Steyr Mannlicher Stutzens - a ‘love hate’ relationship!

[deeangeo]

I’m not talking here of the old Mannlicher Schoenauer stutzens, they work really sweetly all the time. I say that because other than ones with shot out barrels, I’ve never come across a bad one where accuracy was concerned.

Modern Steyr Mannlicher stutzens however are a much different animal and though delightful to handle and with excellent accuracy when they’re right, all the ones I’ve come across since the late 1980’s have, or have had muzzle interference issues from either wood, muzzle cap, or both.

An easy problem to sort out?
Sometimes it can be, other times not.
Pain in the arse?
Absolutely & maybe a good reason (apart from moderators) why the popularity of these has faded, BUT, sorted and they really are great to handle, especially in woodland areas or the lightweight is a benefit.

I just fail to understand why Steyr didn’t spend time in design and manufacture getting the muzzle stock/cap arrangement right

 

[Tam the Gun]

Just read this thread with great interest as I have recently been given 2 Mannlicher Schoenauer stutzen rifles.

looking forward to testing them. They are in great condition and should be a bit of fun.

 

[Yorric]

You lucky man Tam! - I'm green with envy! - Can I come & play?
My dream rifle is a long barrelled MS Stutzen in 7x57, with apperture iron tang sights. I shot one a few years ago at the Swarvski / Blaser day at Cawdor. At 300 yards first shot smack in the bull! Sublime!

I like my Steyer Manlicher Luxus 30-06 Stutzen a lot! It has real class & shoots nice tight groups.
I've not had any problems with the forend touching the barrel, but it is a bit of a chore stopping cleaning fluid getting onto the wood at the muzzle.

 

[deeangeo]

Just read this thread with great interest as I have recently been given 2 Mannlicher Schoenauer stutzen rifles.
looking forward to testing them. They are in great condition and should be a bit of fun.

Wow! That is a really fantastic gift.

Do you know anything of their proof dates? I think you’d only find the dates if the action/barrel is removed from the stock though.

Their serial numbers are pretty meaningless now, as all records of production disappeared when the production site was destroyed during WW2, so now, proof dates give the nearest indication of manufacture.

I’m curious to know what calibres you have too.
Good luck with them, they are truly great rifles.

 

[sir-lamp-alot]

I do like stutzens but..... I think this sums it up

 

[deeangeo]

You lucky man Tam! - I'm green with envy! - Can I come & play?
My dream rifle is a long barrelled MS Stutzen in 7x57, with apperture iron tang sights. I shot one a few years ago at the Swarvski / Blaser day at Cawdor. At 300 yards first shot smack in the bull! Sublime!

I like my Steyer Manlicher Luxus 30-06 Stutzen a lot! It has real class & shoots nice tight groups.
I've not had any problems with the forend touching the barrel, but it is a bit of a chore stopping cleaning fluid getting onto the wood at the muzzle.

All MSch 7x57 stutzens I’ve seen advertised at auctions, here in UK, US and European websites in the last three years have been Steyr Daimler GK rifles and I admit to recently thinking maybe I’ll buy one ... but, they’re not actually quite the original MSch I’m after.
Same design apart from a couple of changes, but not original ‘Period’ as in Karen von Blixen etc .. early 1900’s.
Of course, anything in this cal. of that period, in decent condition, is going to have quite a price tag!

 

[Tam the Gun]

I will investigate proof marks next week or so as I too am interested.

one is 7x57
the other is 6.5 x54

both have an offset rail and quick release off set rings.

Received from a good friend who has asked me to look at selling them for him.

 

[bazil]

I have two of these stunning rifles 30-06 and .243 what’s not to like bazil

 

[Pine Marten]

I just fail to understand why Steyr didn’t spend time in design and manufacture getting the muzzle stock/cap arrangement right

I have a Steyr-Mannlicher Classic Stutzen in 7mm-08 and I haven't noticed any muzzle interference problems. The stock cap doesn't float perfectly equidistant from the muzzle on all sides, but it doesn't touch it, it's a genuinely free-floating barrel.

I agree with you, they're lovely, beautiful, a pleasure to handle, and they shoot just fine. They're just not very fashionable right now, and you can't sensibly put a moderator on them. But it really doesn't matter, in practice, it's used as a single shot rifle and it's particularly loud anyway.

