Niedner - Mauser Oberndorf 98 Kurz Short Action .250-3000 Sporter, MFD 1931

Here's a very scarce rifle! This rifle is built on an Oberndorf Mauser Kurz (Short) action. This scarce factory variation of the classic Mauser 98 action was manufactured in very limited numbers for the sporting market. This particular action was finished by the Niedner Rifle Corporation, one of the most significant builders of classic American pre-war sporting rifles. Niedner was literally famous for the accuracy of their rifles. Prior to WWII, it you needed an accurate target rifle, varmint gun or sporting rifle, you had Niedner barrel the gun! This rifle is chambered for the popular .250-3000 (aka .250 Savage). It wears a 24" barrel with gold bead front sight on a matted ramp. The rear sight would have been a Lyman 48 (now missing). This rifle has matching Mauser numbered parts on receiver, trigger guard, floor plate, bolt sleeve, bolt stop, etc. The bolt handle has been turned down and the bolt number obliterated. The Niedner barrel number is 875 which dates this rifle to mid-1931 production. The receiver has been drilled and tapped for scope mounting and there is a Buehler low-swing safety installed. The floor plate and trigger guard are beautifully engraved, likely by master engraver Rudolph Kornbrath. The floorplate features a moose while the attention to detail on the accompanying scroll is amazing! The metal finish shows general wear and thinning but would rate about 50-60% overall.
The stock is a work of art, probably made by Niedner's famous in-house stock maker, Thomas Shelhamer. It is crafted from beautifully figured dark walnut and features a scnable tip, fluer-de-lis checkering, horn pistol grip cap, and of course a checkered steel Niedner buttplate! The stock is in very nice shape without cracks or chips. The inletting for the Lyman 48 receiver sight has been neatly filled.
The Length of Pull measures 13-1/2". The mechanics appear to be in good working order. The bore rates very good to near excellent with bright, sharp rifling.
This is a very handsome rifle that passed through the hands of some of the best craftsman of the previous century!