W.S. CALFEE CUSTOM MAUSER 7X57

This rifle shows a side of its maker that few people ever get to see.

Built by W.S. Calfee in Borden, Indiana, this custom Mauser in 7×57 reflects Bill Calfee stepping away from the benchrest world he would later dominate and turning his attention to a traditional hunting rifle—one shaped by restraint, balance, and quiet craftsmanship rather than competition metrics.

The rifle is compact and purposeful, centered on a 19" barrel with a standing and folding rear sight and ramped front sight, backed by a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5–8x scope. It is stocked in a full Mannlicher pattern, with an engraved capped pistol grip, cheek piece, Niedner-style butt plate, and sling swivels, giving it a distinctly classic profile while retaining modern shootability.

Condition is excellent, showing only minimal wear to the wood and metal from careful storage and light use. At 7 lbs 12 oz with a 13½" length of pull, it remains field-balanced and compact, exactly what the 7×57 cartridge excels in—smooth recoil, efficient ballistics, and real-world effectiveness.

While Calfee became famous for precision rimfire and benchrest rifles later in life, this rifle captures an earlier, more personal expression of his work: a traditional sporting rifle built with understated artistry and intent. A rare glimpse into the broader talents of a maker best known for one very specific—and very successful—chapter of American rifle making.