well folks...I think I have "lucked into" a sporterized german mauser that I have an inclination to "re-sporterize" with an up-grade on the stock it wears, BUT I have no experience with this-MY FIRST "PROJECT"! So, what can you tell me about the german mauser, and what would you suggest as far as re-sporting her? Is this a worthwhile project, or should I take off the old weaver K4 scope and re-sell her? I believe german mausers were 8mm, right? I have seen 8mm ammo from remington and have heard 8mm is like a 30 06, so I guess I could hunt most anything with it.

I should have the gun in hand in the next week or so and can post picts...

Dave

Dave,
The mauser came in many different variants. But from what you have told me off to the side about it I am assuming it is an M98 chambered in 8x57. have it checked to be sure. The 98 is an extremely strong and reliable action. You can safely call it the father of all modern bolt actions. Cosidering it has changed little in over 100 years says a lot for it. You will find that sporterized military Mausers range from hacking the stock down and calling it good to some of the finest examples in the custom gun world and everything in between. Before you make too many plans for it you should have it hand and determine what you would like it to become and if it is worth the effort.

A lot depends on what model the Mauser is and what has been done to it already.(And before you get too carried away see how it shoots first.) It also depends on the quality of work that was done. Since it already has a scope installed it is fairly safe to assume that the safety and bolt handle have already been modified for scope use. You will want to check the bedding and see what needs to be done there if you choose to retain the exhisting stock.

Your options are only limited to your imagination and wallet.

PS: it makes it a lot easier to dtemine make, model, condition if it has been thoroughly detail cleaned first. A lot of the sporter mausers tend to have been used hard or hidden in closets for years and need a serious cleaning first.

Mausers came in all sorts of chamberings, with the 7.92x57 (8mm mauser) being the most commonly seen. The Rem. ammo is loaded fairly wimpy due to the the few remaining .318 diameter barrels around. The euro makes tend to load it up to it's full potential (try some Turk mil-surp if you want to see some hot loads).
Depending on what's been done so far, your choices of "what to do" are wide open.

hey Bill!! how's it going this evening?

I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I am bored right now and excited about the idea of doing something like this! I did not know the 98 was such a good action. And based on the picts, I am fairly certain I will want another stock on there. But you are right, I do need to have it in hand and take a good look at what I got, and make sure it is a worth-while project.

Like I said, I am bored tonight and just tossing things out there...

How was your 4th??

Spent most of the day shooting both today and yesterday. While it stinks having the wife and kids away I have been able to play a bunch and catch up on shooting and reloading.