I’m new to this forum and I’m looking for some information.

The other day I found a Waffenfabrik Steyr Mauser rifle that has been rechambered a NATO 7.62x51 / .308 Win. The action, floor plate and stock have what I take to be matching serial numbers (A 1168).

“Waffenfabrik Steyr Austria†is on the left side of the action. Under the scope there is what I assume is the Chilean crest. Below the crest is “MODELO 1912†and below that is stamp NATO.

The only markings I could find on the barrel were just behind the front sight band. The barrel was stamp in very small print “M12 .308†and “CAL. ST. ALB VT.â€

I’m pretty sure this is a Steyr Chilean Mauser M1912 7.62 NATO Short Rifle.

The bolt has been turned down. It has been drilled and tapped and a scoped mount add.

I paid $140 for the rifle. Did I pay too much?
Is this rifle worth sporterizing?

Before it was "sporterized" it was worth about $300-$350. You did quite well. I have two but they will remain original military. They are great shooters. Enjoy and yes, it has a Chilean Crest.

Tom, Do you mean that turning the bolt and mounting a scope base decreased the value by 60%?
So it does not matter much what I do to it now does it?

quote:

Originally posted by ColeK:
Tom, Do you mean that turning the bolt and mounting a scope base decreased the value by 60%?
So it does not matter much what I do to it now does it?

that's about the size of it.