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I looked in the dictionary for "stalking rifle". It said "Fraser single shot".

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Odd, mine says Mannlicher Schoenauer !

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When I think of a Stalking Rifle, I picture a slim rifle usually a Single Shot, but possibly a bolt action in a medium cartridge, like 275 Rigby, 303Brit, maybe 30-06 on the heavy end and something like 243 or 223 or maybe even 22 Hornet on the light end. I also picture a slim but longish barrel with iron sights and a detachable optic with low power (4x max) and a fast recital like a No1 or No4.

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You, sir, have just described the pre WW2 Mannlicher Schoenauer.


Mannlicher Schoenauer M1910 (9.5X57)Take Down Model, scope detached.
Photo January, 1932.

The models of M1903 (6.5X54), M1905 (9X56), M1908 (8X56), M1910 (9.5X57) and M1924 (.30-'06) were light, handy, and quick to the shoulder with svelte stocks that were engineered for 'snap shooting'. The stock cast, geometry, and cheekpiece provide instant and perfect 'cheek weld' for iron sights.



Scopes tend to be mounted with 'Vienna snapper' or claw type quick release mounts that allow for use of iron sights while scope is mounted. Mine wears a Gerard 'B' (4X) scope with post reticle in claw mounts. Removes or installs with one hand, returns to perfect zero every time.

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It was my wanting a longer barrel, 24 or 26 inch that caused the discussion to get exciting. I was immediately met with "Stalking Rifles" should be SHORT with 16 inch barrels. I said that sounded more like a Carbine to me but that I suppose you could have whatever you liked and call it whatever you wanted BUT that a Stalking Rifle had a specific description.

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My Take Down Model MS has a barrel of 60cm (23.6"). It is cased and was sold through the British trade (evidenced by British proofs) as many were. Your friends would surely agree that the stutzen (carbine) MS described on the 1939 Stoeger catalog page below fits their definition of 'stalking rifle' perfectly, though with 18 and 20 inch barrels. Note available options listed at bottom of page including custom barrel lengths:



Stutzen Mauser:



I'd submit that any proper stutzen of light or medium cartridge is a 'stalker', though a proper Brit may prefer one from Rigby, Westley Richards, or such (several MS were retailed through them) and on return from safari or shikar may trade their sola topi (pith helmet) for one of these:


Deerstalker hat

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Citizen of the Cherokee Nation

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