I have an old suhl rifle and need help with info.

[Rob0h]

I just got this old suhl rifle. I need help identifying the caliber. This is an old martini action schuetzen rifle. On the top of the barrel is CARL PAUBEL, SUHL.

Markings: 17004, (B crowned),(G crowned),(U crowned), 313, 7.09, 424

And some type of Horizontal H which is stamped on every part

Thanks,
Rob0h

[algmule]

Hello

Kastarmen.JPG
Click image.

C/Karl Paubel, Gewehrfabrikant, Suhl, Pfarrstra?e with various given numbers, 262; 261;3

EDIT: some nominal 6,5 is my guess. 313 is the caliber number. 6,25 mm is the bore. A 6,25 mm plug went through but not a 6,50 mm so somewhere in between these two. Next two columns are first proof, next two after them are the second proof, and the last two are the prescribed service load. Your rifle does not necessarily have been through the exact same proof loads as the ones in the chart. I'm only trying to explain the chart. Nor does your rifle necessarily have the same prescribed service load.

Peter

[mike ford]

RobOh,
Your rifle was proofed in July 1909 by the Zella-Mehlis proof house under the log number 124. Being proofed in Zella-Mehlis indicates it was likely made in or around there. Carl Paubel Suhl likely marketed the rifle rather than build it. You mentioned a "horizontal H " on all the parts. If this the same mark as on the barrel, it looks more like two Cs, back to back, to me. Since it is on all the parts, not just the barrel, it may be the mark of the actual maker. I'm not "up" on these marks, but someone who is may come in soon. As far as the caliber is concerned, the barrel markings help, but do not identify the nominal cartridge. Most Schuetzen rifles were chambered for one of a few pretty well cartridges, but this one is chambered for some less well known cartridge. The 313 on the barrel is actually the bore( not groove or bullet) diameter, expressed in gauge measurement. This translates to about 6.25 mm , which suggests one of the many small 6.5 mm nominal cartridges. You will need to make ( or have someone else make) a chamber cast, and "slug" the barrel to reliably identify the actual cartridge. You should also determine whether it is rimfire or center fire. I'm sorry I was unable to give you the info you requested, but with a chamber cast and "slugged" barrel, I think we can eventually do so.
Mike

[mike ford]

Peter,
What do you think about the mark described as being on all the parts, together with proof being performed in Zella-Mehlis?
Mike

[algmule]

Hello

Mike,
I'm still trying to make it into an H.

EDIT: also found C/Karl Paubel with the title B?chsenmachermeister. Unnecessary information: there were two C/Karl Paubel's. The other one was a "Beschussmeister-Assistent" at the facility in Suhl. The one on the rifle, however, is the Gewehrfabrikant/B?chsenmachermeister.

Peter