Franz Sodia Austria – OVER/UNDER RIFLE, .30-06, 1964 MINT

Franz Sodia opened shop in Ferlach, Austria in 1910.  Since then, generations of the Sodia family (including 2 generations of sons also named Franz) have built some of the finest firearms in the world.  By 1929, Franz Sodia began making all his components and guns in house rather than build firearms with a conglomeration of parts sourced from smaller local gunmakers.  This move demonstrated Sodia’s pension for control in order to produce the highest quality of firearm possible.  By 1952 Sodia added two more shops with cutting edge machinery, an apprenticeship program, and the ability to keep up with the strong demand for his guns.  Franz Sodia became THE GUN MAKER TO THE WEALTHY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE sportsman in Europe and the USA.  The rifle we show here is a fine example of an over/under rifle, with highly figured wood, hand cut game scene engraving, and fit and finish as expected from an old world gunmaker.  Built in 1964 at Sodia’s newest facilities, this rifle displays features only found in BEST RIFLES of Europe or England, ie solid forged rib including a raised quarter rib mounted with rear sight and integral quick release scope mounts, integral ramped front sight, double triggers with a set trigger for the first shot, removable striker discs, and intercepting safety sears.  The action shows 5 major locking points to include double Kersten cross-bolts, double rib extensions, double underlug bites, and a through-the-action barrel lug, combining with sculpted reinforced bolsters on both sides of the frame to create an ultra-strong action.  The sculpted back of the action, rebated frame to house the head of the stock, fine scroll/floral/deep-relief game scene engraving, all combine to display the highest form of the gunmaker’s art.  The well figured European walnut stock shows an elegantly sculpted cheek rest, fluted comb nose, a three-piece forearm, and sling swivels for an included fine leather sling.  Chambered in the most versatile, available, and affordable .30-06 cartridge, this accurate rifle remains in superb condition, with 99.5% original metal finishes, and 98% wood finish with light handling marks.  The bore is a perfect 10 and it appears this rifle has rarely been shot.  Mounted with a period German Hensoldt Wenzlar 4×32 scope (in mint condition and valued at $400) on quick-detach precision claw mounts, the rifle can be carried with open sights or quickly mount the scope for a longer standing shot.  The scope returns to zero each time, another example of gun making skills. The optics are crystal clear with heavy post and cross hair reticle.  A custom-made walnut display case is included.  With bullet weights available from 110 grain varmint killers to 220 grain bear and moose rounds, this rifle is ready for a classic hunt for any game on the North American continent, the Plains of Africa, or any other place on the planet.  What a great 61-year-old rifle to take to the deer woods on a stalk for part of the day “sans scope” and a sit and wait with the scope.  See specifications below.  Don’t let it escape!  Thanks for looking.