Factory Engraved Left Handed Karl Hauptmann 8x68 mm Mauser Bolt Action

Founded in 1939, Karl Hauptmann has long been at the forefront of Austrian gunmaking. Today, they are one of the finest makers of fine arms in Austria, delivering only the highest quality of guns and rifles under the stewardship of the third generation of Hauptmann to run the family business. Built with a blued steel barrel featuring a banded foresight with Holland & Holland style flip over moon sight, island rear sight base with three-leaf (one standing, two folding) rear sight, and barrel band with front sling swivel all showing beautiful gold inlaid designs. The barrel is marked with 2003 dated Austrian proof marks on the left of the chamber area, import mark on underside ahead of the forend, gold wedges at either side of the breech, "KARL HAUPTMANN FERLACH" inlaid in gold ahead of the rear sight, and "CAL. 8X68S" and "NR. 232999" in gold inlay behind. The barrel is fitted to the richly casehardened modern double square bridge Mauser type action with Model 70 type wing safety and tang mounted sliding "stalking" safety and extended top strap in a left handed configuration which displays more of the highly attractive gold inlaid designs which continue onto the bolt handle, ejector box, bolt sleeve, and the integral scope quick release swing mount which holds a Swarovski Habicht 4-16x50mm scope in a set of gold inlaid blued rings. The triggerguard, both tangs, and the straddle floorplate with inside-the-bow release all show more of the gold inlay with a masterfully cut semi-relief gold inlaid scene depicting a pair of Mongolian warriors on horseback charging towards the observer with a subtle mask and a village in the background. The engraving is signed at the bottom of the scene, though the signature is illegible by the writer's eye. The rifle has a gold serial number on the lower tang and a pair of gold plated set triggers. The rifle is fitted with a stunning, highly figured and multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with gold inlaid recoil bars, inletted rear sling stud, and bottom tang extending to the two screw smooth steel grip cap, which shows a gold monogram, as well as an ebony forend tip and a factory recoil pad.

Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, a few pressure marks in the wood at the wrist, and sharp checkering on the stock. Mechanically excellent. The scope optics are sharp and bright. This is a great chance to own a rifle by one of Austria's finest makers!