Fatewood
.224 member
Reged: 19/04/15
Posts: 2
Loc: NC
|
|
I have a Mauser sporter which has no manufacturers markings. At some time in it's life it was drilled and tapped for a scope, and was that way when I acquired it. It is marked "8 mm" and has the number 37.51 on both the barrel and receiver. It chambers and fires 8x57 mm JS ammo, but I have only used the low powered American loadings. I'm not sure if has a .318 or .323 bore. It has a nitro proof mark from Vienna, Austria.
The rifle has double set triggers, a shotgun-type trigger guard, and is extensively engraved. The stock has a cheek piece. The front swivel is mounted on the barrel. Attached are a variety of photos of the rifle. Does anyone have any idea who made it or in what year? Is it likely a .318 or .323 bore? This and any other information anyone can provide would be very much appreciated.

|
Igorrock
.400 member
Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 1684
Loc: Finland
|
|
Nice rifle. Quite well made engraving but it's a pity that someone has "bubbad" bold handle, maybe same person who has istalled those weaver -scope mounts. I have no idea who have made this rifle but IMO best way to determine it's real caliber is asking skilled gunsmith to slug the bore and make a chamfer cast.
-------------------- http://promaakari.wordpress.com/
|
DORLEAC
.333 member
Reged: 22/01/12
Posts: 468
Loc: Perpignan, France
|
|
8mm caliber, proofed in Austria (Vienna) July 1951. Certainly a 8x57JS.
DORLEAC www.dorleac-dorleac.com
|
Fatewood
.224 member
Reged: 19/04/15
Posts: 2
Loc: NC
|
|
Thank you for the info DORLEAC. Nice to hear it's a 8x57JS.
|
A10ACN
.300 member
Reged: 30/01/05
Posts: 198
Loc: USA
|
|
I'm going to throw out the opinion that the bottom metal was engraved after import or the engraved bottom metal was added to that rifle. The engraving looks like it came off a G&H or Hoffman and is top shelf. Can't say the same for the jackleg who scoped it and wrenched the bolt handle.
Do you mind looking inside the mag and seeing what numbers are in there?
|
DORLEAC
.333 member
Reged: 22/01/12
Posts: 468
Loc: Perpignan, France
|
|
I think it's typical Austrian standard quality engraving depicting edelweiss and red stag. Griffin & Howe and Hoffman, while engraved by German trained masters, were much better.
DORLEAC www.dorleac-dorleac.com
|
Huvius
.416 member
Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3618
Loc: Colorado
|
|
I agree with Joel. The engraving here looks much like that which could be ordered from Stoeger or a similar retailer and I think those engraved parts originated in Germany and Austria and then sold to gun builders and home builders. That is what I would think if the bottom metal was indeed added after the original build.
-------------------- He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.
|