Re barrel 1893 Mauser Short rifle

[mcwoodduck]

I have recieved back a 93 action short rifle.  The rifling is ruined, but it still shoots strait.
I like the action, I like the stock and the military stock that looks like a manilicher with an upper hand guard that the rear sight sits in.
I already have a 308 that I like that would do what this does.
I am not sure that the action is strong enough for 30-06 or what I would really like it to be is either a 35 Whelan or 358 Win but again I think the action is a little old. 
The other reason to rebarrel is to change the sights and add larger sights that line up easier.

[AtlLaw]

7x57... Ain't no doubt about it!   
 
Mostly because one of my projects (that's been sitting around quite a while) is a M-96 Swede barreld action that I intend send to Shaw for a 7mm Mauser barrel.
 
Right now it wears a 6.5x55 barrel.  The guy I bought the BA from said it was a Lilja but who knows...     It's coming off anyway!   

[iiranger]

#1). First pull the wood, turn the gun over and study the bottom of the receiver ring with a magnifying glass or other to find the proof mark. When was the gun proofed? Should be very close to when it was made. I would be A LOT more careful with something made pre WW I to production later. Spain made 93's into the 1940s. (1943 I think).
#2). You mention '06. Ironically the '06 was standardized in the same era as the later 7x57 at SAAMI pressure of about 45K CUP. Mausers are a bit short ('06 is 63mm long.)  but many 98's were converted. I don't know what standard is for the Whelen but you mention it. The 8x57 Mauser is close and should fit like a glove or close. And can be loaded close to Whelen performance. If you want a "varmint potential" then the 6.5x55 might be a bit better with lighter bullets. Decisions, decisions.
#3). No knocking the 7x57. It has done it all. Little small for elephants unless you are an exterminator like Bell. Little big for coyotes but passable.  and a later gun loaded to more modern performance... If I were young, I would go 7mm. But I am old and the idea of sitting and popping at p'dogs, the 6.5 is slightly more appealing. Luck. Happy Trails.

[mcwoodduck]

OK 7X57 it is.

[spruce]

I think you made a wise choice.  7X57 is one of the finest medium game rounds ever made (IMO).
 
Always makes me nervous when someone starts talking about hot-rodding a M93 Mauser.  It's a nice action, but doesn't have the strength or the gas venting system of the M98.

[AtlLaw]

Hey McWoody!  iiranger's post got me thinking...    Who made the action?     I just assumed it was German 'cause when I think of a '93 my mind automatically goes to  Loewe and Oberndorf.  Those Spanish made rifles never even crossed my mind.   
 
Something shoulda clicked when you said "short rifle."  That something being the M-1916 made at Oviedo or a German M-93 converted to a short rifle by them...   

[mcwoodduck]

It is Spanish.  I actually think it is a model 1895 as it has a vent hole on the left side of the reciever.  The Serial number is D53XX  A buddy of mine has one of the Spanish 93/95 actions to 308.  There were other models that were 98 actions converted as well to 308 to meet the NATO requirements.  But again that is a different story.
I already have a Ruger M77 tang safety in 308 Win with open sights so rechambering to 308 or even 30-06 would kind of be redundant. 
The crest is faint on the reciever but it looks like the wreath and bundle of sticks from Spain pre the civil war.  So easily older than 1936.   But the bent bolt and 25" barrel look to be factory.  Then again, may be not.   If not I have a half junk Mexican 1910 made in Spain that could be chopped and restocked, but I like the looks and swing of the short rifle.  Over all length is about the same as my Garand or Enfield No1. 

[Rangr44]

.
 
To ascertain the model, just look at the bolt face: Model 1893/93's have a squared-off bottom edge up front; Model 1895/95's are round.
 
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[mcwoodduck]

It is squared off. 
Thank you.  I am going to meet with a gun smith in Bakersfield next week when I have to be back up there for work.
Let's see what he want to charge me to dress up a $75 rifle. 
 

[AtlLaw]

I'm writtin the PM now McWoody!

[argie1891]

Another great lower pressure cartridge is the 35 remington. i rebarreled a type 99 arisaka to the 35 remington and really like the cartridge. Now it is not a long range shoot them across the canyon but it is a very good close range drop them in their tracks round. argie191

[mcwoodduck]

Another great lower pressure cartridge is the 35 remington. i rebarreled a type 99 arisaka to the 35 remington and really like the cartridge. Now it is not a long range shoot them across the canyon but it is a very good close range drop them in their tracks round. argie191

I like the 35 rem.  Maybe an option ofr a future build.

[Rangr44]

It is squared off. 
Thank you.  I am going to meet with a gun smith in Bakersfield next week when I have to be back up there for work.
Let's see what he want to charge me to dress up a $75 rifle.

Although the original 7x57 chambering is no slouch, if it were mine (and it needed rebarreling), I'd rebarrel it for the .250 Savage, to make a nice, lightweight sporter.



.

[mcwoodduck]

It is squared off. 
Thank you.  I am going to meet with a gun smith in Bakersfield next week when I have to be back up there for work.
Let's see what he want to charge me to dress up a $75 rifle.

Although the original 7x57 chambering is no slouch, if it were mine (and it needed rebarreling), I'd rebarrel it for the .250 Savage, to make a nice, lightweight sporter.



.

257 Roberts was an option.  But I am not really a 1/4 Bore guy. 
For what I want this rifle to do I want to be in the heavier side of projectiles, 140grains or more for woods. 
The 250 Savage would be great for Javilina, Coues deer, or other medium sized Big Game.  Thanks for the idea. 

[mtbugle]

I have enjoyed following this thread as I just acquired a 93 with a barrel that looks pretty rough.
Thanks Don

[mcwoodduck]

I have enjoyed following this thread as I just acquired a 93 with a barrel that looks pretty rough.
Thanks Don

What are you planning on doing with yours? 

[Huffmanite]

I chose the 7x57 on your survey.  I like the 6.5x55 also, owning several rifles in it.  Just thought the 7x57, being an original chambering of the 93 Spanish would be better.  Own several 7x57 rifles too, darn nice cartridge to shoot. 
Someone suggested the 250 Savage, good suggestion, but if you reload,  its brass is a seasonal run and sometimes hard to find.  Nothing wrong with making it a 257 Roberts, a very suitable cartridge for the 93 Spanish action. 

[mcwoodduck]

Thanks but keeping it an open sight gun I think 7X57 is going to be best.
If I were to scope it the 257 Roberts would be a round for well lots of things. 
But in Central CA I need to use lead free bullets for pigs and deer and I think I like the heavier options of the 7mm.

[theratdog]

you can't go wrong with the 7mm mauser i have a model 95 that is a real shooter not much recoil and i reload for mine the 115 grain hollow point is a real mule deer killer i have shoot elk with same load they just fold up.mine is an old military rifle that i had sporterized years ago nice smooth action.