Did schuetzen rules ever allow jacketed bullets?  I ask because I saw a rifle today that puzzled me.  I have tried to attach a picture of it-- hope it comes through.  The rifle is a Niedner High-wall, and is to my eye, clearly a schuetzen rifle.  It is chambered for a Niedner wildcat based on the .218 Bee, and the rifle had with it original (apparently Niedner made) jacketed bullets.  If you would like to read more about it, go here: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) and search on "niedner".  The gun is lot 3115.

Did someone build an offhand rifle to shoot ground hogs?

Your thoughts would be welcome.
Doug Nelson

Just a guess, Doug, but I would suggest that the rifle was first built as an all-out schuetzen rifle, then later (when the schuetzen game became less widely played) it was simply rebarreled as a varmint rifle by AON.  What address is on the barrel for Niedner?  That would give a clue as to the date of rebarreling.  

Whenever it was made and for whatever reason, it sure looks classy!  

Froggie

PS Went to the Auction listing and noted the late (Dowagiac) address.  That makes me think my first suggestion was correct, and as MES said while I was typing, it would have made a dandy dual purpose rifle.  I'm not 100% sure that ALL groups that shot the schuetzen game over the years demanded plain lead bullets.  As the use of jacketed bullets became more prevalent, perhaps some associations allowed them.  Claser look at rifle only reinforces my first impression...that's one classy 'wall.  Note that it has been relieved somewhat to be a sort of semi-wall, not quite low, but not completely high.  I would guess AON did that when he rebarreled it.

Martin, Froggie, Joe, thanks for your replies. It certainly could have been a dual purpose rifle, but that wouldn't have been the cartridge I would have picked!  As I understand it, PB .22 cast bullets aren't renowned for accuracy.  I'd have thought that one of the .25s would have been better.

Joe, this rifle did come out of a southern collection (Kentucky)-- maybe you've put your finger on it.

It IS a classy looking rifle, with very nice engraving.  Sold for $5500.  Going into the auction, I had thought about bidding on the Niedner, but I had "shot my bolt" by the time it came up. (I'm now the proud owner of a Pope Maynard).

Doug

I couldn't help myself (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

WOW!

Harry, that "rest" you notice is a standard factory item on all of the tang sights I have seen made by Maynard, both the deluxe ones like this #16 carries and the "lower grades."  I guess that just shows how classy Maynards are in general! 

Froggie

No problem, Harry!  I haven't quite made 60 yet, but it seems like my learning curve is a result of being over the hill...I'm already picking up speed! 

I have to say though, that whether you are familiar with them or not, that Maynard is a gem of an example of the genre.   

BTW, do the novels of Gerald Hammond involving gunsmith Keith Calder have a wide readership over on your side of the pond?  The stories take place mostly in rural Scotland where Hammond currently resides.  One of them even referred to a Maynard tape primed rifle.

Froggie

I have H. M Pope #734, high wall action, chambered for 7.5 Swiss.  Dated 6.17.34, twist code SA 14.  I would be VERY surprised if that barrel was intended for other than jacketed bullets.  Stock is full schuetzen, missing the butt plate similar to those used by Hammerli in that period (you may have noticed my wanted ad in the Journal for many months).

For a shot time before WWI jacketed bullets were allowed in Schuetzen matches on the east coast.  Many felt it was an unfair advantage and they were soon barred. 

I've read all the Gerald Hammond, but not the vet books only the gunsmith ones, as a matter of fact he has posted on one or more of the sporting boards.