Owen Guns Trust Museum

It's our fearless leader's birthday today. Also, My Dad.
I often describe him as a mad scientist, the smartest man I know, outspoken on every subject, passionate, big-hearted, messy, persistent, a traditionalist but a rebel.
He made fi****ms his life, alongside providing for his family. I am very grateful to have such a wonderful Dad.
Happy Birthday!

Chester's Pick's keep growing everyday! We have updated our website again, and there are some beauties! We love re-homing guns so if you are in the market for a pre-loved Firearm, look no further than Owen Guns!

Happy Merchandise Monday
This week we have Rubber Buckshot back in stock!
Clever Defensa 12-gauge rubber buckshot are non-lethal, ecological shotgun cartridges. Each shell contains 15 rubber SG pellets and is designed for deterrence, bird scaring, and training. Because they are designed to limit pe*******on, they are primarily used in Australia by farmers, law enforcement, and for localised wildlife control.

The Howa M1100 22LR is an affordable way to get your rimfire fix.
We have them in Walnut, Synthetic, Oryx Chassis and a Walnut scope package.
And they all come with 10-shot magazines.
Made in Japan.

Welcome back to another Firearm Friday at Owen Guns! This week we're taking a closer look at a truly fascinating piece of 19th-century firearm craftsmanship.
a beautifully built German Schützen target rifle that, after extensive research and careful examination, has now been confirmed as a Haenel-made firearm associated with Mannheim, Germany.
At first glance, this rifle immediately stands apart from ordinary sporting arms of its era. Chambered in .32 calibre, it features a heavy octagonal barrel that transitions gracefully to a round profile near the muzzle, a beautifully figured walnut Schützen-style stock, finely crafted double-set triggers, and a precision adjustable rear sight. Every element of the rifle was designed with one purpose in mind: exceptional accuracy in competitive target shooting.
The Schützen tradition dates back centuries in the German-speaking world. Originally formed as civic shooting guilds responsible for local defence, these organisations gradually evolved into highly respected sporting clubs where marksmanship became both a pastime and a matter of pride. By the mid-1800s, Schützen competitions attracted thousands of competitors, and specialist rifles like this one represented the pinnacle of precision engineering. Lightweight triggers, carefully rifled barrels, ergonomic stocks and sophisticated sights allowed skilled marksmen to achieve remarkable accuracy from the standing position.
During our inspection, this rifle revealed a number of remarkable features. The slow-twist rifling, patent-style breech, percussion ignition system and superb workmanship all place its manufacture firmly in the mid-19th century, likely between 1845 and 1865. The barrel bears a worn inscription ending in "MANN.", indicating its association with Mannheim, while further research has confirmed the rifle was manufactured by C. G. Haenel, one of Germany's most respected gunmakers. Founded in 1840 in Suhl, the Haenel company quickly earned a reputation for producing exceptionally high-quality sporting, hunting and military fi****ms. Long before the company became famous for later cartridge arms, Haenel's craftsmen were already building finely made percussion target rifles such as this example, showcasing the precision and attention to detail that would become synonymous with the Haenel name.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of historic fi****ms is that the research can often be just as rewarding as the rifle itself. What began as an unidentified German target rifle led us through proof marks, barrel construction, period gunmaking techniques and historical records before finally uncovering its Haenel origins. Each clue added another piece to the puzzle, transforming an anonymous muzzle-loading rifle into a documented example of German sporting history.
Today, this rifle stands as a wonderful example of the artistry and engineering that defined the golden age of European target shooting. It represents a time when competitive marksmanship was celebrated throughout Germany, and master gunmakers built bespoke rifles capable of astonishing precision more than 160 years ago.
If you'd like to see this remarkable Haenel Schützen rifle in person, be sure to visit the Owen Guns Museum, where it now proudly forms part of our growing collection of historic fi****ms and the stories that accompany them.
Until next Friday, keep your powder dry, preserve our fi****ms heritage, and remember, every historic firearm has a story waiting to be told.

Only 2 days left of our EOFY Sale.
This week is the week to get your Safes and Thermal Optics from Owen Guns! We still have plenty of stock and variety.

