Franz Sodia, sn25100, 1985, .458 WIN MAG, 10lbs.
Franz Sodia was a pre-eminent gunmaker, opening shop in Ferlach, Austria in 1910. Since then, generations of the Sodia family have built some of the finest firearms the world has ever seen. 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 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, while other Ferlach makers were falling to the wayside. Franz Sodia had become THE GUNMAKER TO THE WEALTHY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE sportsmen in Europe and the USA. The rifle we show here is a pinnacle example of the boxlock sideplated ejector DANGEROUS GAME rifle, with the finest engraving and finishing one can find anywhere in the world. Built in 1985 this rare rifle displays features only found in BEST RIFLES of Europe or England, ie solid forged raised quarter rib mounted with rear sight, forged ramp for front sight, reinforcing bolsters on the frame, and Boehler Steel barrels. The action shows 5 major locking points to include the Greener cross-bolt, rib extension, 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 sideplated boxlock ejector action provides a large palate for incredible deep-relief game scene engraving, with a depth of field that seems impossible, and 7 heavy gold dangerous game animals that are photogenic in realism, all combine to display the highest form of the gunmaker’s art. The rebated frame houses the head of the stock, deep vine and scroll engravings complete the action with total full coverage engraving. The fiddleback figured European walnut stock shows an elegantly sculpted cheek rest with shadow line, strong layout with straight grain through the wrist, profuse 28 line per inch checkering with fancy borders and fleur-de-lis carvings. The pistol grip is capped with an ebony grip cap. The long slender splinter forend is nearly fully checkered to match the butt stock. All the finishes are factory original, with 98% metal and wood finishes. The mechanics are superb, as the gun has been well cared for and shot little. The front trigger is hinged, and the striker discs at the firing pins are removable. The 26” barrels have perfect bores, a 5” wedge of scroll engraving, and a large gold head of a lion on the left barrel and an elephant on the right barrel. Chambered in the most capable .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge. Our gunsmiths can easily make this a .450 x 3 ¼” Nitro Express if the new owner had an inkling to do so. In today’s world a double rifle in dangerous game calibers built to this Franz Sodia standards would cost more than double what we are asking for this high condition, high-art rifle. This is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece from a most prominent gunmaker, a gun of historic and intrinsic value. Thanks for looking.
Length: 25 3/8"
Bores: perfect bore
% Blue: 99%
Ribs: tight
Sights: 1/4 rib with drift adjustable rear; ramped front stationary sight
Action: tight-Slight Right of Center
Ejectors: timed
Receiver: 99% French Grey
Screws: perfect
Engraving: full cover
Trigger: double-crisp; 50% gold
Trigger Guard: 99% factory
Stock: Capped pistol grip with cheek piece/Splinter
LOP: 14 3/8"
LOP To End Of Wood: 13 3/8"
DAH: 2 1/2"
DAC: 1 1/2"
Cast: 1/4" off
Checkering: superb
Butt Treatment: Old English pad
