I have a Mauser 98 that a gunsmith says was made in WWI. And the writing on the side is clearly of a differnt font/typeface than the WWI Mausers I have.

The problem is that I like that particular action because it is smooth and has a bolt handle that I like. But the gunsmith says the steel is too soft for anything but a 7x57 or 8x57.

If the gun is a WWI Mauser, is the steel too soft for a 458 win mag?

Also, I have a WWI mauser in 30-06 in which I have been shooting hot handloads. So far, no problems with the lugs being set back, but am I asking for trouble?

If it's a GEW 98 (with fancy script) and it was mine I'd go ahead and build that .458 WinMag. My .458 is on a WWII vintage Mauser and I'd much rather it had been a GEW 98. Most of the pre-WWII actions I've seen have been in better shape than those produced during wartime.

It's interesting how many smiths will build just about anything you want on a Springfield '03 but balk at some Mausers of similiar vintage.

Good luck!

I think I would pass up the opportunity to use a WW I action. Actions made on or after 1924 are supposed to have better heat treatment.

The "heat treat" is really a case-hardening process as well as a heat treat. The metal in these is fine, and they have been built into custom rifles for years.

I would have it re heat-treated after all action work is complete. If your gunsmith doesn't want to do it, it might be better not to have him do it.

See Kuhnhausen's book, he is very thorough and gives no warnings about the GEW98s, other than recommending the re-heat-treat.

If it is a WWI GEW98 action it should have the date (e.g. 1917) on the front bridge as well as GEW98 on the left side of the action.

The 1909 Argentine is one of the more sought after actions, so pre WWI is not a bad thing. I have been assured that, unlike WWII production, metallurgy did NOT suffer during WWI.

Don

[This message has been edited by Don G (edited 10-31-2001).]

500 grains,

That action I was going to use for the Nyati back in '94 was a GEW 1917 98 action. I had it re-heattreated after I lengthened it and cut out the rails. I have seen numerous 458's , one 416 Taylor , and one 375 H&H built on these actions. I'd say go for it.

And as for the lug set-back in the hot '06. My 338-06 AI is built on an Argentine and I load them pretty hot. I'm generating 2925 fps with 200 gr nosler's with no pressure signs. I would be just as wary as if I were loading for a Remington or Winchester actioned rifle, but no more so.

-Catter

[This message has been edited by Wildcatter (edited 11-01-2001).]

My WWI is a GEW.

It looks like a go.

Re heat treating is an iffy business and I see no reason to re-heat treat any Mod. 98 Mauser action...

That erroneous stuff got started by a gun writer who was testing actions and said that some actions, including the 1909 Argentine were soft when in fact he tested the outside of the front ring which is soft by design..the rails lugs and insides are hardened..The purpose being that Mausers will puff up as opposed to fragment...the GEW is as strong as any action on the market for all practical purposes...

The Mauser action is a very good one, you can use it "as is" for 30-06 and even for .458 Win.

We used a Mauser K98 rebarrelled for .458 Win but the stock broke after several shots!

You can use the action, but don't use the original wood!

P.L. PETIT

The one sure thing I would do before you build up a new rifle on this action (any action in my humble opinion) is to get it x-rayed and magnafluxed to check for cracks or any other anomalies that could compromise the safety of the firearm.