Need help identifying a rifle

[ruger7x57]

Hey fellas, I have a cool little Mauser chambered in 300 savage I need help with. I'm trying to identify it and its potential value. Thanks

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[ruger7x57]

Here is a few more pics

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Looks like a very nicely sporterized 1893 or 1895 Mauser.
As for value or worth....bore condition will play a role here....
As well as interest in the workmanship of the sporterizing job.
Andy

Edit to add...
@MountainBear
He outta know more 'bout this sorta thing...

 

[ruger7x57]

I haven't measured the action, but it seems to be a short action, not a standard length like most mausers I've seen.

 

[bcp]

Looks like the top of the receiver ring in the locking lug area was dovetailed for a European-style scope mount, then filled in.

Discussion here:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/printthread.php?Cat=0&Board=mannlicher&main=257673&type=thread

Bruce

 

[titsonritz]

I haven't measured the action, but it seems to be a short action, not a standard length like most mausers I've seen.

I'm no Mauser pro, but I thought there were two Mauser action lengths, a standard action, which would be considered a magnum length action for round like .375 H&H and .404 Jeffery...and an intermediate action the was closer in length to a standard length action for rounds like .30-06, 7mm Mauser, etc. and there is nor what we would call a short action. Again, no pro so I could be mistaken.

 

[ruger7x57]

I'm no expert either, but I remember seeing a Kurz action before and was told that was a short action Mauser..?

 

[bcp]

Mauser ID:

Hoosier Gun Works : Online Catalog : Mauser Cross Reference

Hoosier Gun Works, Dealing in gun parts, 100000 gun parts, 2000 gun stocks, 1000 magazines, 500 barrels. Enfield and Mauser. Military and comercial.

www.hoosiergunworks.com

and:

Mauser Action Lengths

Bruce

 

[titsonritz]

I'm no expert either, but I remember seeing a Kurz action before and was told that was a short action Mauser..?

Mauser ID:

Hoosier Gun Works : Online Catalog : Mauser Cross Reference

Hoosier Gun Works, Dealing in gun parts, 100000 gun parts, 2000 gun stocks, 1000 magazines, 500 barrels. Enfield and Mauser. Military and comercial.

www.hoosiergunworks.com

and:

Mauser Action Lengths

Bruce

So is the Kurz action a non-military / sporter thing?

 

[bcp]

Never heard of a military rifle on the Kurz or short action 98.

Bruce

 

[FATAL125]

I've always thought those double set triggers were pretty cool. I've not had a chance to shoot a rifle that had it, but the concept is kinda neat.

 

[bcp]

Another ID reference:

https://feeds.brownells.com/userdocs/learn/bt002031.pdf

Bruce

 

[ruger7x57]

Lots of good info, Thanks Gentlemen. I'll have to start taking some measurements. I'm also not saying it's a Kurz action, just saying that at a glance it seemed kinda short.

 

[Spitpatch]

It was (and is) quite common for custom gunmakers to shorten a standard-length Mauser action (cutting and re-welding). The Kurz actions (real ones) are awfully unusual, and that is the reason for this practice done by even some of the best builders. It is done VERY well by the experienced to the extent the cut/weld becomes invisible and the action is at least as strong as it was originally.

Harry Lawson in Arizona (who built guns for Lee Marvin, Chuck Connors and other notables back in the day) was very good at this.

Generally, custom guns are worth their very most when they are sold to the original owner by the builder. If the builder can be established (and is of some reputation), then this gun would appeal to the buyer knowledgeable in that maker's work. It has something going for it, in that it is chambered in a domestic caliber (as opposed to an exotic European one). The .300 Savage was the first "short fat/sharp shouldered" cartridge, WAY ahead of its time and to this day is a stellar performer on all North American game.

The filled in slot for the claw mount hurts the value to an extent, and probably was done to make the receiver peep operational toward a view of the front sight.

A wonderful example of gunmaker's work, complete with double-set triggers! For someone that appreciates such things, she's got a couple good hunts left in 'er, while her stories can only be imagined.

 

[ruger7x57]

Can anyone tell where and when this was originally made by the markings?

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Your rifle was made in Germany...at the Mauser plant in Oberndorf...
I think it was sporterized here in America.
Andy

 

[Spitpatch]

Can anyone tell where and when this was originally made by the markings?

.300 Savage was introduced in 1920. So the custom gun birthdate (not the action) is later than that. Appears to be an Oberndorf action from what is remaining of the receiver stamp (that's a good thing).

Disassembly may reveal other stampings (perhaps some by the gunsmith), and parading it on a Mauser website may produce further details, based on serial numbers, etc.

 

[ruger7x57]

Thanks Gents!!

 

[JRuby]

Take the stock off and see if there are any markings - many gun smiths hide thier marks.

 

[PORSCHE928S4]

I've always thought those double set triggers were pretty cool. I've not had a chance to shoot a rifle that had it, but the concept is kinda neat.

There is a bit of a learning curve depending on how it is adjusted now it is hard to shoot another rifle with a regular trigger !