Hello there all,
I have a Schmidt & Habermann Model 21 in 8x51mm Short (Kurtz) that does not have a scope mounted and the base of the receiver has never had any adaptation for mounting a scope. The rifle was just recently recovered & it was not taken care of by the “thief” (SICKENING JUST MENTIONING THIS) & will have to be re-blued. Luckily no major pitting occurred on outside & hopefully with the right master bluer doing the job needed; the rifle will turn out as beautiful as it was, though we all know the real value has been destroyed when this occurs. Hopefully not completely and with that in mind I'm thinking if re-blueing anyway that I should have scope mounting system installed. Fact is though installing scope & mounts on this rifle, which is unlike any other rifle I have as all my other rifles have modern mounts/scopes etc. is unfamiliar to me so I need advice please. Do I go old style scope & mounts for the rifle to look correct on this rifle like an old Zeiss 2.5 from that era? Will mounting a modern scope on this rifle match or just look out of place completely? Can anyone recommend a smith that can mount the period correct scope & mounts? What are the choices of mount types or styles when mounting a scope on a rifle like this S&H md 21? From the pictures I’ve seen of this type action, mounts requires 2 slots opened up in the base. Any advice about the mounts & scope is appreciated just need to know the options available & what looks & works best.
Just remembered the rear fixed sight base for dovetail insert (sight leaves) is there on the barrel but the sight leaves are missing. Anyone know where I might find replacement leaves that dovetail into the rear sight base? Any idea who made the rear sights put on the rifles built by S&H/others or if there is anyone that can make similar matching rear sight leaves today?
Does anyone know who can restore this rifle? It was built in 1923, and when I last had it the appearance was NRA Excellent with a fantastic blued finish all over the rifle. Now, that has been destroyed on the bolt shroud, cocking piece, ejector and more. Don't know if it is possible to only re-blue the bolt & bolt parts only and try to blend or match close with the original finish that is still there on the barrel & most of the rifles action. "Probably wishful dreaming?" Just hope to find someone that can do the blueing job correct and bring back the beautiful lightweight rifle I had!
Last issue to cover, the caliber! As it is in the hard to find 8x51 Kurtz what caliber could it be rechambered into that is a short action caliber. What is larger than the 8mm that would be a good caliber for this lightweight rifle and not kick like a mule and give good results with medium game? 338 Federal?
Any help or opinion is most graciously appreciated! I want to keep value of rifle intact but want to use it safely. I do reload common pistol & rifle calibers and if staying with 8x51 Kurtz is more sensible than rechambering then please tell me.
Thanks all & Later,
LaRenegade
I have a Schmidt & Habermann Model 21 in 8x51mm Short (Kurtz) that does not have a scope mounted and the base of the receiver has never had any adaptation for mounting a scope. The rifle was just recently recovered & it was not taken care of by the “thief” (SICKENING JUST MENTIONING THIS) & will have to be re-blued. Luckily no major pitting occurred on outside & hopefully with the right master bluer doing the job needed; the rifle will turn out as beautiful as it was, though we all know the real value has been destroyed when this occurs. Hopefully not completely and with that in mind I'm thinking if re-blueing anyway that I should have scope mounting system installed. Fact is though installing scope & mounts on this rifle, which is unlike any other rifle I have as all my other rifles have modern mounts/scopes etc. is unfamiliar to me so I need advice please. Do I go old style scope & mounts for the rifle to look correct on this rifle like an old Zeiss 2.5 from that era? Will mounting a modern scope on this rifle match or just look out of place completely? Can anyone recommend a smith that can mount the period correct scope & mounts? What are the choices of mount types or styles when mounting a scope on a rifle like this S&H md 21? From the pictures I’ve seen of this type action, mounts requires 2 slots opened up in the base. Any advice about the mounts & scope is appreciated just need to know the options available & what looks & works best.
Just remembered the rear fixed sight base for dovetail insert (sight leaves) is there on the barrel but the sight leaves are missing. Anyone know where I might find replacement leaves that dovetail into the rear sight base? Any idea who made the rear sights put on the rifles built by S&H/others or if there is anyone that can make similar matching rear sight leaves today?
Does anyone know who can restore this rifle? It was built in 1923, and when I last had it the appearance was NRA Excellent with a fantastic blued finish all over the rifle. Now, that has been destroyed on the bolt shroud, cocking piece, ejector and more. Don't know if it is possible to only re-blue the bolt & bolt parts only and try to blend or match close with the original finish that is still there on the barrel & most of the rifles action. "Probably wishful dreaming?" Just hope to find someone that can do the blueing job correct and bring back the beautiful lightweight rifle I had!
Last issue to cover, the caliber! As it is in the hard to find 8x51 Kurtz what caliber could it be rechambered into that is a short action caliber. What is larger than the 8mm that would be a good caliber for this lightweight rifle and not kick like a mule and give good results with medium game? 338 Federal?
Any help or opinion is most graciously appreciated! I want to keep value of rifle intact but want to use it safely. I do reload common pistol & rifle calibers and if staying with 8x51 Kurtz is more sensible than rechambering then please tell me.
Thanks all & Later,
LaRenegade
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