Project Mauser

Johnn Peterson

Johnn Peterson

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I have access to a 1908 rifle, Brazilian Mauser 98 in 7x57 that I would like to eventually work over as a project rifle. That is after I see how it shoots. There are a few dings in the wood but the metal work and the bore appear to be in excellant condition and the action is still in the 'white'. Overall I would guess the condition to be between 95 - 98%. On most of the action there is still a film of what I would guess to be the original grease lube and you can still see grease in the voids, particularily on the bottem of the bolt. Down the road I would like to shorten it to a carbine length, go with a full wood Mannlicher style stock, modify the bolt handle to something more classic looking, different safety set-up, adjustable trigger and floorplate/magazine modification. That's the basic intent at this point in time, so, any source of supply recommendations for the required parts & pieces for this project or suggestions?
 
If the rifle is complete and in truly excellent condition, don't do a thing to it!

It is worth more than what you will have to pay for a good used 7X57 sporter.

There are literally hundreds of Mausers that are in average condition for you to work on, and you can buy for peanuts.

Ted
 
That is one of the greatest mausers ever, take why not?'s advice. If you look around for a while you can probabley find exactly what you want in a sporter on a 08 or 98 action for 30 percent or less of what you will pay to buy the parts alone!

If any one out there is looking for a very good condition 08 in 7x57 Chilcotin guns in williams lake had one in the back a few weeks ago that was languishing for less then I would have expected.
 
I know what you're saying guys. From what little I'd heard about the 1908, I knew it was a pretty good quality action but I didn't give too much consideration to the collector's aspect. My interest was for a project rifle when it came available to me.

I briefly tried collecting once, variations of the Colt New Service. Didn't last long. By the time I had the 4th one, for me, I found collecting to be the equivalent of 'watching paint dry'. If I don't shoot it, it's gone.

Your sentiments have been echoed by a guy I go shooting with on occasion, 303carbine. Figureatively speaking, he's 'slapped me up the side of the head' a couple of times when he found out what my intent was for the 1908.
 
Unless, you really have your heart set on a sporter Mauser, money spent on a Savage/Stevens will reap better returns and cost way less overall.

A complete Mauser is worth a mint today so offer it out to the real collectors. I am sure that you will get enough money to fund a simple project or buy a sporter and pocket the change.

Jerry
 
To do this up nice is going to cost considerably more than you would ever be able to sell it for after all the work is done. You can buy a new excellent quality commercial factory rifle for less than you will spend.

If you are able to do all the work yourself, you would still be better off buying a used Mauser and not destroying a nice original piece.
 
I think Boer Seun (sp) has a custom 98 in 7x57, quite classic on the chopping block. He's put alot of effort into it if I recall. He wants to sell it if it isn't gone already. FYI

I am with keeping it origonal too.

Noel
 
I've been totally suprised by the reaction from all of you. It's not what I had even remotely anticipated. Again, when it first came to my attention, I didn't consider collector aspects, I just thought, here's an opportunity for a custom project. No guarantee for down the road, but for the immediate future, I'll leave it as is. It was my original intent to reload for, shoot and 'play' with it as it is before doing anything. I appreciate all of your input.
 
I don't find Mausers too expensive to project. I find part available and well priced generally. All custom guns take cash, no question, but the Mauser has better availability than most I find at least. However, I try to do as much work on it as possible myself and even the whole thing at times.
Nothing wrong with the 7x57 and 8x57 rounds either if you want to shoot it and hunt with it. Why_Not? was telling me about modifying Mausers in days past by running a .284 Win. reamer down the chamber. The length is the same and you come out with a .284 or 8x284 Mauser which is interesting. There are others that may be better but here is a low cost modification that would be interesting and not commonly seen. I have a number of Mauser actions in various stages of projects now, I enjoy them. I just did a carbine for .375RUM and it turned out great and didn't cost me a lot of dollars to do.
Rob
 
Boyd's stocks sells stocks and Bold triggers. You can get win 70 style safeties from www.tradeexcanada.com/esquif2/ Your floorplate/magazine mods can include a lengthened release pin, to trigger bow reshaping, hinged floor plate such as the Argentine or Parker Hale, or a true magazine (clip) which doesn't work that well unless properly fitted. You can drill and tap your receiver for scope mounts, you might want to mill the charger hump. You have a true Oberndorf Mauser action, like the others have said, it is worth more in its original form. Try to buy a mismatched numbered or a Turk Mauser and play with that. Cheap to buy with no real collector's interest.
 
Casull said:
I don't find Mausers too expensive to project. I find part available and well priced generally. All custom guns take cash, no question, but the Mauser has better availability than most I find at least. However, I try to do as much work on it as possible myself and even the whole thing at times.
Nothing wrong with the 7x57 and 8x57 rounds either if you want to shoot it and hunt with it. Why_Not? was telling me about modifying Mausers in days past by running a .284 Win. reamer down the chamber. The length is the same and you come out with a .284 or 8x284 Mauser which is interesting. There are others that may be better but here is a low cost modification that would be interesting and not commonly seen. I have a number of Mauser actions in various stages of projects now, I enjoy them. I just did a carbine for .375RUM and it turned out great and didn't cost me a lot of dollars to do.
Rob
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In a strong action the 8x57 can be loaded to the spec's of the 30/06. But the 7x57 is all you really need.
 
Casull said:
Johnn,
I have some Mauser actions, send me a note and we'll work out something so you don't have to cut that good one up.
Rob
Click to expand...

Hi Rob. Hope you had a great Christmas and all the best to 'you & yours' in health, happiness & prosperity for 2007. The 'project' came to mind again yesterday on a visit to 'Gord the gunsmith's'. Actually, he's the guy I got the '08 Mauser from. He is also in agreement with the general sentiments expressed by yourself and others concerning my 'project'. Anyway, in line with your note, a PM is on the way.
Johnn
 
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