Rudolf Hoffmann Drilling

[osekerschan]

Just bought a drilling marked; Rudolf Hoffmann Uelzen Han. It was proofed 641 in Suhl. It has a double scalloped action body like a Sauer and chambered for 16/65 and 7x65R. It was fitted with a hammer safety and separate rifle cocking. What I am looking for is information on the manufacturer and the retailer.
osekerschan

[algmule]

Hello

Rudolf Hoffmann: B?chsenmachermeister; Waffen- Munition- Stahlwarenhandlung, Bahnhofstra?e 28, Uelzen. Resided at his flat on Luisenstra?e 42 (1931).

Please post images of the Drilling and any markings on it. "Han" is most likely Hannover.

Kind regards
Peter

[osekerschan]

Hello algmule,
Thanks for the quick reply and the information. My computer skills are lacking so I won't be posting any pictures. The proofmarks are the standard eagle over N, Suhl over the shield and probably the barrelmakers script Z. Judging by the exterior corrosion on the gun, it was a WWll burial. The barrels were chopped to 20.75 inches and are good on the inside. Just shot a .5 inch 3 shot group at a 100 yards with the 7x65.
osekerschan

[mike ford]

oskerschan,
Are you sure the barrels have been chopped? Some were made with short barrels. You can tell, if it is marked as having choked barrels and measurement either matches or doesn't match the marking. As a 1941 drilling, it wouldn't have the older crown W mark. It would have something like viertle(?), halb, voll bore.
Mike

[osekerschan]

Hello Mike,
As per your suggestion I checked for choke markings and there are none, and no indications of anything scrubbed out. The muzzle now shows brighter metal than an 80r old gun should. The muzzles both mike .660. I suspect that the chokes were badly corroded when the gun was resurrected and the best fix was to chop off 3 inches.
Thanks for your attention, I had not thought of looking for choke marks as proof of the previous condition.
osekerschan

[mike ford]

osekerschan,
Oh well, it was just an idea. You have the gun in your hands and your opinion is better than mine.
Mike