

I just acquired an A-Square Hannibal in 416 Rigby. Always wanted an A-Square, but never had the opportunity to get one at the right price, until this one came along. Not only was the price very, very reasonable, it came with the following Up-Grades and Accessories;

"Upgraded Wood" - "Ebony Forend Tip" - "Deep Blue Metal" - "Quick Detachable Leopold Scope Base" - "3-Leaf Express Sights" - "Africase Leather Sling" - "RCBS Dies" - "70 Pieces Norma Brass" - "90 Barnes Bullets" - "30 Hornady Bullets" - 15 Hawk Bullets" - "1 Box Factory A-Square Ammo".

Although it seems a little "Clunky", I was surprised at the quality of the Stock & Metal workmanship. After all the critical comments that I've read over the years, it was a lot better than I had expected.

I'd sure like to hear from any A-Square owner that might have an original catalog or options sheet from back when these were being offered. Seems that hard data is scarce.

So - Here's my question to all of you A-Square Owners that know a heck-of-a-lot more about these than I do. Have you ever seen one with German Proof Marks on the Barrel? And do you know what it means?

Here are some photos.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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kuduae
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Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: buckstix]
#258819 - 09/01/15 04:58 AM

The rifle was Nitro proofed (federal eagle/N) by the Ulm proofhouse (antler mark, used 1940 - 45 by Oberndorf) in April 1998 (4 98). So the rifle was imported for sale in Germany then. I dimly remember these monsters being offered here in Germany, but doubt many being sold over here.

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eagle27
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Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1165
Loc: Rolleston, Christchurch, New Z...

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: kuduae]
#258844 - 09/01/15 04:07 PM

buckstix, I have a copy of one of A Squares early catalogues. It is a very informative 16 page booklet containing all the info on their rifles, ammo, ballistics of their ammo and a cartridge guide with info on the 7mm Rem Mag up to the 500 A Square. Plenty of interesting bits and photos including a couple of P H Capstick one with his new A Square ,470 Capstick Hannibal rifle and another of him and A Square founder Art Alpin posing with a couple of Buffalo they shot when hunting together.
I could scan to a file and send you if you would like to PM me.

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Ash
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Reged: 10/05/11
Posts: 1653
Loc: Australia

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: eagle27]
#258845 - 09/01/15 04:42 PM

Didn't Capstick shoot a buff at around 200yards on that hunt with the .470 Capstick? (IMO a great cartridge)

Buckstix, you're getting some unusual big bores - I like it, keep it up and keep on showing them

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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: eagle27]
#258858 - 10/01/15 12:47 AM

Hello eagle27,

I look forward to any information you can share. (PM has been sent)

I wish our Wisconsin temperatures would get above "Zero" so I could go out and try this rifle. Loolks like I'll have to wait untill next Monday, when temps are expected to get upto 25 degrees(F).

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: kuduae]
#258859 - 10/01/15 12:50 AM

Hello kuduae,

Thank you for your reply. I thought that perhaps only the barrels came from Germany for building these rifles, but I guess A-Square was selling rifles all over the World.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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kuduae
.400 member

Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: buckstix]
#258864 - 10/01/15 05:23 AM

Quote:

I thought that perhaps only the barrels came from Germany for building these rifles

Barrels alone can not be proofed. The proof is for complete guns only, at least in the white. Not only the Barrels are tested for safety with factory cartridges, but breech and lockup too.

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: kuduae]
#258867 - 10/01/15 06:58 AM

Hello Kuduae,

Thank you for the clarification. I wasn't sure.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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fuhrmann
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Reged: 04/01/05
Posts: 328
Loc: Switzerland

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: buckstix]
#258875 - 10/01/15 09:38 AM

Hello buckstix

your rifle has an interesting leather sling.
I make my own leather goods (belts, slings and so on, just a hobby, no commercial interest) and would like to try this design.

What I do not understand is the way that sliding loop is formed, this end of the sling is obviously divided into some narrow strips, but then what?

Could you please provide a detail photo?
Many thanks
fuhrmann

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: fuhrmann]
#258877 - 10/01/15 11:29 AM

Hello fuhrmann,

Here is a site with a similar constructed sling.

http://www.montanagunslings.com/

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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xausa
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Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 2037
Loc: Tennessee, USA

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: buckstix]
#258878 - 10/01/15 11:50 AM

Buckstix,
You are probably aware of this, but John Buhmiller developed the cartridge now known as the .500 A-Square, along with the cartridge later christened the .460 Weatherby. Both are the .378 Weatherby necked up to .510" and .458" respectively. John and I came up with the same idea at roughly the same time, which was my .505 SRE, made by shortening the Weatherby case to 2.5" and necking up to accommodate a .505" bullet.

