Pre war Niedner Sporting mauser

[Mike Webb]

Just found a real gem(to me at least) at local gun shop. A Niedner custom 98 kurz action sporter in .250/3000. Made, I think in 1934. Has Lyman receiver sight also mounted by Niedner, a flawless job. Checkered bolt knob, lever floorplate release, checkered trigger and engraved trapdoor buttplate holding a five piece Belding and Mull cleaning rod and jag. Checkering is worn and dinged and blue is worn but bore is excellent in 24 inch barrel. Have read from different sources that kurz action from Oberndorf was rarest even scarcer than magnum length. Also read from Michael Petrov, considered authority on Niedner rifles that Niedner only built 18 kurz sporters in 250/3000 Savage. If thats true I think its worthy of a first class rechecker, refinish and reblue from someone really good. What do you think?

 

[hunter5425]

I'd talk to a collector or collector group as refreshing antique guns can drastically decrease their value, however if that's what you like then go for it. A beautiful rifle by the way in a classic form.

 

[bjmurata]

That is a one sweet rifle , congrats to you on bringing it home.

 

[DGY]

If the bore is excellent and that you have the money(a full restoration can run you a few k I believe) then I think it is worth it but only if you go with a well renowned professional!

 

[9.3mauser]

That's a beauty of a rifle, well worth a proper restoration.

 

[JasonGTA]

I usually don't care for civilian hunting rifles but I don't think I would have been able to pass that up either. I'd personally leave it as is, I like the worn look.

 

[jbmauser]

Amazing rifle! Definitely do some research on whether refinishing it will hurt the value before you go through with it. Congrats on a cool find!

 

[Ardent]

I have a .250-3000 Kurz as well, the second Kurz I’ve ever owned or even seen in person. You have a beautiful and incredibly rare rifle, that I personally would let show its patina and age as she looks great to me. Look me up if ever selling, I’m just as partial to an experienced rifle that wears its wisdom as a pristine finish example.

 

[SuperCub]

Nice .... I looked at that rifle as well and almost bit on it. It's a very nice classic. You'll need some 117gr RNs for that.

You should show those pics to Chris Griesbach and ask him what he thinks about fixing it up. It won't be cheap if done by anyone good.

 

[Mike Webb]

Thanks for the compliments. Glad I'm not alone as a classic rifle admirer. I'm on the fence about restoration. It's missing it's sling swivels. Don't know where I'd find Niedner originals? From what I've read they used pretty much the same swivels on all Niedner rifles. Maybe much easier in the US as Niedner had a thriving business selling buttplates, swivels etc to gunsmith.

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

Lovely rifle fer sure. I'd be mighty tempted to give 'er a freshening up meself, but owing to the heritage & rareness of the bugger,
I'd just strip it down and thoroughly clean the metal up along with the inletting of the stock then reassemble and see how she shoots.
Measure the twist in the barrel to see if it is 1in14" or 1in10" before selecting bullets and loads.

 

[mark k]

Great find! Congratulations!