While cruising a local gunstore, I spotted a beauty that I have been unable to get out of my mind. It is a semi-custom, Mauser actioned rifle by an obscure German maker, whose name I can't remember. It has open sights, claw mount bases (but no scope), a butterknife bolt handle and a barrel band front sling swivel. The rifle is chambered in 7x64 calibre. The bluing is worn, and the overall condition can be described as used, but not abused. The asking price is less than $1,000.

I have absolutely no need for this rifle. Furthermore, I have a long history of purchasing a gun for $1,000, putting another $1,000 into it in restoration, and then selling it for $1,000. Please tell me why I should just put this gun out of my mind and walk away.

You don't suppose the 7x64 would make a good African light plains game rifle do you?

wolly--sometimes it's just the beauty in something and sometimes it's cause you just want to do it.

If you're anything like me, and if I had to guess, most members on these forums, need has very little to do with most of our firearms purchases. And if you need an extra push in that direction , doesn't want translate into need

I'd say as long as you've got the itch, might as well scratch it...

quote:

Originally posted by Wooly ESS:
Please tell me why I should just put this gun out of my mind and walk away.

Can't think of anything, sorry!

you're asking the wrong guy here too. Probably you're even on the wrong site. Probably if you go over to hilary's website she would come up with a really good answer for you

This is rediculous. Go buy the damn rifle!

I was kinda hoping that someone would tell me that:

1. Mauser actions are crap
2. I'll have to purchase claw mounts
3. The 7x64 is crap
4. I won't be able to buy 7x64 ammo in the Otjiwarongo WalMart
5. Re-bluing and cleaning up the stock will be more than the gun is worth.

I guess I should have known better

Maybe I'll go down and have another look at it. Just out of curiosity, mind you.

the ONLY reason to buy that, or any rifle, is that, when you pick it up and shoulder it a little voice whispers in your ear "take me home big boy...".
I hear those voices a lot.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

so have you brought it home yet??

I can only think of two reasons:
1) it's not a 257 Roberts.
2) it's not a 250 Ackley.

If I want something I just go and get it No if ands, or buts. My wife gets over it in a couple Months. And I have the rifle.

1. is it a military action?
if so, i think it's somewhat pricey.

2. the caliber, kind of a oddball.
but if you reload all of your ammo it doesn't matter, but i like to buy some factory-ammo once in a while.

Do it. Your a long time dead. Post a picture when you get it.

The price seems a little high if you think that it needs bluing and stock refinishing. Take a closer look at the bolt handle root where it comes out of the bolt body. If it starts straight up for about 5/8" or so that will mean that it will not clear a low scope well. If the bolt handle does not come up like that and its cuts into the stock like most other rifles then it many be ok that way.

Much depends upon the personality of the rifle. If it has DST's, engraving, fine checkering, nice wood etc it all adds up. For just some large ring Mauser with rough finish and who knows what headspace beware.

Unless you are lucky...and beat off the others in front of yiou in the queue...you'll spend even more money trying to find a period 'scope with a period mount!

FWIW these German or Austrain rifles, most likely surrended arms during the allied occupation after WWII may still have the 'scope lingering somewhere in Europe along also with the fitted case for both rifle AND 'scope.

They don't make very much money here in UK - the rifle in the condition you describe - maybe equivalent of US $150 at most US $200. Because that is, frankly, without the 'scope, all they are worth.

It'll cost as much to put it right as a decent Griffin and Howe in classic .270 from the same period and be worth less.

7x64. Great cartridge...in EUROPE. In US? Choose a .280!
Take a tip from Dionne Warwick..."Walk on By"!

Wooly, You pick her up for $1,000 and love her and wine and dine her for another $1,000, then when she looks elsewhere you get back $1,000 and she doesn't get alimony... Works for me.

Bwaahaahaa! Best advice yet!

Wooly,
Just buy it put $1500 into it and then sell it to me for a $1000.
Why change the way you do things.

You have no choice. You simply have to buy this rifle. It has been written.

Wooly,

Do your part for the economy. If we had a few more like you (and me ), our economy would be rolling along.