I have a friend whom ran across an Oberndorf mauser today. The seller is asking $500.00 for it. Now here is what I know so far. The action is definitely stamped Oberndorf. He described it as having a military stock and barrel. The seller says that it is a 30-06. The receiver has not been drilled and tapped and the entire gun looks to be original. My friend will check to see if the numbers match tomorrow. My question is this, based on this info do you think this gun is worth buying. I can get more information on the gun but not a lot. My friend is traveling and the gun is some distance from where he is staying. He has time to go back one more time and look at it tomorrow. What are your thoughts?
Thanks

$500 sounds high to me for an Oberndorf 30-06. It was most likely rechambered at some point. Sight unseen, I would not pay more than $350 for it (not hard to find 1909 Oberns for $350).

Photos will tell the story.

Marks on barrel , marks on receiver, SN match ? Lots of rebarreled rifles out there .

Thanks for the info. I realize that pictures would help a lot. However my friend is not up to speed on technology. He does not even have an e mail. I also happen to know that his phone will not take pictures.
I did find out more information on the rifle. The numbers do not match and the seller wants $650.00 for it. Based on this my friend and I decided to pass on it.

A .30-06 Oberndorf mauser in military configuration is most likely a 1909 Peruvian that was rechambered. The problem is that the bore is still .311, and may not shoot accurately with .308 bullets.

Of course there is always the Oberndorf Standard models (1935?) chambered in 30-06 that are in military configuration.

quote:

Originally posted by jawheeler:
Of course there is always the Oberndorf Standard models (1935?) chambered in 30-06 that are in military configuration.

I've never heard of any Standard Modell made in a caliber other than 8mm, to include the ones exported to China. Who were the .30-06 ones made for, and where can I find an example of one?

quote:

Originally posted by mrfudd:
I would not pay more than $350 for it (not hard to find 1909 Oberns for $350).

I do not mean to be argumentative, but where exactly are you finding 1909 Oberndorf rifles for $350?

Maybe we are not talking about the same rifle?

quote:

Originally posted by KurtC:

quote:

Originally posted by jawheeler:
Of course there is always the Oberndorf Standard models (1935?) chambered in 30-06 that are in military configuration.

I've never heard of any Standard Modell made in a caliber other than 8mm, to include the ones exported to China. Who were the .30-06 ones made for, and where can I find an example of one?

Military configuration offered to civilian market. I think there is a picture of one in Ludwigs book.

could be a model C army hunting rifle in that case its worth the 500...paul

quote:

Originally posted by Fal Grunt:

quote:

Originally posted by mrfudd:
I would not pay more than $350 for it (not hard to find 1909 Oberns for $350).

I do not mean to be argumentative, but where exactly are you finding 1909 Oberndorf rifles for $350?

Maybe we are not talking about the same rifle?

I have bought 2 Oberndorf 1909s within the past few years for $350 - a standard model and a carbine. Sold the carbine to a friend for $400.

Are you referring to an Argentine 1909 produced by DWM not the Peruvian 1909 produced by Oberndorf?

Or maybe there is another 1909 Oberndorf I have never heard of... quite possible.

The reason I ask... Oberndorf 1909's, ie the Peruvian rifle, in decent condition are regularly $600+. The cheapest I have seen one was $285 and I am not sure I would have used the barrel as a tomato stake. The action was trashed, the amount of pitting made it useless, and the stock was equally trashed.

That and to my knowledge Oberndorf never made a 1909 Carbine, only the rifle.

On that note, if you ever come across anymore 1909 Oberndorf mausers that you would like to make a few quick bucks on.... buy them all day at $350 and GIVE ME A CALL!

Oberndorf 1909:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=298966062

Why is the Peruvian worth more than the DWM.
I bought one for $300.00 from Cabela's a month ago, all numbers match and no pitting.
Cabela's is usually higher than anyone else.

DWM vs Oberndorf is just comparing apples to nicer apples. However, Griffin & Howe has a pair of Argentinians that are simply stunning. Pics on their web site. I've seen them in person, and they are nicer than most 1909 Oberndorfs I've seen.

The DWM 1909 Argentine and Oberndorf 1909 Peruvian are two completely different animals. The DWM is a pretty standard 98. The Oberndorf 1909 Peruvian has a very high charging hump and the front receiver ring is longer. The Peruvians make incredible custom rifles with the hump left in place.

Why does leaving the hump in place improve things?

quote:

Originally posted by Ryan McNabb:
Why does leaving the hump in place improve things?

How does removing it improve things?

The 1909 Peruvian is unique, leaving that hump in place retains that uniqueness.

Otherwise its just one of millions of other "sporterized" mausers.

Main things to me and probably most are being an intermediate action, much less common, and the "neat" raised charger slot.

quote:

Originally posted by Fal Grunt:
Main things to me and probably most are being an intermediate action, much less common, and the "neat" raised charger slot.

I'll buy that. Especially the intermediate action.