Purchase advice....98 Mauser barrelled action

[kombi1976]

I was at the range today talking with some guys from the club and mentioned the fact that my next purchase would be a 7x57, as I've mentioned on this forum before. "
Then club president says "Well, at home I've got a 98 Mauser barrelled action in 8x57 and it's doing nothing. Would you be interested in it?"

I asked the price.....AUD$120, about US$95.

I told him that I couldn't do a great deal with just the action but he said he had a cut down military stock he'd put it in for no extra price and he'd bed the barrel as well. It hasn't been drilled and tapped or had mounts fitted but apparently it's a good action & barrel although the bolt handle is stock standard, not turned down, & the rest of the setup is as military issue. Apparently it was made in Berlin(?) in 1941 and still has all the Nazi markings. Would that make it an Obendorf?

In all honesty I think I'd end up buying a good synthetic stock or a unfinished custom walnut stock and use that instead. I have no love of cut down military models. Ammo isn't a problem but the 8mm isn't the same animal as the 7mm, not quite as flexible I feel although undoubtedly it packs more punch in a tight corner. Down the track I could see myself rebarreling to the 7mm cartridge. If this action is as good as it sounds, & our club president is no grifter usually, then I suppose it'd make a good basis for a custom.

What're your feelings, guys?

Is this a goer?

[Mikey]

kombi - gee, that sounds like a decent deal.  I would go for it.  I know what you mean about not having a great love for cut down military stocks - they don't seem to molify the recoil as much as a nice walnut stock does.  And, Boyd's has some pretty decent semi-finished large ring Mauser stocks for about $70 (US), which is a pretty good price.  

As for the 7mm vs the 8mm - well now, this is a matter of significant import.  The range of bullet weights in the 7mm usually goes from about 120 to 175, with a 140 being what a lot fo folk use.  The 175 however, from that 7x57, is a world renowned game getter.  The 8mm bullet weights usually range from about 130 (I think) or 150, to 220, with the average being either a 170 or 185 yet some of the better hitting stuff is in the 196-200 grain range.  And that cartridge too has been as successful as the 7mm.  

Here's what I would do, but this is just me....  See if that 8mm shoots - if it does, leave it and enjoy it.  If the barrel is shot and she won't group for you, even after being bedded and scoped, then re-barrel to 7mm and enjoy it even more.  HTH.  Mikey.

[kombi1976]

Mikey, your idea of test running the rifle in 8mm is an excellent idea. I'll seriously think on this one.

[Catfish]

My only consern would be when the rifle was made. Pre WW11 and early war years are alot better and stronger than the one made twards the end of the war.