old military mauser
01-08-2003, 03:55 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Gleason, TN
Posts: 1,327
old military mauser
www.mitchellsales.com
50 year old military mausers in 8mm.
Do you think they would make a good hunting rifle if you put a new trigger in it and used the scout scope? What can you hunt with a 8mm? I wonder how smooth the action is and how accurate they are?
"Hey ya'll, watch this"
50 year old military mausers in 8mm.
Do you think they would make a good hunting rifle if you put a new trigger in it and used the scout scope? What can you hunt with a 8mm? I wonder how smooth the action is and how accurate they are?
"Hey ya'll, watch this"
01-08-2003, 04:25 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PA Sask CAN
Posts: 321
RE: old military mauser
Depends on the price.
If you just want an affordable hunting rifle go with a Savage(cheap and accurate rifle).
If you do purchase, the 8x57 is an excellent round it is very similar to the 30-06(8mm versus 7.62 mm). The 8x57 can also be easily converted into the 8mm-06 or 8mm-06 AI which are both superior rounds to the 30-06. The only problem is you will have to hanload.
You definitely don't want to take a collector's piece Mauser and sporterize it though, because you would lose all the value.
Edited by - corey006 on 01/08/2003 17:28:13
If you just want an affordable hunting rifle go with a Savage(cheap and accurate rifle).
If you do purchase, the 8x57 is an excellent round it is very similar to the 30-06(8mm versus 7.62 mm). The 8x57 can also be easily converted into the 8mm-06 or 8mm-06 AI which are both superior rounds to the 30-06. The only problem is you will have to hanload.
You definitely don't want to take a collector's piece Mauser and sporterize it though, because you would lose all the value.
Edited by - corey006 on 01/08/2003 17:28:13
01-08-2003, 06:26 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Body in SE WI, mind in U.P.
Posts: 4,781
RE: old military mauser
The Yugo M48 is a decent shooting gun and the 8x57 cartridge can be used on any game that a 30-06 can be used for, IF YOU RELOAD.
I have one M48, I also had an M48A that I bought at the same time, but sold it right away. Both rifles are the same though the M48A has stamped parts that aren't as pleasing to look as as those on the M48.
The M48 I have has shot 10 shot groups under 2" with the iron sights and handloads at 100 yards. With a scout mounted scope correctly mounted and a rifle with a better barrel than mine (mine is slightly pitted) you can probably expect as good as if not better results. The trigger on mine is very light and crisp though a 2 stage trigger, but these will vary from rifle to rifle.
I mentioned that you need to reload... Domestic cartridge manufacturers have either been reigned in tight by lawyers or have no respect for the cartridge whatsoever. Remington loads them equal to in performance to the 30-30 cartridge, I haven't seen any other manufacturers loads on shelves but would guess they would be loaded the same. You can get some foreign loadings from manufacturers such as Sellier and Bellot which load the cartridges to respectable velocities, but most likely you would have to special order these. This cartridge should be able to launch a 150 gr bullet at velocities exceeding 2900 fps if carefully loaded.
Downsides to the M48:
-It has a short stock- its a carbine- so it kicks like a mule to tall people like me.
-Metalworking isn't the best. M48's are pretty low in the quality department and really don't compare well to german made K98's, sticky bolts, scratched cases, and safeties that are too stiff to move are common problems. These problems can be resolved by lapping the bolt lugs, polishing the receiver rails, and replacing the cocking piece.
-has intermediate length action which is shorter than a standard mauser 98 or k98 action, so 30-06 length chamberings will not work the best.
-sidemounted sling- isn't the best setup for using a sling to aid in shooting and tends to get in the way if you aren't used to them. they also tend to snag other rifles in your gun cabinet and take them along for the ride.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
upsides
- isn't very heavy- about the same weight as a scoped rem 700, m48's are a bit shorter and lighter than german k98's
-cheap
-tend to have decent accuracy with handloads
-most haven't had much use and tend to be in grreat condition.
