What mauser have I got?

kjm · January 8, 2000, 04:43 PM

My Grandfather recently passed away, and left each of us a Mauser he liberated in WWII. He was in Czechoslavakia (sp?) and found an American fighting for the Germans. He was given a half doz mausers pre-1936, and the unit he got them from was a German unit. They are in pretty good shape (85%), but I would like to rechamber one in 30-06 and give it to my son. My questions are:
1. Will I be ruining a valuable firearm, or are these fairly plentiful?
2. Can I rechamber this firearm for 30-06, or is that not practical?
3. Where can I go to get info on this rifle?

2shots · January 8, 2000, 06:38 PM

KJM, Tell us about the markings. That likely will determine whether to sporterize, leave alone or sell.

wildcat · January 8, 2000, 06:54 PM

I don't know much about mauser values but I do know you can't rechamber for 30-06. Your mauser has a .323 bore and the 06 needs a .308 bore. If you want a 06 you will need to rebarrel. If you don't mind loading your own ammo you may rechamber for the 8mm-06 this wildcat uses the .323 bullet and a 30-06 case.I have made a half dozen of these for myself and friends.It is a excelent round that will equal the 06 with bullets up to about 160 grain and better it with anything over 160. The loading dies are available from RCBS if your smith does not have a ream he can rent one from www.reamerrentals.com or maybe I would sell you mine .

George Stringer · January 8, 2000, 11:01 PM

KJM, as 2shots said, we'd really need to know the markings before answering. For the most part Mausers are good for sporterizing, rebarreling, etc. But there are some that command premium prices among collectors. Before you do anything with yours, lets make sure it's a plain old 98. George

James K · January 9, 2000, 12:43 AM

In any event, modifying a '98 for a .30-'06 length cartridge requires some magazine work. Today, .308 is probably a better bet.

Jim

wildcat · January 9, 2000, 05:08 AM

Jim as I said I have rechambered a few 98s for 30-06 length rounds,as yet I have not had to do any magazine work to get them to feed.My experience is limited as I am not a real gunsmith just a gun nut. Are some 98s shorter than others?Maybe George can help us here.

George Stringer · January 9, 2000, 08:52 AM

Wildcat, that seems to be individual to the rifle. Normally you wouldn't have to modify the box for a long action cartridge. The mods usually come into play for a case that is larger in diameter. Although, I have seen a couple that did have to be "adjusted" for length. George

January 8, 2000, 04:43 PM	#1
kjm Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 1,871	My Grandfather recently passed away, and left each of us a Mauser he liberated in WWII. He was in Czechoslavakia (sp?) and found an American fighting for the Germans. He was given a half doz mausers pre-1936, and the unit he got them from was a German unit. They are in pretty good shape (85%), but I would like to rechamber one in 30-06 and give it to my son. My questions are: 1. Will I be ruining a valuable firearm, or are these fairly plentiful? 2. Can I rechamber this firearm for 30-06, or is that not practical? 3. Where can I go to get info on this rifle?

January 8, 2000, 06:38 PM	#2
2shots Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 1999 Posts: 183	KJM, Tell us about the markings. That likely will determine whether to sporterize, leave alone or sell.

January 8, 2000, 06:54 PM	#3
wildcat Member Join Date: December 20, 1999 Location: Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Posts: 88	I don't know much about mauser values but I do know you can't rechamber for 30-06. Your mauser has a .323 bore and the 06 needs a .308 bore. If you want a 06 you will need to rebarrel. If you don't mind loading your own ammo you may rechamber for the 8mm-06 this wildcat uses the .323 bullet and a 30-06 case.I have made a half dozen of these for myself and friends.It is a excelent round that will equal the 06 with bullets up to about 160 grain and better it with anything over 160. The loading dies are available from RCBS if your smith does not have a ream he can rent one from www.reamerrentals.com or maybe I would sell you mine .

January 8, 2000, 11:01 PM	#4
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	KJM, as 2shots said, we'd really need to know the markings before answering. For the most part Mausers are good for sporterizing, rebarreling, etc. But there are some that command premium prices among collectors. Before you do anything with yours, lets make sure it's a plain old 98. George

January 9, 2000, 12:43 AM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	In any event, modifying a '98 for a .30-'06 length cartridge requires some magazine work. Today, .308 is probably a better bet. Jim

January 9, 2000, 05:08 AM	#6
wildcat Member Join Date: December 20, 1999 Location: Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Posts: 88	Jim as I said I have rechambered a few 98s for 30-06 length rounds,as yet I have not had to do any magazine work to get them to feed.My experience is limited as I am not a real gunsmith just a gun nut. Are some 98s shorter than others?Maybe George can help us here.

January 9, 2000, 08:52 AM	#7
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Wildcat, that seems to be individual to the rifle. Normally you wouldn't have to modify the box for a long action cartridge. The mods usually come into play for a case that is larger in diameter. Although, I have seen a couple that did have to be "adjusted" for length. George