Mannlicher GK 1959

[Coolhand]

I thought perhaps the forum, or at least some members might enjoy my latest find. A 1959 Mannlicher GK in my all time favourite cartridge 7x64 Brenneke. The specs for those of you interested are.
Model GK 1959 Half Stock fitted with AKAH Claw mounts and topped with a Hensoldt Diavari 1.5-6x36 scope. The scope has elevation adjustment only, the windage is adjusted via the rear single claw mount, which is of a most cunning and precise design. The bore is almost pristine, barrel length 23-1/2", twist rate 1:9. Double set triggers of course, which are beautifully set and don't require any adjustment.
Interestingly, all the small parts are stamped with the last three digits of the serial number which is unusual for this later model. The Hensoldt scope 1st focal plane, whilst fitted with the typical German post reticles, is optically very bright and equal to if not superior to my current crop of Kahles scopes. The Hensoldt, off the rifle is quite heavy for its size but it really balances lovely on the rifle, it has a 30mm tube. I am guessing the scope is roughly the same vintage as the rifle, so 59 years old and still wonderfully good.The stock is very standard and has the typical German style cheek piece. Overall, I would say the rifle is about 96%, a few marks on the stock which I suggest is from poor storage rather than miss handling. The quest now begins to find a rifle in similar condition in 6.5x54MS.

regards
Mike

 

[SDC7x57]

That's a very nice rifle! Great to see that it's been well looked after. Hope you have fun with it!

 

[deeangeo]

Nice rifle Coolhand. I presume you reload for it?
I have a 6.5x54MSch Takedown of 1922 proof date. The barrel is well shot out, but the rest of the rifle is in pretty good condition. The action as slick as ever.
I'm getting it rebarrelled this year, and have taken lots of pics of the action/barrel markings as they are at present.
The barrel marks will be lost when the new barrel is fitted.

I have my sights set on two MSch stutzens at present, one,- another 6.5x54, the other a 7x57..hopefully later this year!

Good luck with yours.

 

[Tam the Gun]

Very nice indeed, lovely set up.

enjoy it.

 

[Coolhand]

Glad you enjoyed the pic, a mate has a 1903 takedown in 6.5x54 its scoped now if I didnt see it with my own eyes I would say "********" hand loads with M560 powder and 160 grain round nose bullets the thing shoots sub MOA!
I am now looking for a pre war 6.5x54. And today I heard there is a 1954 9.3x62 somewhere around town, that is one I would love to have. I have just bought 100 Norma 7x64 cases and think I shall run 160 grain bullets for reds and pigs.
Regards
Mike

 

[alberta boy]

Classic rifle in a great cartridge . I'm with you , I'd hunt down the 9.3X62 if I were you . Between the two , you'd be ready for most things . They still show up around here from time to time , but are highly sought after and command very high prices , and they're worth it . Thanks for posting .

AB

 

[Southern]

I have had a 1950 Steyr Express in .30-06 (as well as 1952 carbine in 6.5x54 and others ). These are great rifles. Anyone who wants a vintage one, don't feel that you have to have a pre-war model. The 1950 - 1968 of all flavors are really fine machinery.

 

[deeangeo]

The 1950 - 1968 of all flavors are really fine machinery.

Indeed so, .. the difference is the earlier one’s are Mannlicher Schoenauer with ‘Straight’ butterknife bolt handles.
Later, the company was bought out by Steyr Daimler, so their name was included on the rifle and the bolt handle angled with a ‘side’ safety added.
Essentially the rifles remained similar to original design though .. until the M72 was introduced.

 

[deeangeo]

The quest now begins to find a rifle in similar condition in 6.5x54MS.
regards Mike

There are lots of these GK MSch rifles/stutzens out there Mike, they’re just not as popular these days because of the difficulty ‘scoping’ them up with modern optics nicely, - due to the ‘split rear action’.

It can of course be done properly, but the mounts from EAW, Recknagel & Ziegler are expensive, not to mention somewhat complicated to fit.

Many folk though want to keep the original optics on these rifles, especially if fitted nicely and in decent condition.

 

[Coolhand]

deeango AB et al , luckily this 1959 GK came with a beautiful Hensoldt, equally the match for any of the top names optically. I have emailed Hensoldt to try and date the scope, and Hensoldt relied to say they have forwarded my question to the appropriate section. Most of the Mannlichers I have seen have all had scopes attached, some brilliant and others very poor and should I happen upon an un scoped model I would NOT have a scope mounted.
A pre war 6.5x54 Msch would be nice but I am not snobbish enough to dismiss a post war Mannlicher in 6.5x54.
Its has been very instructive comparing a 1903 model to a 1959 model. Not much has changed really but one can see minor cosmetic differences. The inner magazine assembly of the 1903 is all machined steel, whereas in my 1959 it is cast metal.
I recently viewed a 1925 Takedown in 30/06 cased, with all the original equipment, slings, cleaning gear and a two piece wooden Parker Hale cleaning rod. The rifle was distributed by C.B.Vaughan, Strand London, WC2. Owned by the chap who sold me the 1959 7x64, its a cracker to. He also has a 9.5x57. As much as I like the 9.3x62, should a 8x68S show up, the bank manager is in for a brow beating!

regards
Mike.

