The Schultz & Larsen’s four rear locking lugs make it an extremely strong action. They allow a rigid receiver and smooth bolt, and a very low bolt lift.

All together, Schultz & Larsen made perhaps 20,000 rifles in the various models and calibers. Most you encounter are 7x61s, followed by .358 Norma. Owners of .358 Normas are reluctant to part with them, especially in the Yukon where there exists, today, a small but rabid cult of S&L lovers.

Starting with the Model 60, through the 65 and 65DL, to the 68DL, the Schultz & Larsen high-powered rifles offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone who loves quality and fine craftsmanship in a rifle.

The bolts slide back and forth with a smoothness you won't find this side of an $8,000 custom job (and sometimes not even there); they are comparable to the legendary "buttery smoothness" of the Austrian Mannlicher, and like the old Mannlichers they are as finely finished inside as they are outside.

Barrel length on the 65DL is a puzzle. It is listed variously as 23 inches or 24 inches, yet my 65DL barrel is 25 inches.

As well, the Schultz & Larsen rifles are as accurate as many current custom rifles for which accuracy is the raison d'etre. My Schultz & Larsen 65DL in 7x61 S&H will shoot alongside my Kenny Jarrett .257 Weatherby, built on a pre-'64 action, group for group with some loads. Not all, but some.

Because of its rear locking lugs, the main criticism of the Schultz & Larsen has always been case stretching. This criticism is valid, but only partly. In my experience, case stretching only becomes a concern when you push pressures beyond a reasonable point. Since my rifle is most accurate with loads below maximum, I am happy to keep pressures comfortable.

Another criticism of the rifle is its cramped "loading port" that makes it difficult to charge the magazine from the top. The fact is, it is an ejection port. The rifle is intended to be loaded as follows: Drop a cartridge through the port onto the follower, then close the bolt and put the safety on. Turn the rifle over, open the floorplate, drop in three cartridges (staggered but in any order, since the follower is ambidextrous) and close the floorplate. You now have four shots available.

Once you know how it is done, the routine is quickly learned and even more quickly appreciated. By comparison, loading a Mauser seems awkward.

Today, more than 60 years after Sharpe began work on his dream, he is little known and the rifles are almost forgotten. This works to our advantage, because when a Schultz & Larsen does come onto the market it is invariably priced as a bargain--$1,000 or less, depending on model, condition and caliber.

For any serious rifleman, they are an opportunity to see what a high-end production rifle used to be, and never will be again.

The safety on the 68DL is a lever that swings up and forward into the Fire position. Like all Schultz & Larsen safeties, it locks the bolt, striker and trigger.