Mauser rifle experts needed!

[Vulcan Bob]

Hi all, I have a rather nice sporterized Mauser rifle in .243 Win I bought for my Grandson a number of years ago. Whoever did the work did a rather nice job but kept the stock trigger asy, its horrible and I need to replace it before giving it to junior next year. All markings save the serial number on the left side of the receiver was removed. What I need to know is what receiver it is, so I can order a new trigger asy for it. It looks to be a small ring but I'm not sure, any measurements I can take? Had it out to the range today and managed a couple of 3/4th inch groups at 100 yards with Federal Fusion 100gr and 80gr loads but it was a real chore with that go switch! Any help will be appreciated!

 

[gdogs]

A picture would go a long way to determining what you've got. There may be enough information here to figure it out, but keep in mind that there are intermediate length actions as well as large and small rings.
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/content/Boyds/images/guide/mauser.jpg

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Hey there gdogs, according to the measurements of the receiver and stock screw spacing at Boyd's Gunstocks its a small ring. Here's some pic's. Thanks for the help!

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Here you go Bob: Mauser Central your Restoring and Sporterizing Resource

 

[Rpg]

Find the gunsmith you intend to use in doing the trigger replacement.

This isn't a drop in thing.

It needs to be done well.

Then let the gunsmith decide what to do including what parts to use.

Sounds like the rifle is worth the attention:

The recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness for many years.

 

[30-30remchester]

From your photos you appear to have a Spanish model 95 action, originally chambered in 7x57 caliber. The installation of triggers are quite simple to accomplish. Aftermarket triggers sometimes require the removal of some wood and the opening up of the trigger bow. The most important thing to keep in mind is the aftermarket trigger can not actually touch wood or steel anywhere except the attaching pins. The trigger you have is most likely the original military 2 stage trigger. These triggers are the most robust and trouble free triggers ever designed. This is why the military's around the world used this type of trigger on their bolt action rifles.

 

[BigBill]

Looks like a small ring receiver with a flat bottom bolt.


Future mauser food for thought,

fhe small ring receiver is 1.300" in diameter and the large ring receiver is 1.400" in diameter.

M93, m94, m95, m38 & m96 are small rings

M98, m24, m48, are large rings.

 

[fyimo]

If the rifle is as nice and as you say and also has all the special meaning to your Grandson I would also seek out a good gunsmith and have him tell you what would be the best trigger and have him buy it and install it to and adjust it to your liking in pull weight.

 

[Art Doc]

BigBill- FYI- There are in fact small ring M98s.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

From your photos you appear to have a Spanish model 95 action, originally chambered in 7x57 caliber. The installation of triggers are quite simple to accomplish. Aftermarket triggers sometimes require the removal of some wood and the opening up of the trigger bow. The most important thing to keep in mind is the aftermarket trigger can not actually touch wood or steel anywhere except the attaching pins. The trigger you have is most likely the original military 2 stage trigger. These triggers are the most robust and trouble free triggers ever designed. This is why the military's around the world used this type of trigger on their bolt action rifles.

I am rather familiar and am actually quite fond of the military two stage trigger as I shoot my M1 Garand's, 03, M-1917, SMLE's, and others and have done so for a long time. I cut my teeth as a youth with a Krag. If you want to see some funny stuff watch me shoot a rifle with a good crisp single stage trigger, let me just say the first few shots are a bit premature till I get used to it and remember its not a two stage! However with this trigger they tried to do away with the two stage function in some fashion and as a result it is truly a funky, bumpy and creepy trigger that is very hard to use. If it were left alone we probably would be friends! The only other Mauser military type (yeah I know the 03s are basically a Mauser action) I own is a Spanish FR-8 and I love that freaky little carbine.

 

[LVSteve]

There's nothing wrong with a properly lubed two-stage Mauser trigger a bit of learning the gun doesn't fix. A bit of polishing of the sear and cocking piece doesn't hurt, but don't mess with the angles. My Swiss rifles have two-stage triggers and they make me look good on the range. I think some folk get spoiled when it comes to triggers.

 

[30-30remchester]

I as well really like a 2 stage trigger. My first serious big game rifle was a Remington 30 Express, and it had a 2 stage trigger I couldn't wait to get rid of. I replaced it with a fine quality replacement trigger that soon was retired to my spare parts bin and the original trigger re-installed. As LVSTEVE said a Swiss military rifle has an superb 2 stage trigger. Winchester model 54's also had a factory 2 stage trigger as well as a Walther pre war 22 TARGET rifle had 2 stage models. These triggers are brute touch, freeze proof, debris proof, and idiot proof. When you become accustom to them, 2 stage triggers can do some fine shooting.

