I have owned a Chilian Mauser, M 1895 for thirty or so years.It was Mft in Leowe - Berlin, Ser D14XX. 7x57mm. With all matching numbers. This is the slickest bolt action I've ever operated. It shoots well, but not a tack driver. I've always been under the impression that the 1895 was a weak action. But I've read a few things about the Argentenia Mauser that was positive. I've sure this rifle is nearly identical. Been thinking about rebarrelling it to .260 Rem or 22/250. I've got plenty of deer and elk rifles, I'd like it for maybe deer/antelope or varmits, and maybe pass it along to my son. Anyone got any ideas, or should I leave good enough alone. Thanks FREEDYF

The Mauser pre-98 series is considered "underpowered" because of main one you always here is that its missing a "3rd lug" like the M98's (The Chiliean M1895's have a smaller 3rd lug I belive) which is said that it can withstand as strong pressures then non-3 lugged per-98 actions. But as far as I know that 3rd lug isnt supposed to contact the reciver and actually be used unless one or more of the front lugs fail. So therefor in my opinion if a person overloads a Mauser 98 to the point it needs to use that 3rd lug for "Safety" there is a problem.

It wont handle magnium loadings like the M98 will as safety but your not going into mags so I dont think there will be a problem.

Stay safe!

Dimitri

If you have other guns that fill your needs, I would be really tempted to re-barrel to a 6MM. A great caliber for varmints and antelope as well as deer. I'm thinking that the Mauser is a long action, so it wouldn't be a problem. What fun!--tr

If you don't need any more deer rifles I would opt for something like the 22-250 or 6mm, .22 to .24 caliber range. Although the 6mm is a very good deer cartridge it is also a very good varmint round. JMHO

freedyf wrote:

I'd like it for maybe deer/antelope or varmits, and maybe pass it along to my son. Anyone got any ideas, or should I leave good enough alone. Thanks FREEDYF

Howdy!!. The 6mm would be hard to beat it will take care of those three very well
Joe

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I forgot to mention that I've previously installed a single stage Timmey trigger and had the bolt turned, and it has a manlicher stock. Hopefully I can just have a new barrel installed and reglass the barrel channel. Thanks again, I felt rather sheepish with my question. Freedyf

There are lots of choices for barrel makers also. One can spend a little or a lot. I wouldn't think that you'd have to much trouble getting a barrel to fit your stock. Most manufactures have multiple barrel contours to choose from. Just got a Timney trigger put on my Enfield. Nice triggers.
It was a good question. Have fun decideing which direction you will go with your Mauser.--tr

All good suggestions. The advice about the action length is correct also. If you are careful not to 'short shuck' this is not a problem. One thing the others haven't mentioned is weight. The '95 is GREAT for building into a nice light weight rifle which would complement the .260 nicely. There doesn't seem to be a question of what you NEED... build what you WANT! (Within safety constraints).

Keeps us posted, sounds like a great project.