Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Mystery Hornet

I bought a .22 Hornet bolt gun from G.A. years ago.
The bbl. is stamped .22 Hornet. The bottom of bbl. when taken from stock reveals, written with electric pencil, " John C. Thornton Mar. 10-50 ".
No other markings,.. proofs or any thing else.
I do not recognize the action. The stock is quite nice in typical '50's fashion.
It shoots very good and attempts to hang with my 2 - 54 Annie. Sporters and Annie, Exemplar hornet.
It suffers from an old steel tube 4X Weaver. The bbl is slightly heavier than typical spotter weight, such as on the 54's. I know it could shoot considerably better with a higher power quality tube.
I save all the internet purchases, and if I can pull up the original ad I will post it.
Any info is appreciated.
Rifle is not now or ever for sale.
Chuck

www.gunsamerica.com/982031982/Beautiful-1950-s-Custom-22-Hornet-Bolt-Action-Rifle.htm

Looks like it might be a Krico action.

Doesn't look like my Krico. Of course bolt handle could be changed. Or rebent.
Thanks,
Chuck

OK, maybe it isn't a Krico action.

Rifle has scroll engraved tang safety. Works very smooth.
Chuck

No idea here. Not one I recognize either. Does not look like my much newer Krico.

I have looked at a good number of Kricos. Krico made a .222 , not as old as this
rifle, but the magazine looked similar , not the bolt however.
The butt plate and pistol grip cap are Herters, I believe.

Still a head scratcher.
Chuck

IIRC, Frank DeHaas wrote a chapter on a Herter's imported .22 Hornet bolt action. Maybe that action, or barreled action, could be the basis of your rifle.

I have that book, but don't recall ...I will have to take another look.
Thanks,
Chuck

Looks very much like a worked over Winchester Model 43 with a custom made trigger guard and tang safety.

Bill

Thanks Bill,
I have a couple of 43's. Which are nothing but a 69 .
Not a 43.
Chuck