New Member looking for info and possible value on Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer

[McGhee]

Hello All,
I've just joined from the SW Missouri Ozarks. I've been looking around here for a while, mainly reading up on 9.3x57 to start loading for the Husqvarna I recently picked up. This question, however, is in regards the above mentioned Steyr. There seems to be several here knowledgeable on these fine pieces. I have a 1903 takedown rifle from I think 1928 in 6.5x54 that I'd like to get info and a rough value estimate on.

I tried to get good pics of all the markings and proofs, including the unfortunately prominent import mark. I gather from the "not English make" it probably spent a good portion of its life in the UK. The stock isn't that red in person. The rifling is in excellent condition and its a good shooter and the stock is solid with no cracks. Thank you for your information,
Nathan

 

[coreydb]

You might have some luck sending your pics to the better known gun auction houses like Rock Island Auction, Montrose Auction, or Morphy Auction House. They all take consignments, so I imagine they could provide some insight as to the price.

 

[Muskox]

Here in Germany that is a 200 Euro gun. Ones that are almost brand new are less than 1000 Euros.

They never really were tack-drivers and ethical shots require decent accuracy. there are quite a few scope mounts available for them though. They all need gunsmith work to be installed.

I would think in America I would bring $500-800.

To refinish it to new would cost $3000-5000ish.

To refinish to a milserp standard probably under $1000. Sand the stock and refinish with oil. Bead blast and cerakote the metal work.

Scope mount is probably $500 plus $200 worth of work if not more.

I was on a hunt with a guy from Vienna with one and neither he or it could hit the back side of a barn. They finally took his gun away from him and used the guides Zastava. He killed a nice little buck.

 

[SaintPanzer]

I think I disagree. I paid 200 euro for a stützen from 1921 that was in much worse shape than that, and saw many on eGun that were in the 900 to 1200 euro range. Here is a 6.5X57 from the 50s or so that is selling for 1300 euro or so. https://egun.de/market/item.php?id=20179039. I saw a 6.5X54 listed for 2000 euro, but alas, no photos.

The original take down pin that you have there is probably worth $200, just for that part. But I wouldn't suggest parting it out.

What's really depressing the market right now in Europe, especially for the older rifles, is the lack of interest in the latest generation. There is less hunting, and those that are getting their licenses are more interested in the newer weapons. Because of the laws in Germany, when an older hunter passes to the Happy Hunting Grounds, his heirs are either selling through consignment at cut-rate prices, or having them destroyed. It's sad really.

Accurate? My 1939 version is easily a 2MOA gun without the scope. WDM Bell certainly found it accurate enough for brain shots on elephant. The bigger issue is the 160 grain round nose loses speed (and therefore energy) quickly. The 140 grain is a spitzer, and much better in that regard.

The takedown models are not as easily found as the others. It is a specialty item, ammunition is not easy to find. That's really the problem. The auction houses might give you an "expected value", or you can list it on guns international or the like and see what kind of offers come through. You might also consider contacting the Mannlicher Collectors Association and see what they say.

Here's a takedown model, without the correct take down pin, listed as "sale pending" on Guns International for $1500. YMMV. https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...x54-cheekpiece-trap-door.cfm?gun_id=103415996


I hesitate to put out a price, because that's the type of thing I'm always interested in, and I wouldn't want to lead turn you in one direction or another. I will say if you want to accept "that's a 200 euro gun", I'll give you that much for it at today's conversion rate in US dollars right now. But I'd feel guilty about that.

 

[Muskox]

https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20266934 less than $60 USD currently.

https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20267138 less than $2 USD currently.

I doubt either one of them will bring more than 250 Euros, based on their condition.

The rifle you post for 1200 Euros has zero bids. But It's pretty nice.
https://egun.de/market/item.php?id=20179039. I think this would sell today for 800 Euros.

This rifle is also really nice and has 250 Euro worth of bids on it. I believe this will go for 600 Euros.

Stutzen Jagdgewehr Repetierbüchse Repetierer Steyr Kal. 6,5x54 Mannlicher mit ZF OIGEE auf SEM - eGun

This one is stunning a 7x64 so a more desirable caliber in excellent condition. No bids at 450 Euros.

Mannlicher Schönauer Mod. GK 7x64 - eGun

 

[deewayne2003]

Here in Germany that is a 200 Euro gun. Ones that are almost brand new are less than 1000 Euros.

They never really were tack-drivers and ethical shots require decent accuracy. there are quite a few scope mounts available for them though. They all need gunsmith work to be installed.

I would think in America I would bring $500-800.

To refinish it to new would cost $3000-5000ish.