2017-03-13_10-48-28 by pinemarten, on Flickr

 

[deeangeo]

I have a Steyr-Mannlicher Classic Stutzen in 7mm-08 and I haven't noticed any muzzle interference problems. The stock cap doesn't float perfectly equidistant from the muzzle on all sides, but it doesn't touch it, it's a genuinely free-floating barrel.

I agree with you, they're lovely, beautiful, a pleasure to handle, and they shoot just fine. They're just not very fashionable right now, and you can't sensibly put a moderator on them. But it really doesn't matter, in practice, it's used as a single shot rifle and it's particularly loud anyway.

2017-03-13_10-48-28 by pinemarten, on Flickr

Agreed PM, I have always had stutzens in my cabinet & enjoy them very much.
However, the number of Mod L, M and Classic stutzens I’ve found with the muzzle interference problem is surprising.
Both wood and muzzle cap interfering with the barrel, easily seen by the ‘witness’ marks evident in the blueing.
Doesn’t put me off, but if they designed and made them rather better, the problem could easily be eliminated.

I think with their current range though, stutzens have been left out??
Cheers

 

[Pine Marten]

I think with their current range though, stutzens have been left out??
Cheers

They're still there, just not being marketed much:
Steyr Mannlicher SM12 - Steyr Mannlicher

STEYR MANNLICHER CL II - Steyr Mannlicher

 

[pj1]

Has anybody had any experience of the Sako 85 stutzens. Don't want to detract from the mannlicher lovin going on but i do love the look of the Sako stutzen

 

[deeangeo]

They're still there, just not being marketed much:
Steyr Mannlicher SM12 - Steyr Mannlicher

STEYR MANNLICHER CL II - Steyr Mannlicher

Ahaa, so they are ..

 

[WildBoarHunter]

I liked the classic "jager" look of stutzen rifles all my life. Finally decided to get one. Steyr Mannlicher was an obvious choice, since they invented stutzen rifles. I came across an early Steyr Mannlicher Luxus with side safety, monte carlo stock, all steel construction with 3 cartridge single stack mag and Kahles Helia 6×42 S scope. Must be from the early 80's. Pre 85' model. Very elegant, short and compact rear locking design. Just wanted to check what people's opinions are about these rifles. Are they a sound investment? It's chambered in 6.5×57 and since I allready own 6.5×55 and love it, I said why not.

 

[Scipio]

You lucky man Tam! - I'm green with envy! - Can I come & play?
My dream rifle is a long barrelled MS Stutzen in 7x57, with apperture iron tang sights. I shot one a few years ago at the Swarvski / Blaser day at Cawdor. At 300 yards first shot smack in the bull! Sublime!

I like my Steyer Manlicher Luxus 30-06 Stutzen a lot! It has real class & shoots nice tight groups.
I've not had any problems with the forend touching the barrel, but it is a bit of a chore stopping cleaning fluid getting onto the wood at the muzzle.

i have 7x57 MS GK, with a 20,5 inch barrel. Is that what you mean by long barreled ?
I havnt shot it at 300 meters yet, but perhaps is should start too ,D

 

[Scipio]

ps. i'd love to have the tang sights too, and to use the rifle entirely without optics, but finding the right sights and mounting them properly seems to be quite a mission, if the rifle wasnt born with it, already.

 

[J Shave]

Hi there to you all , I'm looking for a 308 Stutzen if anybody has 1 for sale preferably a Mannlicher

 

[aledilltyd]

I have a late 70s early 80s Stayer Mannlicher Luxus that used to be a schtutzen. It handled perfectly but the tip of the stock had become rotten and would not group properly. I removed the stock, made a new sporting stock, glass beded it had a thread cut for a mod and it still works very well. It will cloverleaf at 100m when I'm concentrating. It is not as pretty as it was but it shoots a load better.

 

[Yorric]

i have 7x57 MS GK, with a 20,5 inch barrel. Is that what you mean by long barreled ?
I havnt shot it at 300 meters yet, but perhaps is should start too ,D

If I remember correctly, the MS I shot had a 24"long barrel and its rear sight was a factory fit. It was sublime, beautifully engraved too. A real classy piece of craftsmanship. Like a "Best" gun!

 

[bfltd0]

I do have a soft spot for the Stutzen format of rifles. My Steyrs are all modern with synthetic stocks but if I decide to get another calibre, this is definitely an option. An MS Stutzen would make an excellent woodland set-up. Just have to remember my ear defenders, in lieu of a moderator.