Mauser lore: need some education

As posted in the thread below, I've got my first Mauser. I like it, and what it is, or isn't, won't change that. But, I would like to start learning more about them; at least more about what I have. Pictures are in the link, which may help.

https://www.carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/sporter-mauser-stock.31931/

I know: it is an 8mm, has a modified military stock, has the number 48 on the follower and on the top of the ejector. I "believe" that it couldn't be anything other than a long action with it being an 8mm, but I also expect to be corrected if that's not the case. It seems short to me, so perhaps a carbine. The stock has not been cut on the butt end; it has a wooden insert for where the buttplate spur inletting was.

If anyone has time to respond, I would appreciate it. I can take additional pictures if that helps, just send the request and I'll get it done. Thanks.

You do have a Mauser 98 large ring action. However there are two military length actions in 7.92x57. Standard G98/K98s are long action but the Yugo M48 are an intermediate length action. Suggest you take the stock off and look under the wood on the action/barrel for other hidden markings. Is there any manufacture info on the left side of the action? Any markings on the bolt or bolt handle?

There were two different bore diameters for the 8mm Mauser. First was for the 1888 commission rifle and early German G98's using a .318" ong round nose bullet. This was later changed to a .323" bullet using a splitzer bullet. Later is known as the 7.9mm JS and former as the 7.9mm J in Germany. Yours doesn't look to be pre WWI so I would assume it has a .323" bore (do have it checked). As far as the crest being defaced doesn't give any good leads as there were numerous large crests used. The other markings look to be added later for decorative reasons.

CD

I’ll have the bore checked. We did gauge the chamber, then fired a round, and measure the spent casing against an unfired round to see if the case expansion was acceptable. It was.

I added more pictures to the directory below. Those are the only markings left on the gun.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_uh2ByXYW5op_RkdyXTg6SsKqEsY2Tl5

Not enough info for me to guess. I may be able to decipher the crest a little more since one side rolled over to left side of receiver.



CD

Could be a Mauser from Turkey? it looks looks like their crescent moon markings.

I'll look in my Mauser book when I get home.

Bolt is from a Kar98AZ, as is the stock (though heavily sanded down). Magazine follower is Imperial German proofed. Hard to say without seeing more, but I would guess you have a WWI or earlier Imperial German 98 that was turned into a custom sporter in Germany, a practice that was very common in the inter-war and post-WWII era. If I were a betting man, I'd bet it was formerly a Kar98AZ. These were prized for custom sporters as they have a small ring 98 action, which saves a bit of weight versus the large ring 98 action.

cubrock said:

If I were a betting man, I'd bet it was formerly a Kar98AZ. These were prized for custom sporters as they have a small ring 98 action, which saves a bit of weight versus the large ring 98 action.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your help. Combat Diver was thinking it was a large ring. Is there is a measurement to be taken that would confirm either way?

CD