Grandpa left me this gun? Sporterized Mauser?

[andrew2]

I'm looking to find out more about this rifle my grandpa left me. I know nothing about it besides what I've seen on the internet. The action seems tight and the gun feels solid. I can't find markings indicating the caliber. The serial numbers are the only thing I can consistently make out and it looks like everything is matching. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to figure out what I should do with it.

Also so ive been trying to figure out what it is chambered in. I made a casting of the chamber but I don't have calipers or a micrometer. Plus I'm not sure exactly which parts to measure. All I can tell is that the barrel itself looks to be slightly bigger than my 9mm.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

 

[tdi_g]

Definitely a Mauser. Look at or around the end of the barrel to see if there are any stamps anywhere.

 

[sw0596]

I don't think I can provide the specific help you need but that looks like old photos I've seen of commercial Mausers. It's definitely a Mauser of some type but I don't know how to tell if it's an original commercial Mauser. I used to have an old early 1900s reproduction catalogue that had photos and drawings. That's what it looks like. I specifically remember a stock that had that raised flat on some models. Get a gunsmith to make a cast of the chamber to tell caliber. They made them in a lot of calibers, both U.S. And Euporean. There was one European caliber that was a 9.3 mm which is about a .35 caliber.

 

[andrew2]

I looked closely at the barrel and don't see any markings besides the ones I have pictured in the second photo above. It looks to be a crown followed b "N18,35Gr" there are some markings above that too but they are hard to make out

 

[andrew2]

Any recommendations of a good gunsmith that knows about these?

 

[antique41]

Just looking at the photos, it is difficult to decipher the markings, but some can be read. The rifle is most likely a Gewehr 98, probably WWI vintage that was converted to a hunting rifle between the wars. The matching numbers, the thumb notch in the receiver(for loading charger clips)and all the inspector's marks point to military origins. The conversion was well done, with set triggers, a nice European style paneled stock, hunting sights and the cross hatched engraving on the chamber, which was probably designed to cover the original military manufacturers marks. The caliber of these rifles when they were issued was *mm(7.92 X 57). It looks like the original barrel was used, so I would definitely get that chamber cast measured.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

It's definitely a 98 Mauser. Measure the diameter of the front ring; if it's 1.41 inches, it's a large ring 98, if 1.30, it's a small ring 98.
Many were chambered in 7.92x57 (8mm Mauser), 9x57, and 9.3x57. Then there's always the chance it could be something else.
Some of the 7.92x57's were the older .318 groove while the later ones are .323. Be sure to verify all this before you attempt to shoot it.

I've got one very similar in 7.92x57. They are nice light-weight rifles. Mine now shoots cast bullets only. Keep it original please!

 

[andrew2]

Nice gun! Thanks

 

[camramrod87]

That's pretty darn cool...hope I never see it for sale or trade on here

 

[andrew2]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm guessing the "18,35 gr" must mean 18.35 grams or about 283 grains. Which could point towards the 9.3 mm x62. Would that be a correct assumption? Of course I'll get it checked out before I try and fire it I'm just unsure where I should bring it.