 

[Cyrano]

If someone has messed with the 2 stage pull it could well be miserable, and possibly unsafe. A good replacement, like the Timney, well done, would be a great improvement.

It looke like your rifle is prior to the M 98, as it lacks the third, safety lug on the bolt. Not only design, but metalurgy was better on the 98s than previous Mausers. I think yours is Ok in 243, but I'd sure ask a gunsmith about it to be sure.

 

[alwslate]

It's a 93 Spanish mauser, based on the flat bottom bolt, originally
made in 7x57 mm. A small ring cock on closing pre 98 Mauser action
that is considered to be marginal in strength for modern high intensity
cartridges. It lacks the strength and gas handling features of the 98
action. You could buy a replacement trigger assembly but it probably
would not be a good idea to invest a lot of money in it through
custom gunsmithing. A good rifle for handloads held to about 45,000
psi.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Thank you all for the good info! As far as the strength of this little guy I am a bit concerned as well. I have shot it a bit with factory Federal 100 and 80 grain fusion loads and as the action is bedded in the aftermarket stock it does shoot quite well if you manage to get the shots off on target with that trigger. The fired cases on both loads eject easily and the primers look normal. With your additional warnings about this I'm going to mike the fired cases and see what kind of expansion there is just above the extractor groove. According to Ken Watters that will tell you if pressures are too high. I hope I do not have to load for this one as my Daughter is now at McGuire AFB in New Jersey and who knows where they may be stationed next and there are no USAF bases near us. I'm in this rifle $175.00 and came with the Bushnell Banner 4X12 scope (not the greatest but it seems to work) so I'm willing to fork out a bit more for a Timney trigger, Midway has them in stock for under sixty dollars.

 

[2152hq]

It's a Mauser 93 action but made in Spain at the Spanish Arsenal under license from Mauser.

The flat bottom bolt face and lack of a third (safety) lug using the bolt-handle notched into the frame are what differ it from the Model 95.
The large gas port on the left side of the frame is what sets it different as the Spanish made variety M93 from the German made Model93.

The original bottom metal (trigger guard & floor plate) on the Spanish Arsenal made Model 93's had a hindged floorplate with a spring loaded side to side push button release in the front of the trigger guard bow. A bullet point was needed to push the as-issue release,but they can be easily altered for a sporter to a finger tip operation.
A nice touch when building into a sporter.

Check the headspace, keep the loads within reason, keep in mind that the action cannot handle a blown primer or case (gas blow-back) as well as as the 98 design. A well maintained rifle, proper firing pin protrusion, good headspace, good ammo and they make a fine rifle like so many others.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Well folks I have decided not to give this one to my Grandson. The reason being as I have found out this action should be held to around 45,000 PSI and factory ammo is well above that I don't want to give him a rifle that will not handle factory ammo. My Daughter and son in law are in New Jersey at the moment and cannot use a center fire rifle for hunting anyway but who knows where they will be stationed next. Nowhere close as there no USAF bases that are close to us here in PA. I did buy two of em for him and the standby is a Marlin 336 in 30-30 Win fitted with a Lyman receiver sight that should serve him well for his first center fire rifle. I myself do not hunt anymore as I found I just cant pull the trigger on a critter anymore. I guess since I'm inherently a "gun nut" anyways I'll address the trigger problem and buy a set of dies and load for it.
Once again folks, thank you all for the info and support!

 

[andyo5]

You'd be surprised at how much you can improve a Mauser trigger by weakening the trigger return spring. I did so with my M48 and ended up with a very nice 2 stage trigger. My K98 doesn't need it, or else it would get the same treatment.
There is an aftermarket trigger on the market made by a company named Bold. I bought one for my M48 and used it for awhile. I would part with it if you want it. We'd have to be sure it would fit your particular gun. I put it away years ago and haven't used it since. It is an adjustable target trigger. But on a Mauser I prefer the stock one with a lightened spring.

 

[fyimo]

I gave my Grandson a Savage Model 99 in 300 Savage and he killed his first Mule Deer and Cow Elk with it before moving on to a Remington 700 in 270. It was a pleasure watching him hunting with the Savage as it was my fathers rifle (his great Grandfather) and my Dad would have been proud that he used it and that he got his first Deer and Elk with it.

I wish you much success and time with your grandson as it's always a pleasure.