 

[alberta boy]

I would really like to get my hands on one in 9.5X57 . Lots of good bullets available , and a very high cool factor . I have a Husky 9.3X57 like Muirs , to be honest , it'll do anything the 9.5 will , but I've never let common sense slow me down yet lol .
I've never seen one chambered in 8X68 , that would make a very capable large game / long range rifle .

AB

 

[Coolhand]

I would really like to get my hands on one in 9.5X57 . Lots of good bullets available , and a very high cool factor . I have a Husky 9.3X57 like Muirs , to be honest , it'll do anything the 9.5 will , but I've never let common sense slow me down yet lol .
I've never seen one chambered in 8X68 , that would make a very capable large game / long range rifle .

AB

AB ... I have lusted after any classic vintage rifle in 8x68S for as long as I can recall. There is a Titan 6 for sale here but it does nothing for me. In fact there are a number of 'modern' 8x68's going around but I am looking for a Mauser Type A or B or a Mannlicher. But I might be waiting, both the 9.3x62 and 8x68 are rare in Mannlichers, there was one on Guns International, a fine example but $16,000.00 US. The 8x68 is still very popular in Sth Africa. I am not sure why the 8x68 is overlooked, there is plenty of brass and factory ammo available here, so there must be a few around.

regards
Mike.

 

[Pine Marten]

Well here's one in France in 8x68S for EURO700: Carabine de chasse 8x68s mannlicher schoenauer - Carabines à verrou Calibres 8x68S , 8x64S et 338 (4726477)

And here's one in 9.3x62 for EURO2250: Mannlicher Schoenauer - Mod. GK - 9.3 x 62 - Carabines à verrou Calibres 9.3x62 et 9.3x64 (4206767)

 

[Coolhand]

Well here's one in France in 8x68S for EURO700: Carabine de chasse 8x68s mannlicher schoenauer - Carabines à verrou Calibres 8x68S , 8x64S et 338 (4726477)

And here's one in 9.3x62 for EURO2250: Mannlicher Schoenauer - Mod. GK - 9.3 x 62 - Carabines à verrou Calibres 9.3x62 et 9.3x64 (4206767)

Dear Pine any chance you can slip over the Chunnel and pick them both up and post them down here please ?

Mike

 

[alberta boy]

AB ... I have lusted after any classic vintage rifle in 8x68S for as long as I can recall. There is a Titan 6 for sale here but it does nothing for me. In fact there are a number of 'modern' 8x68's going around but I am looking for a Mauser Type A or B or a Mannlicher. But I might be waiting, both the 9.3x62 and 8x68 are rare in Mannlichers, there was one on Guns International, a fine example but $16,000.00 US. The 8x68 is still very popular in Sth Africa. I am not sure why the 8x68 is overlooked, there is plenty of brass and factory ammo available here, so there must be a few around.

regards
Mike.

I had an older Brno 602 in 8X68 , well made , accurate , but weighed 11 pounds . It went to a buddy of mine who loves metric calibers .

AB

 

[Southern]

I recently ran across a Model S in 8x68mm in a pawn shop for $1,000. Big rifle. Felt very authoritative.

 

[Coolhand]

I recently ran across a Model S in 8x68mm in a pawn shop for $1,000. Big rifle. Felt very authoritative.

Southern, thats the problem, all the good stuff stays in Nth America or Europe, its a trickle down effect here. Fortunately there are a couple of blokes here that bring in the old stuff. I'm lucky in that one of those blokes is a good mate and I get first refusal if it's within my budget.

Mike.

 

[Remi]

I too have been looking at these Styer mannlicher rifles, with great envy I might add, however it’s the full stock versions that I prefer do any of you have experience with them in 270 say. I normally hunt with a big old Remington in 308 so I’d prefer something a little lighter and a lot more elegant. These older versions are my preferred option also as their is certainly a warmer feel to them but I have heard concerns about their accuracy?

 

[Heym SR20]

Nice rifle and can’t help feeling they got it right with windage on the base and simple elevation in the scope. Much less to go wrong.

A good friend has several of these including a 9.5 mannlicher in a case.

 

[deeangeo]

I too have been looking at these Styer mannlicher rifles, with great envy I might add, however it’s the full stock versions that I prefer do any of you have experience with them in 270 say. I normally hunt with a big old Remington in 308 so I’d prefer something a little lighter and a lot more elegant. These older versions are my preferred option also as their is certainly a warmer feel to them but I have heard concerns about their accuracy?

When you say ‘older versions’, ..
Do you mean modern (1980’s- Current) Steyr Mannlicher’s or the older (1903-1950’s Mannlicher Schoenauer .. (1960’s-1970’s) Steyr-Daimler-MSch GK
There’s a fair difference between the manufacturers models.

Accuracy issues were all pretty much related to poor wood/metal structure on the later 1980’s onwards Steyr Mannlicher M, L and Classic versions where muzzle interference occurs (from wood to barrel and muzzle cap to barrel) on many stutzen versions.
These are problems that can usually be sorted out and accuracy returns as there’s never normally anything wrong with the Steyr barrels or actions.

I’ve never ever come across or heard of the issue arising on any early Mannlicher Schoenauer stutzen versions where properly age seasoned wood was used.