To refinish to a milserp standard probably under $1000. Sand the stock and refinish with oil. Bead blast and cerakote the metal work.

Scope mount is probably $500 plus $200 worth of work if not more.

I was on a hunt with a guy from Vienna with one and neither he or it could hit the back side of a barn. They finally took his gun away from him and used the guides Zastava. He killed a nice little buck.

Problem is you are quoting European prices and he’s in America.

There are guns all over the EU that are worth much more than what they are listed for but it seems Europeans have grown disenchanted with jumping through endless red tape to own a rifle.

On the other hand in the USA where private sales are legal and even FFL transfers are nothing compared to EU billshit.

 

[MS 9x56]

Here in Germany that is a 200 Euro gun. Ones that are almost brand new are less than 1000 Euros.

They never really were tack-drivers and ethical shots require decent accuracy. there are quite a few scope mounts available for them though. They all need gunsmith work to be installed.

I would think in America I would bring $500-800.

To refinish it to new would cost $3000-5000ish.

To refinish to a milserp standard probably under $1000. Sand the stock and refinish with oil. Bead blast and cerakote the metal work.

Scope mount is probably $500 plus $200 worth of work if not more.

I was on a hunt with a guy from Vienna with one and neither he or it could hit the back side of a barn. They finally took his gun away from him and used the guides Zastava. He killed a nice little buck.

I simply could not imagine putting ceracoat on a Mannlicher Scoenauer rifle. Oh the horror!

 

[SaintPanzer]

I simply could not imagine putting ceracoat on a Mannlicher Scoenauer rifle. Oh the horror!

The issue is a gun that was seriously pitted. The right cerekote (one that looks like bluing) is the difference between giving the rifle use, and giving up on it completely. The real horror is never using the rifle again, because someone, for whatever reason, was not able to properly care for it.

The rifle I found in poor condition was put into a safe, and then the owner grew ill. Because of the Weapons Law, he was the only one with keys/access to the safe. As he became more ill, so did the rifle.

Yes, I saw those, and they have low bids. Keep an eye on them. My experience with those rifles is the last 20 hours or so in the auction will see a serious jump in price. And, as stated, the market for classic rifles on eGun is falling, due to the hoops one must jump through to own and use such a thing. This is especially true for those rifles with difficult to find chambering, as even a reloading license adds to the burden.

If there are any lawyers on the forum who understand FFLs and import licenses, I'd really like to speak with you.

 

[Grandpa Moose]

I simply could not imagine putting ceracoat on a Mannlicher Scoenauer rifle. Oh the horror!

Only a damn fool would use sand paper on any rifle and ceracoat on a classic. Muskox may have hunted all over but did not learn about proper firearm treatment

 

[Kynoch2015]

A nice example. I wouldn’t touch a thing. Screws are nice. As mentioned, do NOT lose that takedown pin. Almost unobtainium. The takedown feature is nice with the pin and the lever in front of the trigger guard. Does there happen to be a cleaning rod under the trapdoor in the butt plate? Was always amazed that when on an empty MS rifle, you hold the muzzle down, safety off, trigger pulled in and bolt pulled back, letting the bolt fall free it will completely close.

 

[steve white]

It is tragic how the market has fallen due to walnut and blued steel being and older gentleman thing. But you would spend a pretty penny on a new one and there IS a new MS clone out. If push comes to shove, they can be rebarreled as easily as any other. Scope mounting is a bit difficult. But don't count it out until you shoot it. A good cleaning, tune up and special loads and I have seen very few that couldn't achieve 1.5 Moa or better.

 

[steve white]

Here in Germany that is a 200 Euro gun. Ones that are almost brand new are less than 1000 Euros.

They never really were tack-drivers and ethical shots require decent accuracy. there are quite a few scope mounts available for them though. They all need gunsmith work to be installed.

I would think in America I would bring $500-800.

To refinish it to new would cost $3000-5000ish.

To refinish to a milserp standard probably under $1000. Sand the stock and refinish with oil. Bead blast and cerakote the metal work.

Scope mount is probably $500 plus $200 worth of work if not more.

I was on a hunt with a guy from Vienna with one and neither he or it could hit the back side of a barn. They finally took his gun away from him and used the guides Zastava. He killed a nice little buck.

He stated this one was a good shooter, with great rifling.

 

[Muskox]

Only a damn fool would use sand paper on any rifle and ceracoat on a classic. Muskox may have hunted all over but did not learn about proper firearm treatment

I am not talking about a hack job.

 

[Muskox]

https://shop.miedler-waffen.at/System-Mannlicher-Schoenauer-Mod-2003. new production gun for situational awareness.

