Gunsmiths who can work on older Mauser

[22vartarg]

I have three Mauser actions. One is a 1934 Mauser Banner large ring, one S/243 large ring and one Mexican small ring. Not much of collector value, non-matching numbers and wear. I was thinking of barreling one, but have issues. I also want to get the receiver drilled and tapped, find proper scope mounts, and since I want at least a varmint contour barrel, finding a stock for such a large barrel has proven difficult. Any suggestions?

 

[Edd]

Shortgrass is a member here. He might be able to help.

 

[tobnpr]

I think the 243 was the Mauser-Werke AG factory but don't know anything specific beyond that.
Generally, Kuhnhausen recommends against using receivers dated after 1942 as QC went to sh** due to wartime production.

I'd go with the Standard Modell receiver- but you mentioned "wear"?
Mausers are case-hardened, and if it's seen substantial use there may be lug setback which would require machining the receiver and re-hardening.

Far as stocks, both Boyd's and Richards Microfit have them to fit the large-ring Mausers.
So long as there's enough meat in the forend, it's simple enough to open the barrel channel as needed.
Keep in mind you need a side swing safety, and new bolt handle along with the scope mount.

Were you planning on keeping the original chambering?

Happy to take a look at them if you like, feel free to PM if interested. Good luck with it.

 

[22vartarg]

As to “wear” it is simply cosmetic. The bolt handle has been modified on the 1934 action already. I always like varmint calibers, so it will not stay the same.

 

[butchlambert]

I have three Mauser actions. One is a 1934 Mauser Banner large ring, one S/243 large ring and one Mexican small ring. Not much of collector value, non-matching numbers and wear. I was thinking of barreling one, but have issues. I also want to get the receiver drilled and tapped, find proper scope mounts, and since I want at least a varmint contour barrel, finding a stock for such a large barrel has proven difficult. Any suggestions?

I could use another Mexican if it is available. One of my builds is on a standard model banner mauser. It could be a very good receiver. All of mine were recase hardened after the machining was done.

 

[butchlambert]

My Banner before work but after a lot of stonework.

 

[Ggmac]

Shortgrass would be a great choice or Stan can do it all . Douglas barrels are very good . If he can’t do all the work . Then I know ER Shaw can do all including blueing if needed .
be prepared for a shock $$$$$.
ive got a few remaining new old stock barrels . Heavy contour 243 , hunting weight 270 , 3006 , and a couple of full 1.25 “ straight contour 22-250 .
good luck , its not like it was 20-30 years ago .

 

[SBS]

If you can't do at least some of the work, you have to truly want a Mauser actioned rifle. It's no longer economical to make a good sporter or varmint rifle from a military if you hire it done. New bolt handle, new trigger, new barrel and new stock plus D&T, bluing, etc., all add up to more than the cost of some new commercial rifles and definitely more than a good used one. I have a couple built on the Mexican Mauser, (primarily for the action length and weight) but since you have an action with a bolt altered for scope, it would be the logical one to use if you pursue the project. Make sure it's low enough for a properly mounted scope. Most military handles that are simply forged down are still too high (also too short) and require a scope be mounted higher than desirable. Pick a caliber that will feed well through the action if it's going to be a repeater. Any good riflesmith should be able to do all you want, except some do not do their own bolt handle work.

 

[Ggmac]

You could buy a sporter mauser at almost any gunshow for $200-300 and some nice ones , be prepared to spend that just for barrel work . Drill and tap $100-150 , bolt bend $100-150 , true , stone and adjust extractor another $100 , trigger $100, blue $150 , stock anywhere from $200 to $600 ( if checkered and decent wood ) thats just some rough old prices .

 

[Will Henry]

When I started gunsmithing, almost fifty years ago, working on Mausers was a large part of the trade. From simple bolt handle alterations and D&T to complete rifles; it was expected for a gunsmith to do it all. I couldn't count how many Mausers I worked on. Today, there is much less interest although there is still some demand, for sure. Top level custom gunmakers still produce a lot of Mauser based rifles but the meat and potatoes gunsmiths just screw pre-fits onto Savages. If one is looking to have work done on a Mauser, it is wise to ask to see some samples. WH

 

[wwbrown]

I would look into having Jim Kobe doing the work for you, I have always been very pleased with Jim's work.

 

[butchlambert]

You could buy a sporter mauser at almost any gunshow for $200-300 and some nice ones , be prepared to spend that just for barrel work . Drill and tap $100-150 , bolt bend $100-150 , true , stone and adjust extractor another $100 , trigger $100, blue $150 , stock anywhere from $200 to $600 ( if checkered and decent wood ) thats just some rough old prices .

Gary, you can't buy decent wood for $600.

 

[Ggmac]

Gary, you can't buy decent wood for $600.

Like I said , old prices . Butch I only dream of rifles like yours .

 

[butchlambert]

My 275 Rigby on a Mexican Mauser.

 

[JRR]

I can recommend Malcolm Ballistic Tool in Conway Arkansas. Tim Malcolm has done 3 different Mausers for me.