I bought a 1942 full stocked mauser in 7x57 sight unseen for little money. Included the original 4x scope in VG condition and an 8X Swarovski that was added later...both on claw mounts. There is a wide rib (soldered?) on the barrel with a rear leaf and forward claw mount for the 8X scopeStock is in VG condition considering the age. The barrel is done...no matter what hand load I put down the tube, 4-6 inches is the best I can get. So the question is rebore or rebarrel..if rebore what caliber.
Its a great old piece and I realize whatever I put into it what come out.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Can we assume it is a large ring 98 action? You don't state what your use or animal hunted would be so it's difficult to make a good recommendation. Rebore to 8x57 or 9.3x57/62 would be the way to go if you want to keep the barrel. If you don't care, rebarrel in the caliber of your choice.

why not rebarrelling the gun in the same configureation in 7x57 its a great caliber.

I think the first thing to do if you are not simply wanting an excuse to change calibers is to figure out why it is shooting poorly. (headspace issue, freebore/throat issue, barrel crown issue, etc) and see if that could be addressed.

If it needs to be rebored I think an 8X57 would be appropriate, or 30-06.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark:
I think the first thing to do if you are not simply wanting an excuse to change calibers is to figure out why it is shooting poorly. (headspace issue, freebore/throat issue, barrel crown issue, etc) and see if that could be addressed.

If it needs to be rebored I think an 8X57 would be appropriate, or 30-06.

+1 I had a 7x57 that would group in a 8x11 at 50 yards key holeing ect. cut the last 2 inchs of recrowned it shoots them all into one ragged hole at 50 now.

First check the rate of twist of the rifling. If it is standard for the 7X57 try 175 grn RN bullets in it. If you are shooting light pointed boat tails you may get poor results.

It is hard to make a barrel shoot that badly; check the scope and the crown.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
It is hard to make a barrel shoot that badly; check the scope and the crown.

I agree!

Tighten the mounts, change the scope, clean the barrel, put tape shims under the barrel and action, vary the guard screw tension,
recut the crown.

I recut my own crowns and it has turned rifles around. Have it done.