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: xausa]
#258901 - 10/01/15 05:38 PM

Hello xausa,

Thanks for the reply,

Yes, I read that while I was researching my John Buhmiller 416 Rigby.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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fuhrmann
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Reged: 04/01/05
Posts: 328
Loc: Switzerland

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: buckstix]
#258904 - 10/01/15 07:00 PM

Buckstix,

thanks for the link, following this I found all I need to know.
The sling on your rifle is different in some details, looks very good and probably was made by hand.

fuhrmann

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: fuhrmann]
#258911 - 11/01/15 12:05 AM

Hello fuhrmann,

Yes, I believe it was made especially for the A-Square rifle because their swivels are sewen to each end. I searched for "Africase" (brand name stamped on the sling) and found the following company in Africa that sells their brand name products. Perhaps the slings were special order by A-Square in past years.

http://www.titanium-gunworks.de/suche.html

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: eagle27]
#259008 - 13/01/15 10:17 PM

Quote:

from eagle27 ......

buckstix, I have a copy of one of A Squares early catalogues. It is a very informative 16 page booklet containing all the info on their rifles, ammo, ballistics of their ammo and a cartridge guide with info on the 7mm Rem Mag up to the 500 A Square. Plenty of interesting bits and photos including a couple of P H Capstick one with his new A Square ,470 Capstick Hannibal rifle and another of him and A Square founder Art Alpin posing with a couple of Buffalo they shot when hunting together.

Hello eagle27,

Thank you for the catalog files. I will print them and keep them with my rifle. It is interesting that this photo (shown at the bottom of page 3 of the A-Square catalog) is of Carl Labuschagne. Carl is the South African Professional Hunter that built my 505 Gibbs rifle. I acquired the 505 back in 2013 and posted info here at this forum. (see link)

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....rt=all&vc=1

I knew that Carl Labuschagne was friends with Alphin, but I had not seen this photo before. Unfortunately Carl passed away in September 2013, only 2 months before I acquired his 505 rifle. Since then, I have had numerous email exchanges with his Son, and learned the complete history of the 505's making.

It always amazes me how things tie together. When I posted an inquiry on another "Big Bores" forum about my A-Square 416 Rigby, 505ED posted that he once owned my newly acquired A-Square, and had used it hunting in Africa. Small World.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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eagle27
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Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1165
Loc: Rolleston, Christchurch, New Z...

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: buckstix]
#259026 - 14/01/15 04:28 PM

buckstix, very pleased the files I sent you got through and you are finding the catalogue of value. Unfortunately the scanned quality is not as good as the original catalogue but better than nothing I guess. Strangely I missed your post on the 505 Gibbs so good to use the link to catch up.

Until you posted the picture of Carl Labuschagne from the A Square catalogue and the photo of your 505 Gibbs I had not noticed the rifle in the catalogue photo with a Leupold scope in the scout position although I did know from the text in the catalogue that A Square offered scope mounting on their rifles in either the conventional or scout positions. Good to see at least some of their rifles were used in Africa with this style of scope.

Quite unrelated to the A Square catalogue (likely before I had the catalogue) I fitted a bridge mount to my own Oberndorf 404 Mauser in the scout position to take a Single Point green dot sight (the first of this type of sight ever produced). Later I replaced this with an Leupold EER 2x scope. Possibly the A Square catalogue did trigger my interest in the scout scope, so long ago I can't recall.

Best wishes for shooting your latest find.

Edited to add: currently advertised for sale in the Guns and Hunting section of our popular auction site.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/hunting-shooting/ammunition/other/auction-832838632.htm

Edited by eagle27 (14/01/15 04:32 PM)

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1243
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ???? [Re: eagle27]
#259031 - 15/01/15 12:42 AM

Hello eagle27,

I ended the post on my 505 last June. Since then, I have nearly a hunderd photos of Carl and many of the Big Game he took with the 505, including a 20 minute video of a 1989 Safari showing Carl taking a Hippo with my rifle.

Here is a link to Carl Labuschagne's History. It is a very long read ... but an extremely interesting and very detailed history of a remarkable man. I'm very proud to own one of his rifles, and wish I would have had a chance to meet him.

http://www.labuschagne.info/carl-labuschagne.htm#.VLZx4SvX6z5

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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