Interarms Mark X Bolt-Action Rifle chambered in .240 Weatherby Magnum

This is a high-quality bolt-action sporting rifle based on the commercial Mauser 98 action. The rifle features a deep, high-polish blued finish on the barrel and receiver, which displays a distinct cobalt blue hue under direct light. The barrel is clearly stamped '.240 WEATHERBY MAG', indicating it is chambered for a high-velocity flat-shooting cartridge. The receiver bridge is marked 'MARK X' and the side rail is roll-stamped with 'ALEXANDRIA INTERARMS VIRGINIA' alongside the star logo. The firearm is mounted in a premium wooden stock, likely exhibition-grade Turkish or French walnut, characterized by intense 'tiger-stripe' figure and fiddleback grain patterns throughout the forend. The stock has a high-gloss finish. Metalwork appears excellent with minimal thinning of the bluing. The wood shows some minor superficial handling marks and light indentations near the receiver line, typical of field use. An optics system is installed consisting of a Steiner telescopic sight secured by robust black anodized scope rings and a one-piece mounting base. The craftsmanship indicates a custom or semi-custom build, likely dating from the mid-to-late 20th century, combining a Yugoslavian-made Zastava action (imported by Interarms) with a premium barrel and stock.

Based on my visual examination of this Interarms Mark X rifle, I find it to be a significantly upgraded example of the Zastava-produced Mauser 98 action. The most striking feature is the exhibition-grade walnut stock presenting exceptional fiddleback and tiger-stripe patterning. While the Mark X was typically a utility-grade firearm, this specific build leans into the semi-custom or custom market. The chambering in .240 Weatherby Magnum suggests a barrel replacement or a special-order configuration, as this was not a standard high-volume chambering for the Alexandria imports. The inclusion of a premium Steiner optic further elevates the package value. I estimate the condition of the metalwork at 95%+, while the wood shows minor field usage consistent with a well-maintained hunting rifle. Market demand for high-grade wood on reliable Mauser actions remains strong, though the .240 Weatherby caliber is a niche market requiring specific ammunition. Comparables for standard Mark X rifles sit at $600-$800, but the wood quality and glass here triple that valuation. Limitation: Verification of the barrel's internal condition (rifling) and the specific builder's marks under the recoil lug is impossible via imagery. To fully authenticate the value, I would require a physical inspection of the bedding, a bore-scope analysis, and any available provenance regarding the custom stock maker. Authenticity of the 'Interarms' marking is confirmed visually, but the custom nature of the build means total value is contingent on mechanical performance which cannot be tested here.