German Schuetzen .22LR Rifle W/ Schultz & Larsen Otterpup 26.75” Barrel C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,497
WOA:WY240316MC018
Make: German Receiver with Schultz & Larsen Barrel.
Model: Schuetzen Rifle
Serial Number: Receiver: 35
Year of Manufacture: Post 1920.
Caliber: 22LR
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block Action, with set triggers.
Markings: The top of the barrel near the action is marked “SCHULTZ & LARSEN OTTERPUP”. The top of the action is marked “35”. The right side of the action is engraved with “BACH” and two proofs. The right side of the stock is marked “HARRITS / TLE 7196 / AARHUS”. The rear sight is marked “HARRITS AARHUS” and “8”. The lower left side of the receiver is marked “SIMPSON LTD G’BURG IL”.
Barrel Length: 26.75” Bull Barrel.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an interchangeable disc Globe sight currently installed with a Circle Post disc. The front sight is dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Diopter Peep sight with a large eye disc that is screw set to the side of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The Stock is a right handed, wooden, semi- “Tyrolian” style stock with oversized Cheek Shelf. The length of pull is 12.75”. With a checkered wrist and grip. The butt plate is a Schuetzen style “hook” metal buttplate. The forend is also a wooden, Checkered oversized Schnabel style. The wood shows scattered compressions and surface scratches.There are also some scattered scuff marks on the stock and forend. There is also a small chip on the right side leading edge of the forend. There are no visible cracks, the checkering is well defined. Overall the wood on this rifle is in Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are scattered nicks and lines in the blueing throughout the barrel. The left side of the barrel has a patch where the finish has worn off. The muzzle has lost its finish. The barrel also has scattered rust freckling in the blueing. The barrel also has a notable scrape near the muzzle on the left side. The receiver also has several small nicks. The hook, lower tang, lever, triggers, parts of the sights and sling swivels all have finish loss and patina marks from age with scattered rust freckling present. The action has begun to patina and has some rust freckling present. The top of the block has surface scratches from use. The screw heads are undamaged and sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition given its presumed age.
Mechanics: This rifle has double set triggers, which function correctly. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a forend extension / Bag rider that screws to the forend, and a removed thumb shelf that attaches to the stock.
Our Assessment: Schuetzen rifles, also known as “schützen” rifles (German for “shooter” or “marksman”), are a class of single-shot rifles historically associated with target shooting competitions in Germany and the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These rifles were specifically designed for precision shooting at stationary targets, emphasizing accuracy and consistency. One of the defining characteristics of Schuetzen rifles is their long, heavy barrels. Typically featuring octagonal profiles, these barrels help dampen barrel vibrations, reduce muzzle movement, and contribute to improved accuracy. The added length also allows for greater sight radius, aiding in precise aiming. Many Schuetzen rifles are equipped with set triggers, a feature with two stages of operation. The first stage sets the trigger mechanism, reducing the trigger pull weight for the second stage, resulting in a lighter and more predictable trigger break. This enhances shooter control and precision. Precision target shooting requires precise aiming, and Schuetzen rifles often come with highly adjustable sights. These sights allow shooters to make fine adjustments for elevation and windage, ensuring accurate placement of shots on target. Schuetzen rifles are also known for their elaborate stocks, often adorned with intricately carved designs and decorative elements. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these stocks provide a comfortable and stable platform for shooting. In terms of caliber versatility, Schuetzen rifles were produced in various calibers, ranging from smaller rimfire cartridges to larger centerfire cartridges. Shooters could select a caliber based on their specific shooting discipline and preferences, with some competitions having caliber restrictions or preferences.
This example has a Schultz & Larsen Otterpup barrel. The action functions smoothly, the trigger pull is almost non existent and the break is extremely clean. This rifle is chambered in 22LR making ammunition inexpensive and easy to find. Overall, Schuetzen rifles were purpose-built for competitive shooting matches, where accuracy and consistency were paramount. While their popularity waned with the advent of more modern rifle designs, they remain highly prized among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage firearms and competitive shooting history. Today, Schuetzen rifles are cherished as examples of fine craftsmanship and precision engineering from a bygone era. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
