Mauser 308 identification

[1sikxt]

Hey guys,

I've bought a Mauser .308, I have no idea what it is

This is the info I've got... All I know is its a Mauser .308, it was once a .303 they used in war and it got re barrelled to .308 for Swiss army tanks short range shooting. That's all I know.

I picked it up for $200 still waiting for it to arrive.

[1sikxt]

Only pics I have

[Old Fart]

Will be easier to work with one you get it and can examine properly.

Hopefully there will be parts serial number or manufacturing stamp somewhere on it.

When does it arrive for you to have a look?

[1sikxt]

Hopefully with in the next 2 weeks but I don't like waiting lol info I got today
Serial number 5492
Model 1896

[1290]

Yep, not a 98 from the safety and the bolt shroud, its a Swede (not Swiss) model 96, it would have started as a 6.5x55, some mausers were chambered in other chamberings including 303 but it would be highly out of the ordinary....

Its got an aperture screwed on too....

The original barrel may have been bored out to 30 cal from 6.5....

[1sikxt]

Thanks for that info mate

[Old Fart]

1290 knows his Mausers

[Warrigul]

Hopefully with in the next 2 weeks but I don't like waiting lol info I got today
Serial number 5492
Model 1896

It looks like a Swedish engineers carbine(not cavalry carbine), would have been in 6.5 x 55 originally, the originals were stamped 1894 the upgraded ones to 1896 standard were marked 1894/1896 and the last lot were stamped 1896.

It isn't a great photo so I can't be 100% sure but from what little I know it all checks out, but bear in mind I an not a mauser man and only have a passing interest.It has been modified and someone has added the apeture sight.

They have a reputation for not handling .308 all that well so go easy on it or if you have any doubt consult a gunsmith (that's the old woman in me talking). Is it definately .308?

Whatever it is it is nice.

[1sikxt]

It's definetly a 308 I'm considering putting a new barrel on it and returning it back to 6.5x55 or 260 rem I already have a 308 and ye I only bought it because I liked the look

[Warrigul]

It's definetly a 308 I'm considering putting a new barrel on it and returning it back to 6.5x55 or 260 rem I already have a 308 and ye I only bought it because I liked the look

The carbines are not usual down here I have only ever seen one in the flesh. If you rebarrel in 6.5 x 55 and head back to standard as much as possible you would have something very worthy of comment.

[1sikxt]

Even tho it's not the original barrel ??

[Warrigul]

Even tho it's not the original barrel ??

It would still be an engineers carbine, how many people have even seen one let alone fired one?

[1sikxt]

I don't even no what one is I'm gonna need to do some research

[Warrigul]

I don't even no what one is I'm gonna need to do some research

Look it up and compare the stampings, your photos aren't good enough to be certain.

Please let us all know what you come up with, interesting thread.

[1sikxt]

It's also very similar to the fortress carbine

[1sikxt]

Iv found an original barrel from the states anyone no what a fair price is and how hard would it be to get it shipped

[1290]

Iv found an original barrel from the states anyone no what a fair price is and how hard would it be to get it shipped

Original for what model? There are variation then there are standard and small ring... then there is the age and condition question. The question is how much you would value the punt..... If they could ship it without a licence for you you'd need a 709 at this end I'm pretty sure...

[1sikxt]

It's advertised as a 1896 Swedish Mauser engineers carbine barrel asking $180 and willing to post

[1290]

1290 knows his Mausers

I prefer the 98s, I like to think I know my way around those one, never had too much of a hankering for a 96, simply because so many of the Mil rifle shooter never stop praising them for some reason.

now this rifle, I thought was a swede from the swiss reference (people confused swede for swiss for some reason) and the 96.... But I'm not convinced, I've never seen an engineers carbine, if I had then I'd better find one for myself...

From the pics; it doesnt look 96, doesnt look swede from the groovey wood, looks 95, a spaniard by the name of Juan, and its a cavalry carbine, cause I'm a horsey man, no because its got a saddle ring (that cool!)

Dont buy the barrel until you've got the rifle and checked it out, Spaniards were 7mm maybe it was taken out to 7.62, maybe Win, maybe CETME....

All a guessing game until you read the markings.

[1sikxt]

Yea I'm gonna wait before I jump in for the barrel iv found 1 pic that looks identical but no info on it

[1sikxt]

http://www.angelfire.com/nh/milarm/95carb.html
Almost identical

[Warrigul]

http://www.angelfire.com/nh/milarm/95carb.html
Almost identical

I have to say that it looks to be on the money, would also explain the 7.62 chambering. As 1290 said, you need to read the markings.

[1sikxt]

I'm a bit excited

[RealNick]

I'm a bit excited

thumbs up

thumbs_up.jpg (10.21 KiB) Viewed 6928 times

[1sikxt]

I've spoke to the dealer transferring the rifle he has informed me it's an 1895 cavalry carbine

[Jorge in Oz]

It's a Spanish 1895 that use to be in 7x57 and the Spanish converted them to 7.62 CETME which is a milder load than the 7.62 NATO. They did this conversion when they got their new FN FALs which were in 7.62 NATO. Not safe to shoot with 308 Win ammo. You can use 308 Win reloads to 30-30 specifications but I'd recommend not to shoot it with commercial 308 ammo with it as it is too hot and the action does not handle escaping gasses as well as the 98 actions.

[1sikxt]

So will It b safe to shoot with mild 308 loads

[Jorge in Oz]

Yes it should be.

[Jack V]

The model 96 makes a good stalking rifle as the cock on close makes it possible to open and close the action very quietly .

[grainweight]

It's quieter than a cock on lift bolt you reckon?

How's that work? It's still pulling and locking the same spring back, no?