Hi Folks,

not sure if I'm posting this in the right place, but here goes...

I need some help to work out if a barrel I've been offered is worth buying.

Some background:

I've been sitting on an old Columbian Mauser '98 action that is in excellent condition - very smooth, no rust or pits, so I figured I might as well do something with it.

The barrel I've been offered is apparently in excellent condition, the calibre (8x57 JS) is what I want, however I have no idea of the manufacturer or their reputation.

From the proof markings, I'd guess that it means that the barrel was imported into England sometime between 1925 and 1954, but that's about it.

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Pics follow (sorry about the quality)..

http://s1234.photobucket.com/a...urrent=barrel011.jpg

http://s1234.photobucket.com/a...urrent=barrel002.jpg

Fitting & shooting it is the only way to really tell anything Pete.

How much do they want for the barrel?
Is it threaded for a mauser action?
Do you have access to having it inspected?
Can you have a chamber cast made so you can measure the thing for wear?
Is it a mauser military barrel?
Is there enough steel on the rear end of the barrel to rethread and rechamber if necessary?
How does the bore look? Shiny with clear rifling or dark?
How about the crown and muzzle end rifling?

Those are the first things that come to mind for me that I look for on a used rifle and with the barrel removed those inspections are even easier.