I have a Mauser action that is marked DOU 44 on the front ring. I found a list of the codes and they identify this one as being manufactured in 1944 in Waffen Werke Brunn A.G. Bystrica but this means little to me :-). Is this action suitable for building a rifle out of or is it of questionable parentage?

Thanks,
Tim

Tim,
*I* probably wouldn't build another from a 44.. my first "sporter" was one, but I was 8, and dad didn't know any better....

if it looks like CRUD i wouldn't trust it

jeffe

Jeffe,

It does look a little "cruddy". Guess I relegate it to a wall hanger. Thanks for the reply.

Tim

That code is a Czech.

DOU and DOT actions are normally not of questionable origin. Czechs were able to maintain high quality throughout the war, as their plants were not subject to Allied bombing. However, many of the parts on such rifles were subcontracted from manufacturers in Germany, which is why you will find stamped barrel bands and floorplates on these rifles.

As for German made actions, I would not trust any made during the 1942-45 period. German industries suffered heavily from Allied bombing.

There have been many folks bad mouth the later Mausers....even 1944 production.
Personally I'd not be afraid to use it if it looks good and seems to be in sound fitting order.
If it was a 1945 model and missing the guide lug etc then I'd be reluctant for sure.

the late war german guns get a lot of bad rap. i've had several 98's from various occupied countries as well as germany itself plus all my p38's i've owned were late. even if made in an occupied country, if it exists period it passed proof.

that being said, the lower standards of finish are apparent but only on the outside. look where it counts and it's still there. the germans only cut quality where they could get away with it. i did have a couple tho that would have taken an enormous amnt of work to get the machine markes out and one czech rcvr ring actually had a step in it for abt the 1st 1/4". never had any qualms tho abt firing any of them. as to aesthetics, look at a late war 03A3 compared to a WWI 1903 and tell me we were so much better at maintaining standards than the germans. granted ours were never made in occupied countries, but nonetheless, even the occupied production guns got used in battle and if any blew up and killed it's owner you wouldn't be holding it in your hands today.

The problems with wartime German-made 98's are not necessarily those that you can observe with visual inspection. Obviously, fit and finish suffered because of cost reduction. However, the problems of metallurgy and heat treatment are more of a concern. Lack of quality raw materials, combined with production interuptions (pesky arial bombardment), makes it quite possible that many rifles would have a limited future even if they passed the initial proof test.

I would trust any Czech-made 98 action 1924-55, and any German-made action 1933-41. I would not trust any German-made action 1942-45.

Well said willmckee. DITTO!

Tim_Ryan, if your Mauser is a complete, original rifle, it is undoubtedly worth a great deal more in military configuration than as a sporter anyway. I'll be happy to purchase it from you for enough for you to get a decent action from another rifle.

Clemson

Thanks for all the replys guys. Clemson, thanks for the offer. It is a complete original rifle except that at one time someone drilled and tapped it. As far as I know that destroys any value it has as a collecter. Since it is a Czech made action I may go ahead and bbl it up. Doing all the work myself so its not like I am out a bunch to have work done.

Tim

In that case, you can harvest the action and sell the stock, barrel and other hardware to recoup part of your expenses. Heck, I need a cleaning rod for one of those guns. Got one for sale??

I have barreled a couple of Mausers. If you need help on questions, holler.

Clemson

Clemson if your interested in Mausers I have a byf/44 sniper with the scope can, all matching numbers in an honest 98% condition. Not a russian capture. I've had it for 23 years. $3000.00 if your interested.

Thanks, Doug. That sounds like a real beauty, but it is a little bit out of my range!

Clemson