.375 Identification

[keh&h]

Hi All,

I am a long time reader of the depth of knowledge in this forum. I am a walking guide and owner of a .458 WM (rem 700 bdl) and now a .375 H&H but I am at a loss as to what the rifle itself is. I was told by the previous owner that it is a Bauer-Mauser as the rifle says 'Bauer' on it. I have searched the rifle and found no such insignia. My local gun shop told me he thinks it is an FN Browning, the looks of the rifle line up a bit better with this suggestion. However there are no browning marks on the rifle at all.

It holds three .375 and is a CRF with classic mauser 98 style action.

Any help on identification and history would be fantastic. Rifle works great and is in daily use.

Thanks for having me

 

[ldmay375]

I don't know if this is the same, but.
Mauser Bauer is referenced in this article.

Gun Review: The Mauser Brothers and the Model 98

The Mauser Model 98 is a true classic when it comes to bolt-action rifles. And the company has returned to this iconic design.

gundigest.com

 

[keh&h]

Really interesting article but makes me feel even more sure it's not a Bauer

 

[BeeMaa]

It would be a good idea to remove the stock from the barreled action to inspect for proof marks and inspection stamps. These can go a long way to determining not only the brand, but the year of manufacture.

 

[keh&h]

It would be a good idea to remove the stock from the barreled action to inspect for proof marks and inspection stamps. These can go a long way to determining not only the brand, but the year of manufacture.

Attached is a photo of where all the marks are grouped.

There is also a BV with a crown which I believe is just an inspection mark.

Apologies but these were the best photos my phone could manage!

 

[uplander01]

Boy if that rifle could talk I'm guessing it would have some stories, including where it came from. It's just a guess but based on the sling eyes I'd say it was an English gun, that rear sight looks very H&H'y as well.

 

[Huvius]

I think the bottom metal is from a 1909 Argentine.
Good looking rifle!

 

[Andrew62]

Beautiful gun whatever it is!!

 

[Altitude sickness]

I like the worn blueing and the straight bolt.

 

[Riflecrank]

Sporterized milsurp, and an excellent job.
It has a stripper clip cut on the bridge, does it have a thumb cut on the left side ?
Banded rear sight base and banded ramp front sight?
Good, strong grain in the stock.
I sure do like it.
Must be a sort of "Guild Gun" by German or English maker ?

 

[Hunter4752001]

BV under a crown is a proof mark from the Birmingham proof house. This would make sense given the history of the British in Kenya. From the NRA proof marks guide .

 

[Hunter-Habib]

It looks like the rifles which were built by members of the Birmingham gun maker's guild in the 1950s on salvaged military surplus Mauser Model 98 actions for export to Shaw & Hunter (later Kenya Bunduki) in Kenya.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

That small soldered on front sling swivel is the same style as the ones on two of my English built rifles. That rifle would probably clean up really well, ( just my opinion, I would strip the stock back, re apply red oil and then oil finish, and rust blue the metal work)
Gumpy

 

[Riflecrank]

It looks like the rifles which were built by members of the Birmingham gun maker's guild in the 1950s on salvaged military surplus Mauser Model 98 actions for export to Shaw & Hunter (later Kenya Bunduki) in Kenya.

I think we have a winner.
In Germany they were doing similar things, like sold by Waffen Frankonia and brought home to
USA by returning GI's.
Almost as romantic as the Birmingham to Kenya to wherever route.

 

[Riflecrank]

Dang good gun.
I would keep it looking as is and install some hidden crossbolts and pillars
in the stock and glass bed if all that was not already done.
Send the gun to me and I will do it for you,
no charge. Heh-heh-heh.

 

[keh&h]

I got the rifle through contacts at Kenya Bunduki.

Debating if I leave as is or if I work on the stock and reblue.

Thoughts?

 

[Altitude sickness]

I prefer the worn blueing

 

[skydiver386]

If the bore is good I'd leave it as is. It a fine example of the Craftsmanship of an older generation that is largely gone.

 

[Tex .416]

I got the rifle through contacts at Kenya Bunduki.

Debating if I leave as is or if I work on the stock and reblue.

Thoughts?

Keep it as is. If you want new and shiny, buy a new and shiny one.

Looking at the wear sends a mind to thinking of where it went and what tells it might tell. Don’t erase that history, unless there is a functional need.

 

[Doug3006]

I agree. If it feeds, fires and ejects reliably, leave it be and go hunt! If not, have a competent gunsmith fix it, and then go hunt. No one can replicate the beautiful patina of a well-used rifle.