A Remarkable Quality Double Rifle - J.Bury in 9x57R caliber.

[buckstix]

A Remarkable Quality Double Rifle - J.Bury in 9x57R caliber.

I recently purchased this rifle at auction. The auction listing is shown with only the first 4 pictures posted.

When I received the rifle I couldn't believe my fortune. This little beauty had all the whistles and bells one would want in a High Quality Double Rifle.

Here is what I got....

Weight is 6 pounds 12 ounces
Chopper Lump Construction
Side Clip Action
Dolls Head Extension
Greener Cross Bolt
Non-Automatic Safety
25-3/4" Barrels
Bright Chambers - Great Bore
Full Matted Rib
Single Leaf Folding Rear Site
Gold Bead Front Site
Hinged Front Trigger
14-1/2" LOP
Highly Figured French Walnut
Gold Inlay Maker & Serial Number
Brass Escutcheon plate "JME"
Horn Butt Plate

I can't think of anything else I could ask for in a double rifle. I feel sorry for the seller that put this up for auction. The mediocre description of the Auction House never did justice for this fine rifle - which resulted in it selling for only $2500. And best of all, its NOT refinished.

I have brass coming from Buffalo Arms this weekend and I should have a range report soon.

As always your comments are very welcome ...

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/bury-000.jpg

 

[Huvius]

Looks refinished to me…
The black over the action over pitting and the blacked finish on the flats over lightly washed over proofs are pretty obvious.
Nice rifle nonetheless and a good buy for sure.

 

[buckstix]

Looks refinished to me…
The black over the action over pitting and the blacked finish on the flats over lightly washed over proofs are pretty obvious.
Nice rifle nonetheless and a good buy for sure.

Action is coin finish ... ?? ... looks original carded rust blue when examined in hand.

 

[matt85]

Nice find at a great price!

 

[AZDAVE]

Nice looking little double.

Congratz

 

[MS 9x56]

The wood is exquisite.

 

[Surgeon1]

That will be a fun small bore to take to Africa!

 

[Huvius]

Action is coin finish ... ?? ... looks original carded rust blue when examined in hand.

I see. I glossed over the phot0s at top.
The one I was focused on is the left of the action which in the lighting looks blacked.
Anyway, hard to judge out of hand - I'm probably wrong...
You may be able to use .358" bullets in this rifle if there is wear in the bores . I know most 9X57 Mausers shoot .358s just fine.

 

[PerH]

On Egun I have seen several for sale of doubles , combos and so . They used to rebore worn or shot out 8x57 Jrs to 9mm also .
With a 250 grain bullet out of the box , a good Forrest cartridge .

 

[buckstix]

I see. I glossed over the phot0s at top.
The one I was focused on is the left of the action which in the lighting looks blacked.
Anyway, hard to judge out of hand - I'm probably wrong...
You may be able to use .358" bullets in this rifle if there is wear in the bores . I know most 9X57 Mausers shoot .358s just fine.

I have seen a lot of Belgium guns and it looks good in hand. But, RIA also said it was refinished so you are not alone in your opinion. The mat rib is a "tell" for me. It is not muted at all. And the flats are bright, just bad lighting makes them look darker.

I use .358s in my 9x57 bolt gun and they work just fine. That's the plan as soon as I get my brass on Friday or Saturday ... from the unreliable USPS system.

 

[rookhawk]

I've owned a Jules Bury double rifle that was of a higher grade than yours. The action was more embellished, the stock geometry was exactly the same, however yours has near exhibition wood that is stunning.

Your gun was reworked, but it is a lovely rifle and you did damn near steal it.

If it were mine, I would be inclined to get the action cleaned up and engraved. Minor conservation of the barrels and you're off to the races. Alternatively, get it cleaned up and re-case color the action so the action condition matches the restoration done to the stock.

People don't judge original guns and they don't prejudice beautifully restored guns, they judge guns that are half one and half the other.

It should be an excellent rifle for midwest white tail and black bear.

 

[rigbymauser]

Lovely gun indeed. Congratulations. The 9x57R was once loaded with a 281grain bullet by DWM. A little pig thumper.

 

[MS 9x56]

I could almost guaranteed if you take it hunting you will never see another like it

 

[buckstix]

I see. I glossed over the phot0s at top.
The one I was focused on is the left of the action which in the lighting looks blacked.

Hello Huvius,
I take poor photos, and in an attempt to reduce glare, I think I made the flats look darkened. The are in fact shiny. In any case, it won't affect shooting.

"... however yours has near exhibition wood that is stunning...."
" ... Alternatively, get it cleaned up and re-case color the action so the action ..."

Hello rookhawk,
Yes, I was very surprised at the wonderful wood when I received it. The auction listing pictures and description didn't do it justice. The action is coin finish and I actually prefer that over case color. I'm not one to alter a rifle from the state in which I receive it. And, to repeat myself: "In any case, it won't affect shooting." I can't wait to get the brass so I can shoot this little beauty.

 

[rookhawk]

Hello Huvius,
I take poor photos, and in an attempt to reduce glare, I think I made the flats look darkened. The are in fact shiny. In any case, it won't affect shooting.

Hello rookhawk,
Yes, I was very surprised at the wonderful wood when I received it. The auction listing pictures and description didn't do it justice. The action is coin finish and I actually prefer that over case color. I'm not one to alter a rifle from the state in which I receive it. And, to repeat myself: "In any case, it won't affect shooting." I can't wait to get the brass so I can shoot this little beauty.

I cannot tell with certainty if it was originally coin finished or not. My Jules Bury was, but it also had full coverage rose and scroll in the Belgian style. While not definitive, it is often the case when you see gold inlay that it was originally case colored to create contrast. The patina to the action suggests it was case colored. One way you may be able to tell is by removing the trigger bow. The protected area covered by the guard on the action would show signs of perfect coin finish or would show traces of case coloring.

It may have been restocked by the pictures (the geometry looks VERY correct for a Jules Bury). The wood is near perfect and stands proud of the action. A sanding and refinish would have reduced the height of the wood. The action and barrels apparent condition is lower than the stock is why I speculate this is the case.

In any case, it’s worth a lot more than you paid for it. It’s a great caliber and a good quality maker, you’ll enjoy shooting it.

 

[buckstix]

Hello rookhawk,
I did as you said. There is not a trace of case color in any of the protected areas. I see what you mean about the gold inlay in a coin finish receiver. Its very hard to see the gold with the white around it. The bright reflection also detracts from seeing the gold. This must have been sold as a working gun. I've shown some additional pictures of the action and forearm metal. These show the coin finish and engraving. The engraving was very simple with only a thin border line and a few curly accents. There is no trace of case color, or refinishing.

 

[MS 9x56]

Now you need to take it out and blood it.