German rifle manufacturers

[Darren K]

In the past, I've heard a lot of great things about German rifles and how great they are. I now have found myself living in Germany and would like to purchase a rifle. I have been doing some research and, without speaking German, it seems that info on German rifle manufacturers is kind of hard to come by. I'd like some advice (both positive feedback and negative feedback are appreciated) on German hunting rifles. The only two rifles that I've really been able to find a lot of info on are Heym and Blaser. I'm thinking either a combo rifle, drilling, or bolt action and my budget will be 5,000 EUR before VAT.

 

[robertq]

Try Merkel they have quality firearms for the money.

 

[Hank2211]

Have a look at the "Heym by Martini." These are big bore 'express' rifles designed by Ralf Martini, a German living in western Canada, and made by Heym. I have a rifle made by Ralf Martini, and I can tell you, he knows how to make a rifle that shoulders and points exceptionally well.

 

[Red Leg]

Depends on what sort of rifle and for what sort of game. Assuming you are looking for a roe, red deer, and boar rifle for Europe, then Heym, Merkel, or Blaser are hard to beat. All make wonderful bolt actions, and Blaser makes a very modern drilling. Either can be had in a 7mm or .30 which will handle anything you will shoot at from a high seat or on a drive hunt. The bolt action will be within your budget - to include scope. The drilling will push it slightly.

For African game, get a bolt action in at least a 7mm cal for plains game, and 9.3 or .375 for the larger stuff. Your budget will handle the PG rifle easily, and again will be on the edge for a DG cal.

 

[Darren K]

Awesome, thanks for the tips guys!

 

[Stefanus Prinsloo]

Hi Darren K,
I could maybe help you with this. I also live in Germany and my office is based in a gun shop in Aschaffenburg. They sell used to new rifles and to me it all comes down to testing these rifles and see which you prefer. You will not be disappointed with Blaser or Merkel and to add one more is the Sauer 404. I particularly like this model. Another way to get good advice is to visit the hunting expos coming in February. The "Jagd und Hund-Dortmund" (9th Feb - 14 Feb) or in the south "Augsburg Jagd und Fisherei". All these manufacturers are very eager to give advice. I will be at both for a couple of days if you want to meet up.
Waidmannsheil!

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I use Mauser M98 in 275Rigby, 9,3x62 and 404Jeffery.
I recommend.
Witold

 

[markferrigno]

In the past, I've heard a lot of great things about German rifles and how great they are. I now have found myself living in Germany and would like to purchase a rifle. I have been doing some research and, without speaking German, it seems that info on German rifle manufacturers is kind of hard to come by. I'd like some advice (both positive feedback and negative feedback are appreciated) on German hunting rifles. The only two rifles that I've really been able to find a lot of info on are Heym and Blaser. I'm thinking either a combo rifle, drilling, or bolt action and my budget will be 5,000 EUR before VAT.

Hi,

I live in Germany (but only a few more months unfortunately) Go and look at Hey, you can order by phone or in person at the factory and they will build you a rifle anyway you like. I own several and they are phenomenal rifles. If you need anything they take care of it and the post sales support is outstanding. I don't know if the other manufactures allow the kind of direct access to the factory that Heym does.

http://heym-fabrik.de/shop/

 

[Mannlicher]

Used guns, like older Drillings are very cheap, you can get good quality rifles with scopes between 1000 and 2000€.
E-gun is a platform, where you can check the prices.

Mannlicher

 

[markferrigno]

Used guns, like older Drillings are very cheap, you can get good quality rifles with scopes between 1000 and 2000€.
E-gun is a platform, where you can check the prices.

Mannlicher

Very, very true. I have bought several nice Drillings and BBFs off of EGUN.

 

[Foxi]

In the past, I've heard a lot of great things about German rifles and how great they are. I now have found myself living in Germany and would like to purchase a rifle. I have been doing some research and, without speaking German, it seems that info on German rifle manufacturers is kind of hard to come by. I'd like some advice (both positive feedback and negative feedback are appreciated) on German hunting rifles. The only two rifles that I've really been able to find a lot of info on are Heym and Blaser. I'm thinking either a combo rifle, drilling, or bolt action and my budget will be 5,000 EUR before VAT.

Darren,
take a look at Sauer 404 .
Sauer 202 is running out.
Both are excellent guns
Foxi

 

[Darren K]

Darren,
take a look at Sauer 404 .
Sauer 202 is running out.
Both are excellent guns
Foxi

Will do! Thanks for the tip

 

[thriller]

I would be in favor of the drilling, I just bought a JP Sauer 3000 in 12x12x30-06 its a great gun and its in your price range. The one thing is dont UPS it ever, they broke mine in half last week, and now in having to get a new stock made.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

My sugestion Mauser, Heym, Merkel or Sauer Daren.
Witold

 

[Foxi]

@thriller.
Not to belive that an American is using a Drilling.
A perfect gun for the wintertime,when the distances are not so far (150m).
1x 8 mm bullet(8x57RS) for pigs
1x slug for pigs also (feeding distance -50m,quick like a double)
1x 3,5mm shotgun for the foxes.
Sometimes an Einstecklauf,a small barrell in .22 Hornet
My Drilling is over 80 years old and I love him.

I shot with him bears and ducks in Canada,big bores in Turkey and a lot of stuff at home.
In the next days I bring a few pictures of the old guy.
Foxi

p.s Witold, best you can do
(My sugestion Mauser, Heym, Merkel or Sauer Daren).

 

[Grady]

Darren,
Depending on where you live in Germany you may be able to get a tour of some of the manufactures. When I was there, I was fortunate enough to go to the Blaser and Krieghoff factories. Completely amazing tours. I ended up with a Blaser "Bolt" gun and a F3 Shotgun that I love shooting.
Everyone here has mention all the rifles that I would look at. Just find one that fits and have fun.

 

[thriller]

@Foxi I load mine with hevishot dead coyote 00 buckshot (patterns very well) and a 180 grain 30-06 ball. It works out to 200 yds with the rifle barrel and 50-60 yds with the buckshot. We have a lot of hogs and deer on our property, this gun is perfect for stalking through the palmetto thickets in the swamp (shots in here range from <10yds to 100+ yds depending on the area of the swamp) Drillings are actually quite popular in lower Alabama for stalking and driven hunts, and I know about 25-30 people around here that have them. almost all of them are the 12 ga x12 ga with a american rifle cartridge on the bottom like 243, 308, 270, 30-06, 30-30. I have always though it was interesting that these European guns have developed such a foothold down here.

 

[thriller]

@Darren K Also if your in the USA in the future and looking for a drilling there is a gun shop in Mississippi that specializes in fine european shotguns and drillings. They have a treasure trove of excellent quality guns, the showroom is by appointment only. I know your in Germany, but this will show you what different manufacturers are producing as well. Copy and paste the link to go to his showroom or just google (steve barrnett fine guns)

http://www.stevebarnettfineguns.com/frm_inventory1.htm

 

[Darren K]

Thanks for all the great info fellas. Touring some factories would be awesome. I've talked to a couple guys since posting this who have highly recommended checking out the Heym factory. It looks like Frankonia in Frankfurt carries quite a few of the brands mentioned above and a trip is definitely on my "to do" list as soon as i can get some time. If all goes according to plan, I'll be a Jugjäger in April, so the serious shopping starts then. Will let y'all know what I decide on

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Good luck Darren.
Witold