Shortening bolt actions

[indianamoon]

Just came across a brand new old stock Mauser action, I don't think that it has ever been used. Would like to shorten the action and bolt. Question is, what kind of rod do I use and how do I heat treat after? We have tig welding on premises, heat treat ovens, and machine tools so that's not a problem, just not sure of the metallurgy. Thanx, Pat

 

[JayIdaho]

You might get some answers over on the accurate reloading board. They play more with the older actions, Mausers and M70s than folks on the more accuracy focused boards. Below is the URL for that board.
The topic you presented has been addressed on that board before, a search may offer some insight into your request for info.

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/ubb.x/a/frm/f/9411043

 

[butchlambert]

Pat,
I have an old custom rifle how to book. It shows step by step on a Mod 70 Winchester. The Mausers are not heat treated as such. They are case hardened. You would need to anneal it and recase it after tig welding. I believe the bolts were silver soldered. I will look for the book and let you know. It is still available over the internet.
Butch

 

[butchlambert]

The book is The Gun Digest book of Riflesmithing by Jack Mitchell. It has a lot of photos and advice.
Butch

 

[sonofagun]

Excuse the question, but why would you want to chop up such a maybe rare find,which ought to depreciate its value considerably)? Sell it for good money or build up a gun as is and sell it, take the $$, and buy a short,er) action to suit your needs. Also, you take the risk of ruining the action where it will be worthless.

 

[butchlambert]

Son of A Gun, most Mausers are cheap in price. A true short action[Kurz] is rare and expensive. You would not need to shorten it.
Butch

 

[sonofagun]

Thanks Butch. I stand correctimized and edumacated!