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Saftey questions re; old military Mausers
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Wstrnhuntr
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I would like to get an old 8mm Mauser I saw yesterday and need some info about them.

When I saw them I wasnt aware of the mixed serial # issue so I didnt check to see if any of them matched. If not then are these guns safe to use? Does that cause a headspace issue?

The ones I looked at were marked M48-A and had a crest, Im told they are Yugoslavian. Would that make it a small bore or large bore model?

Thanks ahead for replies..
 
Posts: 10190 | Location: Tooele, Ut | Registered: 27 September 2001Reply With Quote
Pedestal
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quote:
Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
When I saw them I wasnt aware of the mixed serial # issue so I didnt check to see if any of them matched. If not then are these guns safe to use? Does that cause a headspace issue?

If the bolt s/n does not match the rifle s/n, you would need to have the headspace checked, at a minimum. Just about all military mausers in reasonable condition are quite safe in the original chambering (and just about anything you can stuff in the magazine) if the headspace is ok.

The ones I looked at were marked M48-A and had a crest, Im told they are Yugoslavian. Would that make it a small bore or large bore model?

The M48A is a "large ring", "intermediate length" action. Meaning it is slightly shorter than a standard M98 between the action screws. Means nothing, unless you are planning to use the action for a custom rifle. Then several factors come into play.

Of the few M48's I've seen lately most have been in good to excellent condition. If the price is right, go for it...

..
 
Posts: 432 | Location: Baytown, TX | Registered: 07 November 2001Reply With Quote
TGetzen
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I take your small bore vs. large bore question to mean 8x57J vs. 8x57JS -- the J bore is .318, while the JS is .323.

.318 bores were early on in German military rifles - I think all were pre- WWI. Any M-48 should be a .323 bore. Slug it if it's really causing you anxiety.

I second the motion to have headspace checked -- I would even do it if the bolt and receiver serial numbers matched. The quality of finish I have seen on a few disassembled M-48/A's (including the one I bought) "wasn't too purty," i.e. if the machine work is crude, the tolerances might be too.

For me, my 48 is a collectible military rifle that offers little temptation to cannabalize it for the action, because the metalwork is rough, yet it works nicely.

Good luck,
Todd
 
Posts: 1248 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 14 April 2001Reply With Quote
TGetzen
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Also, I think the 48A is the stamped floorplate/triggerguard assembly?? The machined ones are much nicer, and if you're buying it at a chain sporting goods store, they don't know the difference price-wise. Ask to look at all the ones they have in stock before you leave with one. And be sure to check the firing pin -- I have seen two now that were broken, and one that had been repaired by welding (unfortunately I caught the welded one after I brought it home!) --those places make no guarantee as to shootability or headspace.

todd

[ 07-13-2002, 07:01: Message edited by: Todd Getzen ]
 
Posts: 1248 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 14 April 2001Reply With Quote
Wstrnhuntr
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Thanks for the replies guys. Im going to go look at them some more tomorrow. Ill check the s#s and the firing pin. I dont mind if its a medium action, Ill probably just keep it in 8mm which seems like a fine cartridge to me. The way things are going it seems like some of the classics may be becoming fewer and not so easy to get.

That will be Mauser #2 in my gun case and will be a welcome addition. My other is an Oberndorf sporter and its a short action.

I think Ill ask the sellers about garanteeing its functionality before I give them the plastic and mention checking the headspace. They have several of them there at the same price so I doubt if they care which one I end up with.

Thanks again.. [Wink]
 
Posts: 10190 | Location: Tooele, Ut | Registered: 27 September 2001Reply With Quote
<CAL9 from planet Fargo>
posted
I have an M48a also, and I will agree that the machine work is a bit rough. Mine has proven that it is very capable of handling some rather stout loads of Imr 4350/4064 under a 200gr speer.
Accuracy is adequate for a military gun, running in the 3 inch range. Military sights are NOT for precision shooting. All in all, though, the gun is an absolute hoot at the range.

CAL9
 
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Beelzebubba
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Most M48As (including mine) shoot about one foot high at 100 yards with the sights set as low as possible, using modern ammo. Brownells sells higher front sight post blanks to fix the problem. Otherwise, they seem to be nice guns. - John
 
Posts: 103 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: 27 December 2001Reply With Quote
Wstrnhuntr
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Well I picked one up today, my first military surplus rifle although Ive had a sporterized 06 before. There were several to choose from and luckily there happened to be 1 M-48 with matching serial #s so I grabbed it. It needs some tlc but appears to be in good order. I took my calipers and the bore measured 3.23 so its good to go there. The firing pin is intact and bullets seem to feed exceptionally well. Now I guess the thing to do is clean it up and have it checked.

Id like to get a 7mm Mauser just like it if I can find one and sporterize it for a deer gun. For such an old design they seem to be relativley efficent cartridges. I expect to really enjoy this gun.
 
Posts: 10190 | Location: Tooele, Ut | Registered: 27 September 2001Reply With Quote
Pecos41
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Good job, Western! I was shopping for the same thing today but didn't find a good specimen at a little gunshow I went to. I've owned several M-98 Mausers in 8x57 and it's a damn fine cartridge. With handloads it will do about anything an /06 will do.

All the advice you got here is solid stuff. You're on the right track. Enjoy. And if you ever get ready, they shoot cast bullets too!

PS - I've seen some of the old military stocks cleaned up and actually reveal pretty wood beneath! [Smile]
 
Posts: 19677 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: 23 May 2002Reply With Quote
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