Hello Folks

Every once in a while one will pick up a Mauser and working the bolt is a revelation, it is butter smooth throughout its whole cycle (when compared with other Mauser rifles).

Easily the best one I've ever handled was a Husky built on the usual FN action, it just flowed from uncocked to bolt open to closed and cocked again, and like a mug I never bought it. It was literally as nice to cycle as the best Mannlicher I've tried. None of the top custom rifles I've had the pleasure of handling over the years were in the same league. I have four Oberndorf original sporting rifles and none of them are what I'd call butter smooth either (and don't go to talking about the inherent "bolt slop" that the 98 design has, this is entirely different to that).

I just read an article on finishing (materials/hardening etc) the blocks of falling block rifles over on the ASSRA forum and the thinking that goes into making a block that is strong and smooth - its to do with finish and hardening.

It got me thinking about the Mausers I hunt with and why they vary - but most importantly how to improve them. I have read that the timing of the cocking cycle Mauser action is critical, and the relative hardness of the receiver and bolt parts.

Does anybody know of a treatise or shop manual (or anything authoritative really) etc on the fine tuning of the Mauser action?? I have several of the common Mauser books but none of them really discuss this sort of work.