I found a old mauser sporter in nice condition today,the serial # was something low like 4445,can anyone tell me about what year this rifle was made?Is it close to the rigby serial numbers built on mausers?It had Gew 98 on one side of the receiver with a big british looking crown on top of the front receiver with the numbers 191x under the crown and the number where the x is was ground/worn off.The gunsmith that showed it to me said he thought it was a 1915-1925 era- before world war two ,time frame and was custom built in germany by a gunsmith at the time frame in germany & was likely a GI bringback,he had no idea about the crown on the receiver.It was all original with matching numbers and looked like a custom guild type rifle to me.The action he said was military but the barrel was special.It was 8x57mm caliber.I wish i knew where to find the old serial number info.I will try to find out more when i get a chance.It had not been drilled for a scope.When were the gew 98 actions built and is this a good one for keeping?It had the old L-shape bent bolt handle,I thought i could change that out & the bottom metal& maybe install a model 70 type safety?But....I really liked it the way it was,with all the original patina and colors.There were lots of marks and proofs everywhere.....It was built for hunting and was in so nice condition it looked like it had been lost in time....what a find!

When i have it secured i will post some pics of the old girl for sure,iam still in the negotiating stage.Maybe lawn,jeff,kurt,rip,florida,vapo & other good brothers can help identify the crown Stamped receiver?was there a commonwealth stalking rifle built on mausers and sent to africa & india in the old days?anyone ever see one of these old girls?Its got me bumfuzzled on where to find info...... But its fun and interesting for sure...like treasure hunting!

Gew 98 is usually found on WWI German military issue large ring 98's. The crown is usually found over Erfurt and a year, on WWI small ring 98's. These usually have Kar 98 on the side, not Gew 98.

Post WWI Germany was banned from having 8x57 sporter rifles, so most were rechambered for 8x60. They began using the 8x57 again in the 1930's, including sporters made on WWI surplus rifles.

8mm was not a popular bore size in the Commonwealth, and I doubt Rigby would offer it. I also believe most of the British gun trade bought commercial Oberndorf recievers for their rifles.

I look forward to seeing the pictures.

Thanks for the help everyone I didnt know there was so much to know about mausers.whew!I did a little looking around and there is tons to read about the different dates and types,etc.Since the rifle is in great shape,would you think it would be safe to shoot?When i read blow up action.... i want to ruuuuuuun.....
I think you have it pegged Kurt,Thanks again

quote:

Since the rifle is in great shape,would you think it would be safe to shoot?When i read blow up action.... i want to ruuuuuuun.....

Barring something like an obstructed barrel or anything that would prevent one from shooting any rifle I'd not hesitate to shoot it anytime.

Make sure you use the right ammo for it.

There was a custom GEW98 in the local gun shop. Wanted to buy it. Nice work on the reciecer, bolt handle and m70 safety, nice metal work , sept it was a 25-06 with a nice stock with goofy carving instead of classic checkering and some bear carved in the butt. Nice work but yuk. Liked the action but id want to rebarrel it and put another stock on it. Just wasnt worth the effort for the price.

Its likely safe to shoot, especially if your gunsmith has looked it over. You'll want to check headspace and keep in mind that it may have a 0.318 rather than 0.323 bore.

I hope I run into one of those someday.