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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Mannlicher Discussion forum & Archive

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Want to get back in the Mannlicher game....
#365512 - 17/05/22 03:24 AM

I was going through some boxes and came up with 214 factory rounds of 6.5x54 along with along with 200 Sierra Matchking bullets. It reminded me that I had a sweet little 1903 about 25 years ago. I loved that little carbine but couldn't get the accuracy I wanted and was impatient so I foolishly sold it. Now that I have thinned the heard quite a bit and I am only keeping and acquiring the good stuff, I want to get another one. I am trying to get a handle on the current value of the pre-war 1903s. Also, my eyes are telling me that I should get one with a scope this time. The factory scoped rifles seem to be pretty spendy. The more modern additions, if they were done right might fit the bill but I need to know how much a non-factory installed scope detracts from the value. Based on the prices I have seen for a few of these some sellers do not believe it takes away from the value at all. I really just want a nice shooter rather than a collectible piece. I do not plan on selling this one but I don't want to overpay either. Any advice, words of wisdom, etc. will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Best,
John

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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skeet2atlow8
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Reged: 04/11/14
Posts: 29
Loc: Ontario, Canada

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365525 - 17/05/22 10:59 AM

Buy once, cry once. Or in my case, “rinse and repeat.”

Seriously, buy one that speaks to you that has a scope already mounted, or has a complete scope mount and rings already in place. That will solve a large amount of problems. Take a look at auction sites, good 03’s come up regularly.

Good luck in your search!

--------------------
Skeeter

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: skeet2atlow8]
#365531 - 17/05/22 02:14 PM

Thanks Skeeter. Good advice that I forget to follow sometimes.

Also, I may play the lottery. I found my Classic Lee Loader for MS 6.5x54 in another box. Haven't seen one for sale in a long while. It should come in handy given I have no space to set up a proper reloading area at the moment.

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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NitroX
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Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39889
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365538 - 17/05/22 04:48 PM

What do you call an excessive price? What is a decent price?

Are you looking for a full wood stutzen or a normal forend?

Can't offer wise advice, not my style.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: NitroX]
#365554 - 17/05/22 11:25 PM

All good questions. I went back through some auction results for the past year or so and it seems that you can get a nice example of a 1903 - both full stock and regular stock - for between $2000-3000. Rifles that sold for more than this had special features, period scopes, and/ or were British retailer marked with cases. That price range does not seem excessive for a good example. Unfortunately, not much is coming up for auction in the near future.

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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Rothhammer1
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Reged: 06/01/17
Posts: 1826
Loc: The Redwoods of California

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365561 - 18/05/22 01:03 AM

To have a 'scope properly mounted to a Mannlicher Schoenauer (with claw mounts) will likely cost you at least as much as you'd pay for an MS without one. Vintage 'scopes themselves have become rather pricey in recent years.

If it were me I'd go with Skeet's advice and find an MS with 'scope already mounted. The pre WW2 'scopes were generally 4X or less magnification and often equipped with the post reticle which allows for quick sighting and ease of use. The quick release feature of a claw mount (or a 'Vienna Snapper') is also of great advantage as it allows for use of 'stripper clips'.

If you're considering the addition of a 'scope but are hesitant to modify an uncut original 'prewar' MS sporting rifle or stutzen (as I would be), you may consider a 'sporterized Greek' MS built on a military Y1903, Y1903/14, Y1903/14/27 ('Breda') or 'System 1930' as those models were all on the same 'action' as the M1903 and are 6.5X54.

Zeiss - My M1910 has a Gerard B with the 'No. 1' reticle shown here

Claw mount for Mauser - note 'see through' rings for iron sighting with 'scope mounted

'Vienna Snapper' on MS

Claw mount (on MS) by Dorleac

--------------------
Citizen of the Cherokee Nation

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Rothhammer1]
#365562 - 18/05/22 02:37 AM

Rothhammer1,
This is the way. More great advice. I will be looking for an already scoped rifle. The Greek rifles are a good idea but they appear to be scarce on the ground. Thanks!
John

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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Rothhammer1
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Reged: 06/01/17
Posts: 1826
Loc: The Redwoods of California

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365563 - 18/05/22 03:28 AM

Best of luck on your search.

