http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-New-...&hash=item338bc18fbc

why do people use them or would one even want one?

Restoration work.

gotcha. not for sporting use then?

There's nothing wrong with them. If a person wants an "economy sporter" Mauser in 8x57 they'll fill the bill. Wideners sells them for $55 a piece.

Copes is selling them for $40 each.

I have used two of them; easy to put on any Mauser. Cheap too. Nice, cut rifling. Great for a sporter if you don't mind the steps.

what is the point of the steps? did they ever build custom rifles using these barrels? can they be re-contoured? is this cost effective?

Why do you want to get rid of the steps?
Steps or no steps is only a matter of taste -
just like octagon and half round half octagon barrels.
It is possible to hide or eliminate steps on some barrels. You maybe left with something just as ugly or too light and too short.

quote:

Originally posted by bluefish:
what is the point of the steps? did they ever build custom rifles using these barrels? can they be re-contoured? is this cost effective?

not saying i'd want to get rid of them just asking how they are usually deal with.

quote:

Originally posted by bluefish:
what is the point of the steps? did they ever build custom rifles using these barrels? can they be re-contoured? is this cost effective?

The steps, I believe were for "rigidity" and probably ease of manufacturing. They can be re-contoured, accuracy may or may not be affected. Cost effectiveness depends on what the re-contour job costs.

Steps are a Mauser design to control barrel harmonics and vibrations. If you try to turn them out you end up with a thin barrel and you will end up with multiple tapers in it. So, best to leave it as is. Most all Mauser Sporters have one, two or 3, steps in them; military ones just have more.

so they are worthwhile or not?

If you are wanting an 8x57 barrel and steps are a non issue, well, for 40 bucks it's a steal.

Yes, they are a great deal for the price. A new cut rifled barrel will cost you nine times that.