Original Item: Only One Available. A Schützen (also spelled Schuetzen) is a type of rifle used in European long-range competition. Its German root is from the word Schütze which can be translated as “shooter.” The earliest usage was to denote units of marksmen or sharpshooters back in the days of muzzleloading firearms. Some sources claim that it was once used to describe archers or more specifically crossbowmen. These rifles are typically heavy and can weigh upwards of 15 pounds. All shooting with these rifles is done standing using a palm rest and butt stock prongs to help the shooter balance the rifle so the weight aids in stability.

When Schützen became a competitive sport in Germany and the surrounding areas, many gun makers built these rifles to specifically fit an individual shooter. Being bespoke, that means that it will often not fit anyone else perfectly with regards to grip, length of pull, cheek rest configuration or even how the butt plate fits the shoulder. These were made by well known artisan level gunsmiths, and this example is marked on the top of the barrel in gold inlaid Roman font with VANNOD A LAUSANNE, or "Vannod in Lausanne". This is a city on the Northern Shore of Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland. This is a known maker of these Schützen target rifles, and we have seen several others in various configurations. The city was well-known for its artisan gunmakers, and we have had other Schützen rifles from this city before.

This example very substantial with a full length stock, and features a relatively heavy 37" spiral forged octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.68", which is heavily rifled. The rifle is about 53 inches in overall length, and is equipped with an elaborate wood stock with a large intricate butt plate. It is fitted with a SET TRIGGER enclosed in an elaborate iron trigger guard with finger grooves, which can be folded forwards when the retaining bolt at the rear is removed. We assume that the front end removes somehow, allowing it to be swapped out for another trigger guard, so maybe multiple people would be able to use it.

We can see a dovetail for a rear sight, but there is none installed, though we do see a hole on the top of the barrel tang, possibly for the attachment of a long range sight. The stock has a lovely checkered wrist and large cheek piece on the left side. The butt stock area is also highly figured "burl" walnut, which is continuous with the rest of the stock, so it was made from one long piece of wood ending in burl. The fittings are all very decorative, including a lovely "Sea serpant" or "Dragon" escutcheon for the lock plate screw. It also has a fantastic nickel silver "Swiss Guard" inlay on the bottom of the butt stock, and the underside of the foregrip area has a large bar rest fitting, which is covered with more sea serpent engraved designs. 

We checked the action of the rifle, and it has a lovely set trigger, though at present it is too sensitive, and the hammer will not stay at the fully cocked position for more than a second before firing. We assume it is out of adjustment, but we were not able to easily get it to work correctly. We noted that the substantial ramrod under the barrel looks to be original, and is threaded in one end for various tools, which are unfortunately not included.

A truly beautiful piece of Swiss Craftsmanship, more than ripe for further research and ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 0.68"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 37inches
Overall Length: 53 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.