Author Topic: Mauser 98 question (Read 2019 times)

drdougrx · « **on:** February 27, 2005, 05:07:51 AM »

Hi Folks,

Yesterday I was in the local gun emporium and along with all the semi-auto handguns that resemble 2x4s and revolvers that seems too shiny for my taste, there were three mannlicher stocked rifles sitting in the back gun rack behind the counter. One was a .308 ruger (pass), the other was a 98 mauser of questionable origen for $1,800 also in .308.

Then there was the third. The dealer said of the group it was by far the best. It's a Mannlicher stocked, Herstal made m-98 with the venezualen crest on the reciever and some of the best metal work I've every seen.

It was built by E. A. Lander gunworks in Lakeville, MA, though I don't know when. It's also a 7x57 has a 21" bbl in great condition and over all is as clean as a new gun (has a shiney bolt face). It weighs all of 5 1/2 lbs.

The dealer told me that guys don't want mannlicher stocked guns in obsolete calibers that aren't drilled and tapped. I see NO disadvantage to any of this... I've always wanted a 7x57 and in my mind, what a classic.

So...here's my question. IF I have it drilled and tapped for scope mounts, will there be any real or assumed damage to its value? By the way, I paid $399.99 for it.

I'll post some pics later today if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

Doug

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2005, 05:31:01 AM »

Drill and tap it and go hunting. It a surplus action made into a custom rifle. Sounds like you got a nice rifle at a good price.

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2005, 02:10:29 AM »

I would go with Double D's recommendation. That rifle is just a military surplus that has been cut down and sporterized. I believe the rifle is in the original caliber that was ordered by Venezuala from Mauser. Have that thing drilled and tapped and you should have a great hunting rifle. HTH. Mikey.

drdougrx · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2005, 01:45:12 AM »

On my way to the smith.

Thanks!

Doug

brasskeeper · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2005, 12:30:13 AM »

Make sure you post a picture I'm sure we all would like to see it. :-)

drdougrx · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2005, 02:43:31 PM »

Hey Brasskeeper,

Will be going to the smith tomorrow to drop off a scope (I'll be using a Leupold 2.5x fixed power because it's small, light and will do the job). I'll bring my digi with me as well and get a few pics.

Sit tight and thanks for asking!

Doug

drdougrx · « **Reply #6 on:** March 08, 2005, 12:33:31 PM »

Well....here goes: The guy in the first pic is Mike LaRocca of LaRocca Gun Works in Worcester MA. He's been a full time gunsmith for nearly 30years and a former lead pistolsmith at the famous (and historical and closed) Pachmeyer Gun Works in LA.

brasskeeper · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2005, 12:42:47 PM »

Thats a good looking rifle you got there. Thanks for posting the pictures. Let us know how it shoots. :grin: :-)

drdougrx · « **Reply #8 on:** March 08, 2005, 03:05:03 PM »

Thanks and will do......soon as the snow lets up. I'm in for another 6-10 tonight which makes a season total of say, 90"++.

Doug