Original German Half Stock Schützen 4.5mm Pellet Target Rifle by C. Stiegele of München with Set Trigger - Circa 1895

Original Item: Only One Available. A Schützen (also spelled Schuetzen) is a type of rifle used in European long-range competition. Its German root is from the word Schütze which can be translated as “shooter.” The earliest usage was to denote units of marksmen or sharpshooters back in the days of muzzleloading firearms. Some sources claim that it was once used to describe archers or more specifically crossbowmen. These rifles are typically heavy and can weigh upwards of 15 pounds. All shooting with these rifles is done standing using a palm rest and butt stock prongs to help the shooter balance the rifle so the weight aids in stability.

When Schützen became a competitive sport in Germany and the surrounding areas, many gun makers built these rifles to specifically fit an individual shooter. Being bespoke, that means that it will often not fit anyone else perfectly with regards to grip, length of pull, cheek rest configuration or even how the butt plate fits the shoulder. These were made by well known artisan level gunsmiths, and this example is marked on the top of the barrel with C. STIEGELE. MÜNCHEN, for very well-regarded maker Carl Anton Stiegele, located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. He would later take into business his brother Gründer as well as his son Carl, during which time they made guns for many exceedingly well-heeled clients. A quick google search can find many examples, and we also found this lovely archive at German Hunting Guns - Stiegele, Carl Anton. 

We removed the fore stock, and there is the number 11063 on the bottom of the barrel and on the inside of the fore stock, which we assume is the serial number. There are additional markings on the bottom of the barrel, but we do not see any of the usual firearm proof marks for a German gun, leading us to believe that this was purpose made as a pellet rifle that looked like a Schützen rifle. There is also a SYSTEM / STIEGELE cartouche just above the port in the bottom of the barrel, so if this was modified, it was done by the Stiegele company itself.

This example is half stocked, and is definitely different than most we see, as it is actually now currently set up as a 4.5mm pellet rifle. We do not know if this was the original configuration, but it definitely is now, and cannot be made to use any other type of projectile. It looks like it was based on or converted from a falling-block action, however that now pulls back a plunger that runs down the barrel, which when the trigger is pulled propels the pellet out of the 7 inch insert at the front of the rifle. As with other pellet guns we see, it is actually loaded through a hole in the bottom of the barrel about 7 inches from the muzzle. There is a small carrier for the pellet that rotates into the barrel, and then locks in place.

The rifle is about 44 3/8 inches in overall length, and is equipped with an elaborate wood stock with a large intricate butt plate. It is fitted with a SET TRIGGER enclosed in an elaborate iron trigger guard operating lever with finger grooves. There is a rear sight on the tang of the receiver, which is adjustable but looks to be missing some type of aperture that would normally be inside it, while the front sight is a well protected "ball on stick" type. The butt stock has a massive cheek piece on the left side, as well as the usual hooked butt plate of a Schützen rifle, while the right side has a thumb grip which has checkering behind. The fore stock also has some lovely checkering and foliate designs where it meets the receiver, which match those on the butt stock. There are two small sling swivels on the bottom of the pellet rifle, one on the bottom of the butt stock, and one on the bottom of the barrel.

As best we can tell, the pellet rifle is fully functional, however we have no way to test it. The action must be cocked before the pellet carrier can be moved in and out of the barrel. To do this, the rear trigger must be "set" first, which allows the plunger in the barrel to be retracted. When the plunger is back, the carrier can be swung out, a new pellet placed, and then returned to the closed position. At this point, with the lever back in the closed position, the rear trigger must be "set" again, after which the front trigger releases the plunger. We are not sure this is how it is supposed to work, as the action may be out of adjustment.

Condition is really fabulous, with a lovely patina on the metalwork, an the wood showing a lovely glow. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1895
Caliber: 4.5mm
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm pellet
Barrel Length: 23 3/4 inches - 7 inch insert
Overall Length: 44 3/8 inches
Action: Lever
Feed System: Barrel Loaded

NOTE: BB Guns / Pellet Guns are restricted in many areas in the United States. Please check local laws prior to ordering.