Follow this 'site for info, particularly Lancaster's 'Mannlicher at Auction' thread: http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=230186&an=0&page=0#Post230186
as well as perusing auction 'sites as I'm sure you already are.

Perhaps you'll hit the jackpot and find a Take Down Model.

--------------------
Citizen of the Cherokee Nation

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Rothhammer1
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Reged: 06/01/17
Posts: 1826
Loc: The Redwoods of California

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Rothhammer1]
#365564 - 18/05/22 03:53 AM

Other useful options to watch for:

Factory installed 'Special folding peep sight':

Period aftermarket sights by Parker Hale and Lyman:

--------------------
Citizen of the Cherokee Nation

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dearmer
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Reged: 14/10/05
Posts: 63
Loc: Cape Cod, MA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365569 - 18/05/22 07:15 AM

You may want to give these guys a call John. I havent't been in there in several months but they've had a 1903 with a G&H sidemount on the shelf forever. If they still have it I think you could get it for a pretty reasonable price.

http://www.middleborogunshop.com/

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Levallois
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Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: dearmer]
#365574 - 18/05/22 11:40 AM

Thanks again Rothhammer1. I have seen an few rifles with these extras,

Thanks dearmer. I will call them tomorrow.

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365607 - 19/05/22 02:33 AM

Figures, that gun shop is closed on Wednesdays.

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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casper50
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Reged: 18/10/07
Posts: 1445
Loc: Alaska

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365612 - 19/05/22 03:03 AM

There's this one on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/275013483353?hash=item400814bb59:g:aXsAAOSwKXVhgyia
and I have this one I'd sell. Not positive it's for a MS but it looks like it to me.

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Lawman
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Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 78
Loc: Texas, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: casper50]
#365616 - 19/05/22 05:38 AM

They are out there, have patience. Recently picked up a prewar 1903 Take Down with factory folding aperture sight.
For $2,000.00. I'm still looking for ammo though. Seems like ammunition is scarcer than the guns.

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Lawman]
#365620 - 19/05/22 09:34 AM

Casper50 - those sights are very cool - now if it was just installed in a rifle then it would be perfect.

Lawman - that’s a heck of a price for a take down! I am never that lucky. As for ammo, I was just dumb enough to buy it all when these rifles weren’t so popular then too lazy to sell it after so sold my first 1903.

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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Rothhammer1
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Reged: 06/01/17
Posts: 1826
Loc: The Redwoods of California

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: casper50]
#365622 - 19/05/22 10:50 AM

Quote:

and I have this one I'd sell. Not positive it's for a MS but it looks like it to me.

The housing on that 'flip up' peep sight differs from that used on the MS and looks more like the one offered 'factory installed' on Mausers.
It also appears that the button would be pushed forward whereas on the MS it is pushed outward (to the right) to release:

The MS peep sight housing was shaped like this one from Westley Richards:

'Special folding peep sight' on MS:

--------------------
Citizen of the Cherokee Nation

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Levallois
.300 member

Reged: 27/11/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: dearmer]
#365652 - 20/05/22 02:30 AM

Quote:

You may want to give these guys a call John. I havent't been in there in several months but they've had a 1903 with a G&H sidemount on the shelf forever. If they still have it I think you could get it for a pretty reasonable price.

http://www.middleborogunshop.com/

They sold it but I very much appreciate the lead.

--------------------
It ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.

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Lawman
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Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 78
Loc: Texas, USA

Re: Want to get back in the Mannlicher game.... [Re: Levallois]
#365658 - 20/05/22 04:32 AM

Levallois:
I thought so. As soon as I saw the photos, I committed to the purchase at the asking price of $2000.
The peep sight needed a slight adjustment to stay folded and the trigger needed touching up.
It's good to go now.
Have not really done any load development it shoots minute of deer now.
Stay well.

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