1908 Mauser barrel removal and value

[jjohnwm]

I have a Mauser 1908 action that I picked up as part of a trade about 20 years ago. It's in the white (which I believe is how they came?) with some dark staining and has the original straight bolt handle, original trigger mechanism, and about 20-inches of the original barrel (7x57, I think?). The barrel looks as though it was hacksawed off, what's left is in good shape internally, has some rust externally, and has the rear sight removed, solder still on there. The crest is still sharp and clear. I want to sell it on the EE...any suggestions as to value? I want to price it to get rid of it. I am thinking it's only value is as a basis for a project?

Also, if the barrel adds nothing to the value (and I assume it doesn't) I have considered removing it just to make it easier and cheaper to ship. I have no tools specifically for this purpose, but I wondered if I could simply clamp the action into a padded vice, then drill a hole through and through both sides of the barrel, stick a steel rod in there for leverage, and just twist it off? Or just use a pipe wrench?

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Blastattack]

I have a Mauser 1908 action that I picked up as part of a trade about 20 years ago. It's in the white (which I believe is how they came?) with some dark staining and has the original straight bolt handle, original trigger mechanism, and about 20-inches of the original barrel (7x57, I think?). The barrel looks as though it was hacksawed off, what's left is in good shape internally, has some rust externally, and has the rear sight removed, solder still on there. The crest is still sharp and clear. I want to sell it on the EE...any suggestions as to value? I want to price it to get rid of it. I am thinking it's only value is as a basis for a project?

Also, if the barrel adds nothing to the value (and I assume it doesn't) I have considered removing it just to make it easier and cheaper to ship. I have no tools specifically for this purpose, but I wondered if I could simply clamp the action into a padded vice, then drill a hole through and through both sides of the barrel, stick a steel rod in there for leverage, and just twist it off? Or just use a pipe wrench?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thats's just silly. Removing the barrel may save you $5 in shipping. Sell it as is for $100 shipped and see what happens.

 

[9.3mauser]

I think you would need a barrel vise and action wrench to be sure of getting it off without damaging the receiver. I would sell as is and let the buyer worry about getting the old barrel off. I can only guess at value without seeing pics... $100 without the magazine box and $150 with, assuming clean condition, no rust, damage or alterations.

 

[jjohnwm]

Thanks for the responses. The value is in the ballpark I had been thinking.

Silly? I dunno...I've never de-barreled an action before, so the chance to "fix something that ain't broke" was interesting to me, aside from the convenience of packing up a 12-inch package rather than a 3-foot one. But if I risk damaging it, I'll let it be.

 

[Blastattack]

Thanks for the responses. The value is in the ballpark I had been thinking.

Silly? I dunno...I've never de-barreled an action before, so the chance to "fix something that ain't broke" was interesting to me, aside from the convenience of packing up a 12-inch package rather than a 3-foot one. But if I risk damaging it, I'll let it be.

Just leave 'er be and sell it to someone else. The barrel can be easily re-crowned, drilled for a scope and set into a new stock. No need to wreck the barrel for absolutely no gain.

 

[jjohnwm]

Thanks, gents. The barreled action has landed in its new home and begun its new life.