The 8X57mm caliber Holek semi-automatic sporting rifle features a tipping breech block similar to the Czech ZB vz. 26. It was designed by the Czech arms designer Emmanuel Holek and was manufactured circa 1942. It has an under barrel trapped gas recoil system. The cocking system is unusual in that the front sling loop is pulled to the rear to operate the action. The 20.5"" barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The left rear of the barrel has a series of proofs and marks starting with a Crown over N followed by St m G over 13gr followed by a crown over B and crown over G followed by a crown over U followed by 7.8 over mm over 57 followed by the serial number 939. The right side of the barrel is stamped 8 X 57 and the forward left side of the receiver has crown over B over crown over U proofs. The top of the receiver is marked with Holek's round H logo followed by ORIGINAL HOLEK AUTOMAT (some of which is covered by the scope base)j. It has its original detachable box magazine. The gun has approx. 95% blue which is starting to fade in several areas. The two piece sporting pistol grip stock is nicely checkered at the wrist and forearm. It has a cheekpiece and rubber recoil pad. Overall, the stock is excellent with light wear. This rifle is equipped with a Zeiss Jena Zielmulti adjustable 1 to 4 power scope in quick detachable mounts. The post and cross hair optics and power adjustment are very good. The action, with its rear mounted safety, functions correctly. Very few Holek Automat rifles were manufactured due to WWII. If you collect unusual semi-auto rifles, this one is for you!