A word about Mitchell's Mausers. I've seen some of the rifles sold through Mitchell's in shops and can say that they are very nice rifles however, they are grossly overpriced. They are marketing mainly to people who don't have much knowledge of what they are buying or what the rifle's are worth, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the customer will get a very nice rifle but will pay a huge premium. On the other hand, there are a handfull of other companies that also sell the same rifles for much less. The one I recommend checking out is cdnninvestments.com They have unissued m48's for around $160 and the same rifle in excellent condition ( virtually the same as unissued, but might have a few small dings in the stock) for even less. They don't have them listed on their website, but do have a phone number you can call them at and order a catalog, or download the catalog from their website.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms... who's bringing the chips?
I have one M48, I also had an M48A that I bought at the same time, but sold it right away. Both rifles are the same though the M48A has stamped parts that aren't as pleasing to look as as those on the M48.
The M48 I have has shot 10 shot groups under 2" with the iron sights and handloads at 100 yards. With a scout mounted scope correctly mounted and a rifle with a better barrel than mine (mine is slightly pitted) you can probably expect as good as if not better results. The trigger on mine is very light and crisp though a 2 stage trigger, but these will vary from rifle to rifle.
I mentioned that you need to reload... Domestic cartridge manufacturers have either been reigned in tight by lawyers or have no respect for the cartridge whatsoever. Remington loads them equal to in performance to the 30-30 cartridge, I haven't seen any other manufacturers loads on shelves but would guess they would be loaded the same. You can get some foreign loadings from manufacturers such as Sellier and Bellot which load the cartridges to respectable velocities, but most likely you would have to special order these. This cartridge should be able to launch a 150 gr bullet at velocities exceeding 2900 fps if carefully loaded.
Downsides to the M48:
-It has a short stock- its a carbine- so it kicks like a mule to tall people like me.
-Metalworking isn't the best. M48's are pretty low in the quality department and really don't compare well to german made K98's, sticky bolts, scratched cases, and safeties that are too stiff to move are common problems. These problems can be resolved by lapping the bolt lugs, polishing the receiver rails, and replacing the cocking piece.
-has intermediate length action which is shorter than a standard mauser 98 or k98 action, so 30-06 length chamberings will not work the best.
-sidemounted sling- isn't the best setup for using a sling to aid in shooting and tends to get in the way if you aren't used to them. they also tend to snag other rifles in your gun cabinet and take them along for the ride.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
upsides
- isn't very heavy- about the same weight as a scoped rem 700, m48's are a bit shorter and lighter than german k98's
-cheap
-tend to have decent accuracy with handloads
-most haven't had much use and tend to be in grreat condition.
A word about Mitchell's Mausers. I've seen some of the rifles sold through Mitchell's in shops and can say that they are very nice rifles however, they are grossly overpriced. They are marketing mainly to people who don't have much knowledge of what they are buying or what the rifle's are worth, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the customer will get a very nice rifle but will pay a huge premium. On the other hand, there are a handfull of other companies that also sell the same rifles for much less. The one I recommend checking out is cdnninvestments.com They have unissued m48's for around $160 and the same rifle in excellent condition ( virtually the same as unissued, but might have a few small dings in the stock) for even less. They don't have them listed on their website, but do have a phone number you can call them at and order a catalog, or download the catalog from their website.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms... who's bringing the chips?
01-08-2003, 07:18 PM
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PA
Posts: 9,085
RE: old military mauser
i wouldnt go with the scout scope...id have the bolt bent and action to be more like a normal new rifle and probally alot better route..i got mine done with rings and bases for 50 but the guy basically gave me the rings and bases i think...i known him all my life and it took a really long time to get back and he found some used leupold rings and bases and sed he charged me for it but i dont think he did..it was supposta be 50 for the work then the rings and bases extra...even if it cost 50 bucks or even 100 it made one of the best actions in the world able to take a scope like a normal rifle....mine is a 98k chamberd in 3006 and was reblued and some metal taken off to take out battle scars and a new stock put on and now it looks like a modern rifle..and shoots like one with the dependible original mauser action...at 50yds ive had 3 shot groups touching with crappy ammo...sure its only 50yds but thats all the farther i shoot..i will put her on at 100 one day just to see but thats all the farther i shot her since i bought her...8mm is supposed to be a good hunting round..about the same as a 3006 i beleive...a little bigger i think...