We still have a selection of button-release shotguns in all shapes and sizes! Don't miss out!
Optimum Arms
Axor Arms Hardhead
Berika EXT12

Welcome back to another Firearm Friday from the Owen Guns Museum!
While our museum is best known for its extensive collection of historic fi****ms, today we're turning our attention to another iconic piece of military history, the military sword!.
For thousands of years, long before the invention of fi****ms, the sword stood as one of the world's most effective and recognisable weapons. Even after the introduction of gunpowder, swords remained an essential part of military equipment, serving not only as practical fighting weapons but also as symbols of leadership, honour, and tradition.
The earliest military swords appeared during the Bronze Age, when advances in metalworking allowed craftsmen to produce longer and stronger blades than the daggers and spears that came before them. As iron and later steel became more widely available, swords evolved dramatically in both strength and design. Every civilisation developed weapons suited to its own style of warfare, from the short Roman gladius, which helped build one of history's greatest empires, to the long medieval arming swords and great two-handed weapons carried by knights and men-at-arms throughout Europe.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, military tactics had changed significantly with the widespread adoption of fi****ms. While muskets and pistols became the primary weapons on the battlefield, soldiers still relied heavily on swords during close-quarter combat. Cavalry, in particular, continued to depend upon the sabre. Unlike infantry, mounted soldiers could use the speed and momentum of a charging horse to deliver devastating slashing attacks, making the curved cavalry sabre one of the most effective edged weapons ever developed. Different nations refined their own patterns, each balancing cutting power, durability and handling characteristics to suit their cavalry doctrine.
Throughout the 19th century, military swords continued to evolve as warfare became increasingly industrialised. Britain's famous cavalry patterns, France's elegant heavy cavalry swords, the Prussian sabres of Germany, and countless other national designs all reflected the changing nature of mounted warfare. Although repeating rifles, machine guns and modern artillery gradually reduced the battlefield effectiveness of cavalry charges, swords remained standard military equipment well into the early 20th century. During the opening stages of the First World War, cavalry units on both sides still carried sabres, with many seeing active service before trench warfare rendered traditional mounted combat largely obsolete.
Despite their declining combat role, swords never disappeared from military service. Instead, they evolved into ceremonial weapons representing rank, discipline and tradition. Even today, officers in many armed forces around the world continue to wear swords during parades, military graduations and official ceremonies, preserving customs that stretch back hundreds of years.
This week's display at the Owen Guns Museum features two very different examples that demonstrate the diverse roles military swords have played throughout history.
The first is a beautifully etched Wilkinson Sword ceremonial sword, manufactured in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Produced under Royal Warrant by one of Britain's most famous sword makers, this finely crafted piece features elegant acid-etched decoration, the Royal Arms and ceremonial symbolism. While intended for formal occasions rather than combat, it represents the enduring military tradition of the sword as a mark of honour, service and leadership.
Displayed alongside it is a British-pattern cavalry sabre believed to have seen service in India during the late 19th or early 20th century. Its robust three-bar guard, practical curved blade and service construction reflect the requirements of mounted cavalry serving across the British Empire. Unlike ornate presentation swords, this example was built as a functional military weapon, representing the type of sabre carried by cavalrymen who patrolled vast frontiers and served in one of the largest military forces of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Together, these two swords tell the story of the military sword's remarkable evolution, from an indispensable battlefield weapon carried by generations of soldiers to a ceremonial symbol that continues to represent courage, duty and military heritage today. They also highlight the extraordinary craftsmanship of the sword makers who produced weapons capable of surviving not only the rigours of military service, but also the passage of time.
Thank you for joining us for another Firearm Friday from the Owen Guns Museum. If you're visiting the store, be sure to stop by and take a closer look at these fascinating military swords and the many other historic artefacts on display. Every piece has its own story, and we're proud to help preserve these remarkable chapters of military history for future generations.

At Owen Guns now!
SCSA Taipan EVO Scout Rifle
The Southern Cross Small Arms Taipan EVO Scout is built on the advanced Taipan EVO platform. This rifle combines a dual-action system—featuring both pump-action and straight-pull bolt operation—for rapid cycling and precise shot control.

Features:
Dual-Action Operation – Pump-action with straight-pull bolt for speed and flexibility
Lightweight Polymer Lower & Stock – Improves balance and reduces fatigue
Integrated Magazine Storage – Spare mag housed in buttstock for quick access
Flared Magwell – Faster, smoother magazine changes
Bolt Hold-Open Catch – Enhanced control and safety during operation
Spring-Assisted Cycling System – Smooth, consistent action with reduced effort
Adjustable Ergonomics – Customisable cheek rest and length of pull
Cerakote Finish – Durable coating for corrosion and wear resistance
Australian Made – Designed and manufactured in NSW for local conditions
TECHNICAL SPECS
Type: Pump-action / Straight-pull rifle
Calibre Options: .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout
Barrel Length: ~16.5” (420mm) stainless steel, threaded
Twist Rate: 1:8
Action System: Spring-assisted pump + rotating bolt
Receiver:
Upper: 6061-T6 aluminium
Lower: Glass-filled polymer
Finish: Cerakote (Black, Grey, Burnt Bronze)
Weight: Approx. 3.3 kg
Overall Length: Approx. 875 mm
Magazine: Detachable 10-round (Magpul PMAG compatible)
Trigger: Single-stage (~2.5–2.9 kg pull)
Safety: 2-position AR-style safety
Stock: Adjustable length of pull (spacer system) & cheek rest
Compliance: Category B (Australia, subject to state laws)