Added an A-Square to my collection w/ GERMAN Proof Mark ????

Hello All,

I just acquired an A-Square Hannibal in 416 Rigby. Always wanted an A-Square, but never had the opportunity to get one at the right price, until this one came along. Not only was the price very, very reasonable, it came with the following Up-Grades and Accessories;

"Upgraded Wood" - "Ebony Forend Tip" - "Deep Blue Metal" - "Quick Detachable Leopold Scope Base" - "3-Leaf Express Sights" - "Africase Leather Sling" - "RCBS Dies" - "70 Pieces Norma Brass" - "90 Barnes Bullets" - "30 Hornady Bullets" - 15 Hawk Bullets" - "1 Box Factory A-Square Ammo".

Although it seems a little "Clunky", I was surprised at the quality of the Stock & Metal workmanship. After all the critical comments that I've read over the years, it was a lot better than I had expected.

I'd sure like to hear from any A-Square owner that might have an original catalog or options sheet from back when these were being offered. Seems that hard data is scarce.

So - Here's my question to all of you A-Square Owners that know a heck-of-a-lot more about these than I do. Have you ever seen one with German Proof Marks on the Barrel? And do you know what it means?

Here are some photos.

According to my reference the antler is the Post 1952 Ulm Proof House, and the "N" over Crest is the Circa 1950 Smokeless Nitro proof. I had several weapons proofed in Germany from 2002-2010 timeframe and they also were given the Ulm proof though the Nitro proof was different. It depepnds on the relationship between the master gunmaker and his proof house and guild which it would carry. I would suspect your rifle may have been owned in Germany at some time, or manufactured for potential sale in Europe in general.

Yes, this rifle was proofed in Ulm in 1998. Basically you now have the comfort that the rifle withstood special pressure loads with 30% plus pressure.

Hello Macs B and jagerfrank,

Thanks for the reply. I'm anxious to try this one out, as soon as the Wisconsin temperatures get above Zero.

Anyone have an A-Square catalog?

Nice rifle, now you just need to rebarrel it to something starting with a .5

buckstix,

MacsB & jaegerfrank are spot-on.

It was proofed in April 1998 (498), to be exact.

It was either a Special Order and the German gunsmith or gunstore that ordered & sold it had it proofed prior to sale which is a legal requirement here for firearms without a European Union approved Proof Mark; or

It was owned by someone who brought it in/out of Germany (Diplomat, G.I. or businessperson ..... ?) and had to have some work done on it by a German gunsmith; who would also be legally required to have it proofed prior to working on it and returning it to the customer.

Also firearms that are used in social hunts (Drive Hunts), on German shooting ranges, or anywhere else where someone other than the owner alone is present or if it was sold to a third party here in The Fatherland are all requirements to have a German Proof Mark on the firearm.

Hello Gerry,

Thank you for the reply. Very interesting information. I wonder what kind of Dangerous Game was found in Germany for its use back in 1998.

I guess the "Truthuhn" can get pretty mean?

All of my rifles had to be proofed in France, because I'm a resident here, only rifles in transit don't require proofing.

I don't see a lot of use for my 416 or my 404s in France, but that is the requirement here, as in most European countries.

Yep,

I owned that rifle for a few years. Got it from a friend that was a very good friend of Art's. Hope you enjoy it. It was a very fine shooter.

It has taken a few African animals...hippo,giraffe,croc,impala..ect...

Here I am with a giraffe I took in 2011 with it



Enjoy,

Ed

Hello 505ED,

Thanks for the reply. That's really great. If you have any other pictures of you with my rifle, and game that was taken with it, please be so kind as to send them.

I always try to keep a file of animals taken with my rifles.

This makes my 6th 416 caliber. (5) 416 Rigbys - (1) 416 Rem mag. I really like the 416 caliber. For me its the most fun of all the Big Bores. My other Big Bores include, a 505 Gibbs, 475 A&M, 450 Ackley Mag, 458 Win Mag, 600JDJ, 20-577NE, (2)577-500BPE, 500BPE, & 50-140.

Tho my A-Square catalog remains hidden. I believe I still have one from the mid to late 1980s . I got my 500 A-Square in 1986 . . I believe I had the very first 500 A-Square in Alaska. Mine had a 21" barrel, express sights, Scout position detachable 4× Leupold pistol scope, and flush sling swivels. The inletting and bedding on mine was very nice also. I fought with the too high comb for too many years but eventually took some wood off the cheek area which made the rifle easier and funner to shoot with express sights. I should have sent it out and had a muzzle brake installed. Had I done so I probably would still have it. If I do find the catalog I will contact you.

Hello Cold Trigger Finger,

Thank you for the reply. Yes, please contact me when you locate the catalog. If you would be interested in selling it, I would be an eager buyer and make it very worth your while.

thanks

Sorry, in a fit of gun nut stupidity I turned it over in a trade that I have regretted since the day I did it.

Hello Cold Trigger Finger,

Which one did you sell .... the rifle, or the catalog?

The rifle. ! ?

Seems like you always remember the rifles you should-of-kept. Bummer. I have one like that. I had a Mauser 66 take-down with 3 scoped barrels all in a factory fitted case with a canvas over-case. I bought it new for $650 .... and only a year later I traded it for a Steyr SSG worth about $1000. I thought I did good. ... dah?

That sounds like the kinda thing I would do. That's too bad.
I hope I'm past my getting rid of good guns. Having got rid of a bunch of them I've learned that most new guns just dont keep their promises .

quote:

Originally posted by buckstix:
Hello Gerry,

Thank you for the reply. Very interesting information. I wonder what kind of Dangerous Game was found in Germany for its use back in 1998.

I guess the "Truthuhn" can get pretty mean?

I believe long tailed mohammeds where prevalent in Germany as far back as 1972.

quote:

I believe long tailed mohammeds where prevalent in Germany as far back as 1972.

I think that's a song bird. ? ?