I picked up a prototype rifle made for Anschutz. The rifle is a fortner action. I received this message fron Fortner about the rifles history.

I know nothing about collecting such a rifle,but the price was less then half of what they presently cost and they are hard to find.

Would the prototype be collectable? if so should I shoot it or not.

Dear Mr D....,

thanks for your E-mail. After looking up the number I am happy to be able to tell you the following:
Yes it is a special rifle indeed. It was among the first ten prototypes for the .17 HMR. That is also the reason why there is only "System Fortner" on it and not Anschütz. It was produced completely in our workshop on 18.06.2012. We are a rather small company with 10 employees. Peter founded his company in the 1980s for the new Biathlon rifle action, the same type you use with your .17 HMR.

Peter Fortner
Jagd- und Sportwaffentechnik