Navy Arms Siamese Mauser 45-70 target rifle customized for hunting.

[jbmauser]

I picked this up at a local gun show several years ago with the intent of using it for bear out of our stand. In it's original form (sorry no pics) it had a 28" heavy target barrel, receiver sight, target front sight, straight bolt handle, and was not d&t'd for scope mounts. It still sported the original military safety and trigger as well.

The first thing I did was cut the barrel back to 22" and had my friend crown it. I then d&t'd it, added a Bold trigger, low swing safety, and full length bedded the action. The bolt handle is custom made from 2 separate military handles with the original knob reused. The welding was done with a TIG by a professional welder but I did the shaping and finishing.

Scope is a Leupold VX-I 1-4x20 in Burris Signature rings.

My hunting load consists of 405gr Woodleigh Weldcores driven to an avg velocity of 2080fps. So far I've only taken one bear with it, a heavy 6' brute, and it worked very well. Accuracy is pretty good and averages just over an inch at 100yds.

Any way, it's an interesting rifle and although it's pretty heavy, I enjoy taking it afield once in a while and it's a pleasure to shoot.

 

[madtrapper143]

That is one mean lookin sob. I like it.

Darryl

 

[dan belisle]

I remember seeing these at the gun shows back in the day. Nice rifles, generally . - dan

 

[Mauser98]

It appears the builders turned a large-ring 98 into a small-ring 98. I wonder why?

 

[jbmauser]

It appears the builders turned a large-ring 98 into a small-ring 98. I wonder why?

Actually it is a bit larger in dia than a standard M98 large ring receiver. There is no step down to the side rail which makes it appear like a small ring but the receiver walls are thicker on both the rail and extractor sides. Quite a massive action really. I can't remember the exact measurement but it's significantly larger in dia. I'll take a measurement later if you'd like.

 

[Calum]

That looks like a fun rifle.

 

[Mauser98]

Actually it is a bit larger in dia than a standard M98 large ring receiver. There is no step down to the side rail which makes it appear like a small ring but the receiver walls are thicker on both the rail and extractor sides. Quite a massive action really. I can't remember the exact measurement but it's significantly larger in dia. I'll take a measurement later if you'd like.

You're comments have forced me into doing the research I should have done in the first place. . Specifically, I found that those ridges along each side of the action are guides for an action cover.

I am interested in the receiver's diameter.

 

[Kevan]

You're comments have forced me into doing the research I should have done in the first place. . Specifically, I found that those ridges along each side of the action are guides for an action cover.

I am interested in the receiver's diameter.

The Siamese Mausers that I had were made with a sliding dust cover.
My late Brother made three or four into 45-70, 450 Alaskan and 50 Alaskan and all functioned and shot very well according to him...

 

[jjohnwm]

Looks like a great toy! A fantastic and unusual way to play with one of my favourite old cartridges. Enjoy.

 

[jbmauser]

You're comments have forced me into doing the research I should have done in the first place. . Specifically, I found that those ridges along each side of the action are guides for an action cover.

I am interested in the receiver's diameter.

I lied. For some reason I thought the front ring was bigger by a bit.

There is no real difference in the front receiver ring dia compared to a normal M98 large ring. Mine measures 1.410" so no significant difference. There is a difference in the amount of material behind the lower locking lug in the receiver on the Siamese Mausers though and there is no step down to the side rail as you can see in the pics. It's an intermediate length action with a mag box made for rimmed cartridges and has guide rails for a sliding dust cover. Other than that, its pretty much a standard M98 configuration action.

Below are some quick pics of an original unaltered Siamese Mauser from my collection so you can see the dust cover.

Also of note are the sloped locking lugs on the bolt. The right hand and third lugs are both sloped at the front. That's a bit different from a standard M98 as well.

 

[gunsmith1951]

Now that is a sledge hammer. I remember repairing one in a synthetic stock that kept on breaking. 405 grain Barnes at 2048 - 2074 fps. Offered to buy it but not so lucky. Fired 40 rounds to test it and they all stayed in the black ring, around eight inch group. Had a major headache after that.