Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: Prototype Straight Pull Rifle 

Serial Number: NSN

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1963-1966 

Caliber: .30-06

Action Type: Straight pull action rifle fed by internal magazine. 

Markings: The trigger is marked “TIMNEY SPORTSMAN M98-FN”. The buttpad on the stock is marked “UNIVERSAL FIREARMS CORP. HIALEAH, FLORIDA”

Barrel Length: 21.5”

Sights / Optics: There are currently no sights installed on this prototype. The rear of the barrel has a dovetail cut for a rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Universal Firearms, select walnut, high gloss finished “Monte Carlo” style, open top stock with a semi pistol grip, fluted raised comb and textured rubber buttpad. The LOP measures about 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. This stock shows chips, lines, compressions, scratches, and sections where the finish is missing. There are no visible cracks in the stock. The buttpad shows age but has no notable marrs. There is a notable chip from the right side of the stock by the front part of the action. This stock is in overall Fair condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle is fed by an internal magazine with a hinged floor plate.

Type of Finish: Blued and unfinished

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no fouling or erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 70% of its finish. The barrel has scattered marks and nicks with some surface rust forming in the bluing. Because the action has been heavily modified, the bolt created from modifying another bolt, and parts being machined from scratch they do no have a finish. As they are unfinished they show some surface rust and patina. Overall this rifle is in Fair condition.

Mechanics: As a prototype it is hard to say whether the action functions correctly. The rifle feeds and extracts a 30-06 snap cap exactly how you would think a straight pull would function. The bolt locks up solidly, the firing pin appears to function correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity.

Our Assessment: This experimental prototype rifle from Abe Seiderman’s personal collection is a remarkable example of Universal Firearms’ innovative approach to firearm design during the 1960s. Abe Seiderman, president of Universal Firearms, was known for his inventive contributions to the firearms industry, and this rifle reflects his commitment to exploring unconventional ideas. Built on a modified Mauser action, this prototype stands out for its conversion to a straight-pull bolt-action mechanism, a significant departure from the traditional Mauser bolt-action design. Straight-pull actions allow for faster cycling of the bolt, providing a potential speed advantage over standard bolt-action rifles.

The decision to experiment with 30-06 makes perfect sense given the timing of this design. 30-06 was very popular and available as a military surplus round making it less expensive to use. The 21.5-inch barrel offers a balance between accuracy and maneuverability, while the Monte Carlo stock, custom-made by Universal Firearms, enhances shooter comfort and stability. This stock is not only practical but also a testament to the craftsmanship Universal brought to their experimental designs. The inclusion of the Timney trigger speaks to Seiderman’s intent to make a more accurate rifle. Timney began making high end triggers for mauser actions in 1946 meaning they would have been available in the 1960s. The rifle’s production, dated circa 1963-1966, places it within a period of significant experimentation at Universal, when the company was expanding its lineup and exploring novel firearm configurations.

This prototype, as a one-of-a-kind firearm from Seiderman’s personal collection, carries immense historical and collectible value. It provides insight into the engineering and design efforts of Universal Firearms during a transformative era in the firearms industry. For collectors and historians, the rifle is not only a representation of Seiderman’s ingenuity but also a piece of mid-20th-century firearm innovation, blending classic action design with forward-thinking modifications.