Gents,
picked up a 1891 argentine mauser today for $75.00.
Complete rifle though it has been D&T'd and the bolt has been bent the stock is a total loser. Bubba's been busy there and it really needs replacing. My other mausers are '98's and '95's and would like a few leads on a classic stock and rebarrelling options. Would a .22-250 work? I would like to fill in a varmint rifle gap in my collection. 45nut

I restocked one for a buddy a mine a while back. Used a semi inlet from Great American Gunstock. I believe Richard's Microfit has one available also. Don't know about rebarreling to another caliber. I'm sure it could be done, just depends on how much you want to spend. I found a good used stock for the one I have, slimmed it down a bit and it was good to go. Rebarreled it with a new milsurp barrel from SARCO. I recently shortened the barrel to 16 1/2". Overall it's 3" shorter than a Win 94. It shoots great and is real handy and easy to pack around in the cab of the Ranger.

The main thing to consider is that working pressures should be kept to 45,000 psi or less. Suitable cartridges used in the past included the .300 Savage, .250-3000, etc. From what I've read, the single stack magazine is not sensitive to changes in cartridge dimension. HOWEVER, my personal experience DOES NOT support this view. Even the very similar 8x57mm case reformed to 7.65x53mm will pop out of the magazine until it has been fireformed.

If I had a good M91 that had been bodgered by somebody else I would:
1. Check out the currently installed barrel and if it was in good condition, keep it.
2. Cut barrel at about 19-20" (depending on condition).
3. Mount a Williams Foolproof Receiver Sight (M98) and suitable front sight and ramp like a Williams Shorty. (I had one on my first M91)
4. Install a nice light short laminate stock.
5. Bend the bolt.
6. Reblue if necessary.
7. Get some good Argentine stripper clips.
8. Get a good supply of the excellent Graf & Sons brass.

The best performing loads use the Hornady 150 gr. SP or the Sierra 180 gr. SP. In the M91, you generally will duplicate the .303 British performance.

Despite it's age, the M91 is my favorite bolt action.