01-08-2003, 09:19 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 3,393
RE: old military mauser
I believe I read that they wanted $395 for that gun. I just bought a used Remington 700 in .270 that's in great shape for $325.
Please understand....the 8MM mauser is truly powerful.....but it's NOT a .30-06......and will never be!!!!
The '98 mauser can be turned into a very fine sporter.....but if you start at $395.....I assure you that you'll be better off ordering a new almost anything. If your goal is to have a good and inexpensive hunting gun.....leave this gun to collectors of military rifles......It's way over priced for your purposes.
Please understand....the 8MM mauser is truly powerful.....but it's NOT a .30-06......and will never be!!!!
The '98 mauser can be turned into a very fine sporter.....but if you start at $395.....I assure you that you'll be better off ordering a new almost anything. If your goal is to have a good and inexpensive hunting gun.....leave this gun to collectors of military rifles......It's way over priced for your purposes.
01-08-2003, 10:38 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: QUALICUM BEACH BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Posts: 21
RE: old military mauser
Hi. I'am a new member. I was just reading some very interesting stuff, when I came to this page. I have customized a few mausers.
And mostly used the original barrels. ( 8x57mm ) They were scoped. Shot very well with handloads. I used 123gr norma bullets. Exellent for deer. Being from Vancouver Island, BRITISH COLUMBIA ,CANADA I only shot blacktail deer with them. I have 2 mausers in my cabnet, 1 is a custom mod 98 30-06 light weight 6 lbs and another an original
mod 98 made in Germany (mint) condition that I am going to customize,
not sure what cal yet.The 8x57mm will do anything the 30-06 can. But
only with handloads. Ammunition from the self is about the same as the 300 savage. Ammmo from Europe is hotter. Due to the new gun laws in Canada guns are cheep. Mausers for about $75.00 and other makes name your price.
And mostly used the original barrels. ( 8x57mm ) They were scoped. Shot very well with handloads. I used 123gr norma bullets. Exellent for deer. Being from Vancouver Island, BRITISH COLUMBIA ,CANADA I only shot blacktail deer with them. I have 2 mausers in my cabnet, 1 is a custom mod 98 30-06 light weight 6 lbs and another an original
mod 98 made in Germany (mint) condition that I am going to customize,
not sure what cal yet.The 8x57mm will do anything the 30-06 can. But
only with handloads. Ammunition from the self is about the same as the 300 savage. Ammmo from Europe is hotter. Due to the new gun laws in Canada guns are cheep. Mausers for about $75.00 and other makes name your price.
01-09-2003, 04:14 PM
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Eagles Landing, KS
Posts: 612
RE: old military mauser
Mitchells is the last place I would go to buy a Mauser.
I buy a lot of C&R's and you can find a very good one for less. I have bought "un-issued" M48's for less than $150.
Check out other websights there are a lot of good guns out there.
I buy a lot of C&R's and you can find a very good one for less. I have bought "un-issued" M48's for less than $150.
Check out other websights there are a lot of good guns out there.
01-09-2003, 10:27 PM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: old military mauser
I don,t know which model Mauser you are looking at. The 8mm is an excellent hunting cartridge. B Square makes no gunsmithing scope mounts for many Mausers. They are a little ugly but most work well. I have half dozen or so old Mausers. I shoot most of them open sighted but have sporterized several 6.5x55 Swedish Mausers and installed Timney triggers in them. The accuracy of thes 6.5's is astounding. You really should have any old Mausers checked out by a good gunsmith before you shoot it with hot hand loaded ammo.