Georg Gohring Garmisch Martini Schuetzen 8.15x46R 30" Target Rifle
Our Assessment:The Schuetzen style target rifles were produced from the late 19th century through the early 20th century primarily in Imperial Germany. The gun’s name comes from the German word Schütze (lit. shooter) and were made for competitive target shooting which was popular at the time. The guns were produced mainly by small gunsmiths scattered throughout the German Empire who beautifully engraved their firearms. These guns were made for competitive shooting and have target sights, double set-triggers, interesting grip patterns on their wrists and unique cheek-pieces. The rifles were chambered for a variety of calibers, many of which are obsolete today making positive identification especially difficult. The production of these ornate rifles began to dissipate after WWI. This particular rifle was made by the Garmisch-based craftsman Georg Gohring. In the absence of a caliber designation, we believe that this rifle is chambered for 8.15x46R and we were able to chamber and extract brass, though you will want to confirm this before attempting to shoot. The receiver features intricate relief engraving with a mixture of floral motif scroll, fruits, and game scenes. The left side of the action is engraved with a stag and the right side displays a game bird. The bottom of the receiver features a game dog below another bird and rounding out the animal theme on the metal, there is a bust of a pronghorn displayed on the lever. Not content with displaying his immense skill on the metal alone, Mr. Gohring continued the engraving theme onto the wood stocks which have deep relief scroll and another game scene. The craftsmanship is insane and it is hard to imagine how long this rifle took to build. The nominal 30" octagonal barrel is proudly marked with Mr. Gohrning's name and hometown in silver inlay. The target sights and the light set trigger combine for what was the pinnacle of accuracy at the time it was built. The gun remains mechanically sound despite its age. Perhaps even more importantly, the rifle is beautiful with impressive scroll engravings and reliefs.
Make:Georg Gohring, Garmisch Germany
Model:Martini Schuetzen Target Rifle
Serial Number:NSN
Year of Manufacture:Circa 1891-1914, C&R
Caliber:8.15x46R. The bottom of the barrel is marked 172/28. We tested an empty brass case and it chambered and extracted properly. In the absence of caliber designation markings, you will want to cast the chamber before attempting to fire.
Action Type:Double Set-Trigger Falling Block Rifle
Barrel Length:29 1/2"
Weight:12 lbs 11 oz
Sights / Optics:The front sight is a beaded blade in a serrated ramped base. The right side of the base appears to have an adjustment screw but the shank of the screw is broken. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture peep sight that is mounted to a base on the tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition:The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut. The stocks have a cheekpiece, straight wrist, right side thumb rest, scroll engraving, relief engraving, and a metal schuetzen buttplate. There is a chip loss on the front edge of the cheekpiece. There is a crack on the right side of the forend at the rear. There is a hole on the belly from a previously installed sling stud. There are some scattered compressions, nicks, dings, scuffs, and marks through the finish. There are some areas of discoloration. There are some scattered handling marks. The checkering has remained well defined with some minor rub wear and nicks. The engraving is well defined and deep. The LOP is approximately 11 and 12 inches from the triggers to the rear of the buttplate. The buttplate has some scattered areas of oxidation and light scabbing. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish:Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality:Original
Bore Condition:The bore is semi-bright, darker in the grooves. There is some erosion, the majority of which is in the grooves. There are a few little patches of minor surface pitting. In my opinion, this bore is a 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition:The rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The case colored frame, lever and buttplate have some surviving finish but they are now mostly in the white. There are some areas of erosion, most notable on the barrel toward the chamber. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some scattered little nicks and a few minor scratches. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics:The action functions correctly.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
RIFLE