Perchtoldsdorf Jaeger Rifle

[robinpeck]

My son recently purchased this rifle at an auction in Western Canada and has asked me if I have any information about it. I don't know much about these muzzle loading rifles.

It is marked Dobias & Howsky (or perhaps Dobiaschowsky) in Perchtoldsdorf. I understand that Perchtoldsdorf is in Austria.

The rifle is in very good condition (and appears shootable). I did not weigh the rifle but it is very light and compact with an overall length of 39 in., a barrel approx. 23in. with 3/8 in. across each barrel flat, LOP is 13.5 In., Bore is approx. .50 in.

It has a beautifully made folding peep sight on the wrist. This sight is in excellent condition and smoothly adjusts for windage and elevation. It also has an open sight on the octagonal barrel with one standing and one folding leaf. It has a horn muzzle cap on the fullstock, double set triggers, and very extensive checkering and engraving.

Any information that you can provide about this rifle will be very appreciated. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rob

[robinpeck]

[sharps4590]

I believe you have a typo. I expect across the flats it is 3/4 in., not 3/8. I don't think you can get a 1/2 inch hole in a 3/8 barrel! I wish I knew something to tell you about your sons gorgeous Jaeger rifle. Only thing I can come up with, muzzleloaders still being my first love, is I wish it were mine!!! Congratulations to your son....wow...what a find.

[robinpeck]

The rifle isn't here, its back in Alberta, so I can't remeasure it, but I do think the flats are each 3/8 in. wide. That doesn't mean the barrel is 3/8 in in diameter. Look at the last photo. The bore is wider than a flat.

[oskar]

"Across the flats" usually refers to the diameter of the barrel from flat to opposing flat. I think the term you were looking for was the "width of the flats"

[sharps4590]

oskar is right. If you said "across the flats" to any muzzleloader his thought would be as mine was. So it isn't a typo, it's a mistake. And it's still a gorgeous rifle!

[robinpeck]

Okay thanks ...I now get it...in BP lingo, "across the flats" means barrel diameter measured from one flat to another...and yes, the rifle is gorgeous. I tried to buy it from my son, giving him a hefty profit, but no way...and the sad part is that the rifle is likely very shootable and he will never shoot it. Myself, I would shoot it, and not only at targets.

[sharps4590]

robin, I'd be right there with you. Something harvested with that rifle would be in the freezer and on the table. If I ever come across something like that and I can afford it, it will be in my safe.

[Peter K]

If the flats are 3/8" wide the diameter "across the flats" would be about 0.90". Beautiful caplock Jäger rifle. Gutes medizin für Elch.

[robinpeck]

Mistake

I mentioned to my son that my great grandfather and great-uncle were both Austrian gunsmiths...and other ancestors before them...in Steyr and in Vienna. One of them may have had a hand in making this rifle. ...that was a mistake...now I'll never be able to pry it out of his safe.

[N9NWO]

These guns were made to be used. Use it.

[robinpeck]

Wish I could...but this is a big country and my son (and the gun) are a 5-6 day (13 hr. per day) highway drive from here.