I've recently learned that Gottfried Prechtl is making reproduction Mauser "Type A" barrel band front sites for 15mm (.590") and 17mm (.669") muzzle diameters. I emailed Mr. Prechtl about making the four leaf Type A rear site and the barrel band rear site base, as I am in the planning stages of a Type A reproduction in 10.75x68. Mr. Prechtl was unclear about whether or not he currently makes Type A rear sites, but explained that he designed his site base to be placed farther forward on the barrel than on original Type A's. He told me that he will send me drawings of both the original and his modern design.

I am wondering how much interest there might be in faithful reproduction Type A rear sights and sight bases. The Accurate Reloading forum member, DPCD, has sold a rather large number of reproduction Type A barrels in recent years (at a very attractive price, I might add), and the possible availability of period correct sights just might make these barrels even more popular.

BTW, Lothar Walther's Type A barrels (LW calls them Type E, after the Oberndorf factory designation.) are not exact reproductions, but rather a "one size fits all" compromise between the two typical Type A barrel sizes that Oberrndorf Mauser offered. LW's barrel diameter is about 15.88 (.625") at 650mm (25.6") barrel length. Neither of Prechtl's reproduction fronts sights will fit on an LW barrel. I don't know how much the band of the 15mm can be stretched.

Recknagel makes a three leaf rear sight, but only offers a two leaf barrel band rear sight base. This is really not a problem for rational minded folk. Type A barrels can be cut without relief for a sleeve base, and a sleeveless three leaf sight base can be soldered in place for a reasonably original look. However, less rational, and largely anul retentive folks, like me, really want a four leaf base as the Oberndorf engineers originally intended.

DPCD offers a 90% machine inletted stock that is based on the Type A design. I am in search of an original standard depth magazine Type A rifle stock that can be copied. This would allow DPCD, and others, to offer a more true and exact reproduction Type A stock. If you know where I can find an original Type A stock to borrow, please let me know!

I will update info as I learn for specifics from Mr. Prechtl. If you are interested in one of these four leaf rear sights, please let me know, so I can let Prechtl know of the possibl demand. Perhaps a run of the four leaf sight can be made.
I intend to post this in the Nitroexpress and 24hour forums as well.

A couple Type A's sold through Willouby and McCabe a few years ago:









The Type A front an rear sights:

The Pechtl Type A front sight:

I have an exact type A stock pattern. I just added some extra wood in places so you can make some alterations. Some guys like the side panels, schnabel tip, and thicker grip, so I added those features, but they are easily removed down to the original type A shape.

Ok

seems like a lot of work to go through. Why not just buy an original?

lindy:

Thanks for the advice, but I can not afford a $6000+ rifle right now, and I would prefer an affordable custom. I will be helping to build this one to reduce the cost. There is a very poorly refinished rifle at Simpson's for $2600, but I want a nice rifle, built on my budget.

You would be amazed at how much a person can save by giving up a lot of things they think they need but really don't.

quote:

Originally posted by lindy2:
You would be amazed at how much a person can save by giving up a lot of things they think they need but really don't.

You would be amazed at how good I am at flushing money down the toilet!

Mr. Prechtl is not, and will not, make the Type A four leaf rear sight. He made a four leaf rear sight for the last iteration of the Mauser company around 2000, but that sight was designed to be placed farther out on the barrel.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a shop that might be willing to make a run of these (preferably in the USA, as that would be most convenient for me). This is another part with perhaps very little demand, but with the availability of DPCD's reproduction Type A barrels, maybe there are folks who might want one.

Again, if you are interested in one, please say so.