Hi:

Can you tell me if a Military Mauser can SAFELY be made to handle the 375 H&H, 416 Rem Mag, and 458 LOTT, by cutting the thumb groove?

All these cartridges are the same lenght. I hear that it isn't safe, but I still see many rifles chambered out there for the 375 H&H with Military Mauser actions?

Whats the scoop on this procedure..??

Regards... Jim P

PAHunter---

Most military M-98s can be made to handle the 2.85 cartridges but it has nothing to do with the thumb slot (groove??).

Properly done the magazine box opening should be extended to the rear about .150 and to the front only about .100. That alteration dictates a specially made magazine box to fit. Blackburn makes them.

Most of my personal guns are Mausers 98's...375, 416, 404, 9.3x62...

Seems to me that the thumb cut is a weak spot if the receiver is dropped on a hard surface or if the receiver is twisted. Under these conditions, cracks can occur in this area, so caution must be exercised when working on military Mausers.