Today I found a 1909 Argi Mauser in pretty good shape at the pawn/gunshop. it's the DWM type, all the metal is original and it sits in "sporterized" military stock. The owner said he'd take $100 plus tax for it. Is this a fair price for the action?

Also I've got a .375 cal. Shilen #4 barrel blank sitting in the closet. Could this action and barrel be used to make a 375/338 WM (I think it's called a 375Taylor)? I think the magazine is a little short for what I've got in mind, Can it be opened up?

Is this doable? I think it would be neat rifle if it's possible. Thanks, Terry

The 7.65 Argentine magazine is a little short, so is the action, but can be opened up enough to accommodate the 375-338. Some of these actions are a little soft though, need to check that, may need to heat treat. The full-time smiths on this forum can answer the question better than I but $100 is a good buy, regardless. I assume it has hinged bottom metal.

[ 04-29-2003, 05:35: Message edited by: fla3006 ]

Yes, It had the hinged bottom metal. I'm not an aficionado of Mauser actions at all, but that is the 1st thing that cought my eye. I've always wanted a custom built on a Mauser action. I guess I'll have to go pick it up tomorrow. If I can't do the 375/338 maybe a 9.3X62...never had one of those either. It sure would be nice if I could use that .375 barrel for something. Terry

I believe that the thinking is that Mausers built prior to the 1920's are too soft for magnum actions. They are suppose to be perfectly OK for cartridges in the 8mmx57 30-06 family, and there are a bunch of real nice choices there. The costs seems OK. You'd probably be better off with a later model 98 for a magnum. However, JBelk ought to know, and may chime in. Ku-dude

TC,

My gunsmiths have built a few .375 caliber rifles off of a .350Remington Magnum case, got good performance out of short barrels. Maybe something like that, or another 375 wildcat.

Red

Well, I went ahead and bought it. Now all I need to do is figure out what to do with it. Pretty fancy stock, wouldn't you say.

TC1---

You could make a profit on the action if you like.....

It's not the ideal action for the caliber you want, but it *can* work.

Here's some pictures of a 1909 in progress.

One-Eyed Jack
http://community.webshots.com/album/40655055ErMcgg

One-Eyed-Jack II
http://community.webshots.com/album/43272641PObsRc

TC1- you did the right thing.

Yea, I think so too. I'm in line for one of those Montana PH actions, but thats gonna be along time before we get our hands on those.

Hey Jack, would a 9.3X62 be more sensible for this action? it doesn't have to be a .375
Terry

I picked up a DWM '09 action (lightly pitted bolt, magazine box) for $20 years ago but have hesitated putting money into, because I didn't want to 'waste' money on things like a 3 position safety, etc. on 'just a $20 military action', but Mr Belk's earlier "make a profit" statement implies faulty logic on my part...

[ 04-29-2003, 22:53: Message edited by: MBiggs ]

Jack that is an excellent series of pictures and descriptions! You should do a video series!!!

Mike

TC1

Keep the action and floorplate. Don't rush to decide what to do on it. Let it hang for a while, this process is one of the best parts for rifle nuts, thinking and dreaming what to do.

9,3X62 should be a fine choice in my view.

Good luck
/ JOHAN

TC1,

That is a very nice looking action, with a nice crest and the unusual bolt stop. I would consider making that into an open sighted rifle to keep those two features. Perhaps a 7x57, 8x57, or 9.3x62 (very near 375 H&H territory)? None would require much (any) modification to the receiver, bolt, or mag box. You could also do something like a 257 Roberts, 30-06, 338-06, or 35 Whelen without any major modifications.

There are some classy sidemount options too, if you do want to put a scope on. Check out the selection of Lothar Walther pre- chambered/threaded barrels for Mausers -- lots of options for ~$160.

$75 to have the action re-heat treated is not too bad, when you consider the overall cost of a custom. Contact me if you need more info on that, or I'm sure others here could provide it too.

Have fun,
Todd