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WHO MADE THIS RIFLE ? - A Unique 458 found at a local Gun Shop here in Wisconsin. Hello All, This came about yesterday, when a friend called to tell me about an interesting 458 cal. Mauser with a short barrel, that was for sale at a local Gun Shop. He knew I collected 458's, having 8 in my collection. As you might expect, you don't find many BIG BORE rifles for sale here in Wisconsin. So, I had to go and take a look. ... And, not so much to my surprise, it followed me home; just because I needed another 458. Nine ? ? ? The rifle was "Made in Belgium" (so marked) with a "Chrome Vanadium Barrel" "cal 458" (so marked) with the typical bunch of Liege Proofs marks scattered about. It was built on a vintage FN barrelled action with all the numbers matching; Receiver, Bolt, Barrel, and Bottom metal; they all matched. It had nearly 98% of its original bright blue finish. It has a very fine Sako Trigger w/ side safety, a nicely checkered Laminated stock with 3 reinforcing cross-bolts, a "White-Line" Mershon Co. recoil pad, a checkered Rosewood Grip Cap, and an Ebony Forend Tip. The under 20" Barrel was cut-down from some unknown longer length, and nicely crowned, resulting in an overall length of just under 40 inches. It has Sights consisting of a Long-Slide Lyman No. 48 Peep at the rear, and a Gold Bead Ramped Sight at the front, and a filler block in the mid-barrel island where a rear sight could go. It weighs a light 8 pounds 2 ounces, with a 13-1/2" LOP. It holds 3 down, and 1 up. And, ..... if all that wasn't enough, the Reciever, Trigger Guard, and Floor Plate are tastefully "Floral Engraved". All this, for the "walk-out-door" price of only $650. WOW ! ! So here's a question for the Forum members. Any idea who built this rifle? The rear sight filler block has the initials "R.C.P." and ".458". I'm assuming this is the rifle's builder because the man who commissioned this rifle to be custom made (now deceased) doesn't have those initials. Anyone know of a gunsmith with the initials; "R.C.P." ? ..... Please Help. . .
You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early.
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You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early.
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Don't have a clue. Trade gun perhaps. Again i differ to Nitro Express.com for further research.
Correct me if i am wrong but is that a bolt or repair in the wrist in front of the checkering ???
Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.
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I am assuming a number of cross bolts due to the caliber.
Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.
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Hello krupp,
Thanks for the reply
Its a 3rd cross-bolt, not a repair. It prevents the laminations from separating under heavy recoil.
You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early.
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The rear sight sleeve and barrel contour are factory FN, I have a friend who had a 375 in the same configuration. Probably had a 26” barrel, that’s what the 375 had and I believe I’ve seen an old advertisement listing that length for magnum calibers. The stock looks like some early Herters laminates I’ve seen with the thick laminations, but the tip and cap lack the lightening bolt spacers normally found on Herters stocks.
Nice rifle, would make a fine bear buster.
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What a great, functional rifle. I really like it.
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Campfire Oracle
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Probably made for the Revolutionary Communist Party.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
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VERY interesting and great looking rifle!
Mike Holmes
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Beautiful rifle. Hope you can find out more about its origin.
"Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing." Robert E. Howard
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For $650, that's a steal.
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Thanks to all for your reply
I found "R.C.Pass" penciled in the stock's barrel channel.
I'm still hoping someone here might recognize the maker.
You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early.
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A lot of the rifle looks factory FN from the late fifties. Stock and engraving are custom. My similar custom stocked FN .30-06 has a 24" barrel. Mine wears the FN banner on the receiver ring and the custom stock has a H within a diamond right behind the pistol grip. I suppose it to be the makers benchmark.
Sako also used a goodly number of those actions.
Best,
Jack
Last edited by jt402; 09/13/18.
"Do not blame Caesar, blame the people...who have...rejoiced in their loss of freedom....Blame the people who hail him when he speaks of the 'new, wonderful, good, society'...to mean ,..living fatly at the expense of the industrious." Cicero
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Sako FN 375
Last edited by sqweeler; 09/13/18.
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Great gun. That's an FN or Husquvarna Mauser. Where in Wisconsin? If you handload, there is your bolt action 45/70 right there. I run a Zastava with cast bullets. I would snap that up in a heartbeat.
Last edited by JeffG818; 09/13/18.
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You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early.
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Imagine the waiting line for FN barreled actions today. at those prices...
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