This phrase identifies a specific type of sporting rifle, commonly assembled using Mauser actions and often customized by the Golden State Arms Corporation. The Santa Fe Field rifles were frequently chambered in popular hunting calibers and marketed towards sportsmen seeking a reliable and accurate firearm. An example would be a rifle built on a German Mauser K98k action, re-barreled and stocked to suit American hunting preferences.
These rifles offered a more affordable alternative to custom-built or higher-end sporting arms. The use of readily available surplus Mauser actions contributed to their cost-effectiveness while providing a proven and robust foundation. Their historical significance lies in their popularity during the mid-20th century when demand for sporterized military rifles was high, and these firearms represent a significant part of the American sporting arms landscape of that era.