Any mauser expert who can help me dating this rifle?

Mauser m98 B
SN 165081
kal. 10.75x68

http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=2130970782

According to Jon Speed's book, the last regular production Oberndorf sporters were built in 1944, serial number 125,417 being the last recorded. The last "occupation" sporters were built in 1946 by Walter Roll, serial number 126,960 the last known.

Ooops
maybe the serial number on the picture is 105XXX (not 165XXX) and that according to Speed would be 1931'ish.

thanks

I thought maybe you read your SN wrong because the picture looks correct. I have two type B 10.75s, SN 80XXX and SN 105XXX, great rifles, great round.

fla3006,
Do you shoot the 347 grain bullets or the 400 grain bullets as a general rule? I think it was in Boddington's "Safari Rifles" that I read that the 10,75 X 68's bad reputation was earned with the 347 grain bullets used when it was first available. I don't remember if it was because the bullets were bad or not heavy enough but I think that is what his take on the caliber was. What velocities do you get?

Wink, the only load I have used is 64 grains of H335 behind the 347 Woodleigh soft point for about 2340fps. Also do not claim to have the experience of other supporters of this round (Ray A. & Harald Wolf). Other loads I haven't tried yet are 58 grains IMR4198 for about 2420 (with the 347) and 74 grains WW748 behind the 400 for about 2200. From what I have read, the bad reputation of the 10.75 was due to early poorly constructed bullets that did not hold up well. With modern bullets this round really shines, a great choice for large soft skin game, a great choice for the standard length Mauser, and a great choice for someone who wants real power with relatively moderate recoil. I bought my rifles from a fellow in Sweden who says they are favorites there for moose, and as he puts it, "a real hammer".