Does anyone know this marking? I am told it is an 'Orion' rifle but I dont know what that means exactly, cant find any reference to it.. any help greatly appreciated!!!

I don't know about the "Orion", but the rifle appears to be based on a 1937 Oberndorf Mauser action made for the Portuguese government. I have four rifles built on such actions and in my opinion the actions represent the height of Mauser built military rifle quality. The crest on the receiver ring is that of Portugal.

In Greek mythology, Orion was a mighty hunter, which probably explains the use of his name on a powerful hunting rifle. Weatherby, Bertuzzi and Chapuis all use it in connection with their shotguns.

Thanks mate!! Have since found out...

"Orion is the name of a company (Orion Arms Corp) in the US that specializes in military rifles. They were known in years gone past to import large quantities of never issued military Mauser 98's & in particular, they found a very large stockpile of these Portuguese contract Oberndorf Mausers still packed in grease. "

I think this was most likely a custom rifle built in Australia!

quote:

Orion Arms Corp

Still chasing provenance on this gun. Have just emailed Orion Arms Corp but dont old a lot of faith in that lead.

I contacted Holts in the UK who sold the gun into Aust and they said they bought the gun in 2009 from their agent in South Africa.

Trying to see if it can be further traced through RSA.

Pulled the stock off today and it has no other marking underneath. Timney trigger installed....

Now I am on the trail I am even more keen to find the answers!!

Extra image added...

Matt, nice piece in a great caliber!

I wouldn't trust it mate. Tell you what, I'll pay the shipping to send it to this side of the pond and get rid of it for you!

Seriously, looks like a well thought out and nicely built .500 Jeffery!

That is one heck of a piece.