I know this isn't about Euro hunting, but this the rifle in question is a German custom rifle and I thought someone over here might be acquainted with the maker's work.

One of the men in my church showed me a Modeal 98 Mauser this evening. It is a very nice custom rifle which I'd place as being made before WWII. It was broght home after WWII by his uncle. It had light engraving on the receiver; a very nice sight island with two blades; and had the military style ears and thumb cut-out for stripper clips. On the left hand side, it had what appeared to be:

St.M.G.Lt (the "G" had lost its top)
N 14,6 gr.

This was the only marking I noted on the rifle. The stock was a very slim, sporter with snabel fore-end and small cheek piece. It had the lovely "squared" panels on both sides of the receiver and magazine box. The pistol grip was like the vintage Browning A5's.

The front sight was a blade on a long ramp. There was a small front sling swivel soldered to the barrel which I'd place at about 23". My friend tells me its is chambered in 8x57MM.

Anyone have an ideal about what I was looking at. My friend mentioned having it tapped for modern mounts. I suggested that he hold off until we find out if it is one of those old rifles you shouldn't mess with.

If you have any informed opinions, I'd love to hear from you. Ku-dude

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Would that "14.6 gr" mean the weight of the bullet the rifle was regulated for in grams? 14.6 grams works out to 227 grains, and wasn't that bullet weight available in the 8x57? I think I recall John Taylor writing about that weight projectile for the 8x57 in his "African Rifles and Cartridges"...