#172 • Rare Custom Remington Hepburn Scheutzen Rifle by A.O. Zischang

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $3,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

32-40 caliber,  29" octagonal number 4 barrel length, S/N 4674 This exceptional firearm stands as a definitive exemplar of elite custom gunsmithing from the Golden Age of American off-hand target shooting. German-born master artisan August O. Zischang, operating out of Syracuse, New York, earned a legendary reputation for his ultra-precise custom barrels, advanced double-set trigger modifications, and sophisticated underlever conversions. Highly coveted by advanced arms collectors, Zischang’s bespoke target rifles occupy the absolute highest tier of desirability, ranked alongside the historic masterworks of Harry Pope, George Schoyen, and A.W. Peterson. Built upon a robust No. 3 Remington-Hepburn falling-block action, this highly specialized Schuetzen configuration features a premium array of target-grade enhancements. The heavy target barrel is chambered in the quintessential .32-40 target caliber. The underside of the barrel bears Zischang's definitive maker marks, including his "AO" initials, a production "#4", and a "VP" within an oval proof. Designed for extreme precision, the rifle features a blued barrel fitted with a rear slot sight seat, a front hood target sight, and a premium adjustable rear target peep sight mounted to a blued tang.The action is completed with an ornate, custom Zischang-pattern target trigger guard / finger lever. It is stocked in deluxe, highly figured walnut featuring a plain forearm accented with a traditional Schnabel tip (drilled for a palm rest assembly) and a finely checkered pistol-grip buttstock complete with a sweeping cheekpiece and a deep-hooked Schuetzen-style target buttplate. This specimen is preserved in excellent overall condition, retaining an extraordinary percentage of its premium custom factory finishes The custom barrel retains nearly all of its deep, original rust blue finish, complemented by a rear tang sight that holds its rich blueing. The frame retains most of its brilliant, vivid case-hardening colors. Both the elaborate custom trigger guard and the heavy Schuetzen target buttplate exhibit almost entirely complete, unmarred blue finishes. The bore is meticulously preserved, presenting a mirror-bright, shiny finish with crisp rifling lanes. The complex double-set trigger mechanism functions with flawless, match-grade crispness. The firearm presents as entirely original throughout. While the forearm is factory-drilled for a palm rest assembly, the companion palm rest piece is not present with this package.