I have a small ring Polish WZ (Warsawa) K98 action that has been in my closet for several years. It has large ring 98 thread. I saw a rifle made by Gene Simillion in 270 Win using an Erfurt Kar98, which is supposedly identical to the above mentioned Polish Action. A Gunmaker friend of mine has seen a well used 375 H&H out of Africa built on a Kar action. I just recently talked to a gunsmith who said that these actions really were not suitable for the original 8mm chambering, and there is serious danger of the front ring stretching. What do some of you well seasoned gunmakers think of these action in terms of what they can handle? I am thinking of turning mine into a lightweight synthetic stocked 9.3x62 someday. If this action was recarburized/hardened, does anyone see any problems with using standard (i.e. rather low pressure) 9.3x62 loads with these actions? Is this action junk or are the detractors just passing along "hearsay" or theory that is not backed up by real word observation? Thank you for you opinions and/or real world observations. Matt

In gunsmith school in the early 50's we were taught that Erfurt (small ring /large thread) actions were good for the 7x57 range of cartridges such as the 250-3000,257,etc. I still more or less believe that way.

Of the small ring large thread Mausers I consider the Polish to be superior to the German ones, possible due to the fact that most Polish actions I have encountered were of later manufacture than the Germans. I have a Warsawa that I rebarreled to 270 about 30 years ago, which is the most heavily used rifle in my arsenal (if I had put a notch on the stock for every head if game it has accounted for I would have nothing left but a toothpick) and I can only say that it made a delightful light weight sporter that has served me well and shoots 3 rounds into one cloverleaf the size of my thumb. Just be sure that you do not surface grind the receiver as there isn't any meat on the front ring to spare and screws for scope mounts will need to be a little shorter than those for a large ring.

Hoping not to highjack the thread, but I am very interested to read more on this. Last summer I picked up this 8x57 Erfurt on consignment in north Idaho. To date I have loaded to original 8x57 pressures of ~35 kpsi. I am thinking 45 kpsi as being the limit. Yes/no?

Boxhead - That is a beautiful rifle! Looks almost like a Linden!

Matt - Search the gunsmithing forum, I believe this has been discussed there in the past. As I recall, some of the SR LT polish actions are considered, by some respected members, superior to the SR LT Erfurt ones, due to a more conservative relief cut inside the ring.

I don't want to hijack this thread but could someone explain (or point me to a source) small ring and large ring Mausers? Same with thread?
Thanks, Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
I don't want to hijack this thread but could someone explain (or point me to a source) small ring and large ring Mausers? Same with thread?
Thanks, Peter.

I'm not sure if you're looking for a source to buy or an information reference source but here is an information reference for you:
http://forums.accuratereloadin.../9411043/m/861105007

WOW! Thanks very much Clowdis!
Peter.

Wouldnt the 03 Springfield be considered a small ring/large thread ?

Is the pre-64 win not really a smallring action too.

I know a guy here locally that has been shooting a SR Mauser in, believe it or not, 270 Weatherby Mag and it is as good now as it was when I first saw it in 1992. Go figure!
Aloha, Mark

Matt,

I do not know if it is hearsay, but here was my experience in asking about this very question.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...491027931#4491027931

Likewise when I went to the Colorado School of Trades we were told that SR/LT mauser actions were not to be built outside of the 7x57 range.

Certainly not real world observation or experience, but then I have not seen or handled a Kar built in 9.3x62.

I am interested to hear and see any real world observations.