Just come across an old rifle: It's built on an M-98 action and it's stamped "JGA Zelameles Deutschland". Its a 9,3x57, btw.

Does anyone have any info on this rifle? What's "JGA" for a start? Approx. age etc.?

Olli,

JGA is J G Anschutz of Zella Mehlis. The original company from which we now get the match rifles. Do post pictures of your rifle if you can. I have seen the pre war big bore Anschutzes in India and they were beautiful rifles though not as well known as other brands. It's a sad thing that the present Anschutz company doesn't want to make bigger rifles.

Zella Mehlis... Ok. Now I even find stuff on internet I had only heard the name over the phone. I hope I can post some pictures later on. Until then: What can I expect from this, presumably very old rifle? Is it recommended to use modern ammunition in such a rifle? Is it at all weaker than more modern m-98 productions?

Olli,

I have seen a JGA 375 on a Mauser action on sale at a small gunshop in India and it was a beautiful rifle. I have heard of other calibers as well but if this one is in good shape, you should not have a problem hunting with it. Many of the old guns in India are still used quite actively after all these years. Do check with your gunsmith and try shooting it. If it is in good shape, it should be very accurate - the 375 that I saw and shot in India a couple of years ago was fantastic.

Good hunting and I'll look forward to seeing the pictures here.

Went to look at it yesterday. Not interested any more. Unfortunately there were some ugly looking holes on the side after a poorly made side mount. Besides that, it had the quick-reloading-thumb-hole in the side of the receiver. Neither a rifle to keep as a relic of the past, nor a custom object.

Thank you for the info, though. The current owner was very delighted to find out some more about his earlier unknown rifle. I also gave him some tips on how to make it more attractive on the second hand market.

Does it by any chance have a ribbed octagon-round barrel ?

No, it didn't

EVERY time i see the title, my mind reads it
Gamelles....jGAzelaMELES,,,, spanish for twins!!

jeffe

Jeffe: Spanish for twins is "gemelos"

Naintal,
HEH.. i can't spell in english OR spanish...

por ejemplo, escribo mi llamo j e f f e con double' effe

jeffe