Jaeger Rifles

For anyone interested in Jäger (Jaeger) Rifles I highly recommend the book Steinschloss-Jägerbüchsen by Erhard Wolf and the Translation book by Eric A. Bye. The book is in German but the Translation book that is also available makes it a super resource. The main book with 570 pages has stunning photography of the highest order and lots of never seen before information.

Contact Jon Spencer of the German Gun Collectors Assoc. for information on price and availability. You can call him at (435)979-9723 or email him at: [email protected].

Click HERE to read an article about Ron Scott, a master builder of contemporary Flintlock Jaeger rifles in America.

Following are images of a Wheel-lock Rifle made by Ferduinand Ridler am Spital am Phyrn in the Early 17th Century which shares many characteristics with and may be a forerunner to the later Flintlock Jägers. The barrel length is 27″ (69cm) with and overall length of 40″ (102cm) with a cal. of 14.5mm. It is Courtesy of Johann Springer’s Erban Auction House.

Secondly we have a sample of a Military Jager Short Rifle in 13.9mm caliber for comparison to the Sporting Jägers that follow. It is a model 1807 manufactured around 1810 with a 26″ (66cm) Barrel and an overall length of 41 1/4″ (105 cm). It is also courtesy of Johann Springer’s Erban.

Now we proceed to the true sporting Jäger Rifles with images from Herman Historica Auctions in Germany of a Johann Keuchenreuter – Jäger Rifle which they sold in their Oct. 27, 2016 Auction. © Hermann Historica GmbH, Grasbrunn/Munich

Following are images of a .60 caliber Flintlock Jäger Rifle by Stremmel who worked in Halle, Saxony circa 1725.

Next we have a group of images of a magnificent silver mounted .60 caliber rifle simply marked “Junker a Grumbach”. Nothing is known about this maker at the present time. This rifle is a good example of what is referred to as a Capuchin stock: a stock in which the Triggerguard and Butt Plate are of wood, sometimes the Triggerguard being part of the whole stock. In a 1751 Hunting Book it mentions that the chased, cast and engraved fitttings have become passé, and that in their stead the triggerguard and butt plate should be carved from wood.