After months of reading and research I bought this Chilean contract Modelo 1912 in 7.62 NATO from Tradex. Manufactured pre WW1 in 7mm Mauser orginally by Steyr of Austria. Later rebarelled for 7.62 NATO using a 1903 2 groove Springfield barrel by the arenal and tucked right back into storage. It is built on a 98k action, rated in NRA GOOD by Tradex. Mind you GOOD for a 100 year old rifle so it has plenty of character marks on the stock, front sight cover was missing as was the rear sling swivel loop.
Some pitting on the bolt face and lugs, likely from corrosive ammo that was shot through it. Also, most of the serials are mismatching including the stock, receiver, bolt. Barrel looked bad initially but after cleaning it looked pristine, shiny with clean rifling. The rifling on this barrel does look shallow but after slugging it measured exactly .30 between the lands and .308 at the grooves.
It is a handy rifle and the action is smooth, considering its in a common calibre, the 98k action, excellent barrel condition I still think its a good buy. I don't see too many of them floating around EE.
Not a terribly historic piece but a useful one for hunting,plinking or whatever may come.
Some pitting on the bolt face and lugs, likely from corrosive ammo that was shot through it. Also, most of the serials are mismatching including the stock, receiver, bolt. Barrel looked bad initially but after cleaning it looked pristine, shiny with clean rifling. The rifling on this barrel does look shallow but after slugging it measured exactly .30 between the lands and .308 at the grooves.
It is a handy rifle and the action is smooth, considering its in a common calibre, the 98k action, excellent barrel condition I still think its a good buy. I don't see too many of them floating around EE.
Not a terribly historic piece but a useful one for hunting,plinking or whatever may come.