 

[steve white]

Hello All,
I've just joined from the SW Missouri Ozarks. I've been looking around here for a while, mainly reading up on 9.3x57 to start loading for the Husqvarna I recently picked up. This question, however, is in regards the above mentioned Steyr. There seems to be several here knowledgeable on these fine pieces. I have a 1903 takedown rifle from I think 1928 in 6.5x54 that I'd like to get info and a rough value estimate on. View attachment 746383View attachment 746384View attachment 746387View attachment 746388View attachment 746389View attachment 746391View attachment 746392View attachment 746393View attachment 746394View attachment 746395View attachment 746396View attachment 746397View attachment 746398View attachment 746399View attachment 746400View attachment 746401View attachment 746402View attachment 746403View attachment 746404View attachment 746390
I tried to get good pics of all the markings and proofs, including the unfortunately prominent import mark. I gather from the "not English make" it probably spent a good portion of its life in the UK. The stock isn't that red in person. The rifling is in excellent condition and its a good shooter and the stock is solid with no cracks. Thank you for your information,
Nathan

Classic rifle and cartridge, excellent bore, undamaged stock, shoots great==a great shooter, that needs to be used. Even has a peep sight.
Don't want it? That can be easily fixed!

 

[Grandpa Moose]

I am not talking about a hack job.

I fully agree with MS9x56; the rifle is in good condition for age and having been hinted with. ANY refinishing immediately reduces vLue sanding leaves metal proud of wood looking like crap and ruins checkering. Metal work or reblueing makes rifle look fake. As a retired gunsmith my advice is based on years of experience

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20266934 less than $60 USD currently.

https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20267138 less than $2 USD currently.

I doubt either one of them will bring more than 250 Euros, based on their condition.

If those same arms were offered in the United States they would sell rapidly at exponentially higher prices.

 

[McGhee]

Thanks everyone, I've wanted one of these for a long time but I haven't really 'bonded' with it, probably being left handed has something to do with it. I've honestly enjoyed my $350 Husky a lot more, guess I'm just a Mauser guy.
But I'm not falling over myself to sell it right away either. I wouldn't consider sanding & cerakoting a classic rifle like this even if the finish was badly worn. That's for ar15s & remington 700s. It doesn't have the cleaning rod anymore. I do think I will have to pass on the €200 offer

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

Hello All,
I've just joined from the SW Missouri Ozarks. I've been looking around here for a while, mainly reading up on 9.3x57 to start loading for the Husqvarna I recently picked up. This question, however, is in regards the above mentioned Steyr. There seems to be several here knowledgeable on these fine pieces. I have a 1903 takedown rifle from I think 1928 in 6.5x54 that I'd like to get info and a rough value estimate on. View attachment 746404

Sir:

To answer your question directly; from what I can assess from images I would say it would be foolish to accept less than $1200 USD if sold in the United States (unless you sell it to me for $800, of course).

Prior to commenting further I'd like to impart advice that may or may not be redundant to you: do not alter anything about that rifle, please.

Here's more:

What you have is among the finest and most storied sporting rifles ever produced, in its original form and in the most popular chambering for its type. The light, handy, instinctively pointable little carbine gained a dedicated following soon after its introduction (1900) and became an indispensable bit of kit for any Great White Hunter entering the Orient or deepest Africa, thus your authentic and appropriate British proofs.

This is the reason for the 'Take Down' feature. A TD MS so cased fit inside the usual full sized 'steamer trunk' used for travel on ocean liners. The TD is not a modification, they were built as such by Oesterreiche Wafferfabriken Geshellschaft Steyr.

The Austrian proofs and manufacturer's serials, alignment and depth marks of barrel to action are all proper. Your estimate of proof date is correct. It was the 679th arm to be nitro proofed at Vienna (NPv) in 1928.

The 'pop up' tang sight was an original and desirable 'cost option' and works quite well.

As asked by another member, do you have the rods that fit in buttstock? If not, repros can be found.

The facts that your MS has not been cut, drilled, or milled for a 'scope are positive assets, as is the original finish of stock. Though metal and stock show what appears to be honest, well earned wear I would leave all original and as is.

You may find this thread to be of interest: Mannlicher Schoenauer

In an odd way, the far more recent "importer's mark" seems a natural progression of the rifle's journey. Now it's up to you.

I'd keep it.

 

[steve white]

There are replacement cleaning rods for sale in the classified section of the newsletter for the Mannlicher Collectors Association. They are made by a Danish member Phillip Sparholdt I believe.The gun balances most correctly with them in the buttstock.