Rifle Identification Help...German Mauser?

It is some flavor of sporterized ex-military Mauser, but that's all I can say without more info. Pretty sure it's a pre-WWII gun, but I can't tell the ring size or original caliber. What is the current chambering? Value is the limited sum of its parts, plus how badly you want it. Not a high-dollar gun.

jonnyc said:

It is some flavor of sporterized ex-military Mauser, but that's all I can say without more info. Pretty sure it's a pre-WWII gun, but I can't tell the ring size or original caliber. What is the current chambering? Value is the limited sum of its parts, plus how badly you want it. Not a high-dollar gun.

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It looks like it still has the original stepped barrel, so either a 7 or 8x57 I'd think. Definitely a Mauser of some flavor.

I'd be tempted to try and restore it to original spec.

Looks like a small ring, made by DWM.....Id GUESS a 93, but Im not a Mauser guy....works looks pretty decent.

The stocks a Boyds featherlight thumbhole, which is relatively recent design...06-08 i think...before they were bulkier.

the triggers an after market option also, with the side safety.

It's been drilled and tapped; not worth the considerable bother, and you'd never match the original finish. Enjoy it as a good hunting rifle. DWM made could be any number of countires' issue Mauser.

Looks like quality work on the bolt, scope mount, and stock fitting. I'll go out on a limb and say it's a ballpark $4-500 dollar rifle IF the bore is good. As above, most likely 7x57, with a few other oddball possibilities. If it's one of those like 7.65x54 or similar, the price will be lower. Don't know that model of bushnell. If it's one of their higher end models, could nudge the price up a fuzz. If it's a good shooter, would be a fine hunting rifle.

Edit. I see the "banner" label on the scope now. It's not high end, and likely won't add to the price, but I've found them to be a serviceable optic.

It looks like a small ring, cock on close model. No thumb cut on the receiver also. I think its a chilean 1895, probably in 7x57. Is there any other visible markings?

That would be a $200-250 gun in my parts. Historical value is shot being drilled and tapped. It’s a Mauser so the value of that particular piece is if you need an action for a project or want to just shoot it as is.

The bolt does not remind me of a Gew98. Action looks shorter too. Bolt handle is also pretty specific looking.

Pull the scope front mount off and see if there is anything under it. Both my 98s have a crest or makers mark there. My fajen stocked sporter has the Gew98 stamp covered by the stock.

Also I noticed it has the extra “locking lug” behind the bolt handle, just in front of the aftermarket safety. Pretty sure its an 1895. Worth about 300-350$ In alaska.

It is some variation on the Mauser 93/95 theme, but the information that will clinch the ID is probably (unless defaced) hidden under the front scope base. As Ironworker points out, the lack of a stripper thumb cut is also an identifier. Check the bore diameter at the muzzle; 7x57 is the most likely chambering, but when in doubt always do a chamber cast. The bolt handle is almost certainly a gunsmith alteration rather than period original configuration.

As to value, the scope, trigger and newish stock might give it a resale in the $250-350 range, assuming a very good+ chamber and bore. And assuming you can find an interested buyer. The availability of brand new rifles in the same price range, plus the difficulty finding suitable hunting ammo at Wally World makes altered rifles like this pretty hard sells these days.

I would advise your friend to confirm the chambering and just enjoy it for what it is.

BigBlue 94 said:

The bolt does not remind me of a Gew98. Action looks shorter too. Bolt handle is also pretty specific looking.

Pull the scope front mount off and see if there is anything under it. Both my 98s have a crest or makers mark there. My fajen stocked sporter has the Gew98 stamp covered by the stock.

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This is a 93/95 small ring Mauser. The cocking piece on the rear of the bolt does not look like a 98. Another sure indicator would be if it cocks on closing vs cocks on opening.

Oldschool shooter said:

cocking puece on the rear of the bolt does not look like a 98.

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Thats exactly what I was thinking. Looks "cruder" than the G98. But im only partly familiar with the 98s

Oldschool shooter said:

Another sure indicator would be if it cocks on closing vs cocks on opening.

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Sort of, but they do make cock-on open conversion kits for the small ring Mausers so cock on open won't always immediately indicate a 98 vs a 93/95/96 (https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...ll-ring-mauser-cock-on-open-kit-prod5690.aspx). That said, from the pictures the cocking piece on this one looks original and to me is definitely a pre-98 small ring Mauser - most likely an 1895 Chilean from what I can see.

DWM merged with Mauser in 1934 I believe or close to it. It all became Mauser so your rifle is pre WWII. I could be wrong?

It's a nice rifle as-is. I wouldn't do a thing to it. As far as value, look around your local area to see what other used middle-grade 7-8 mm hunting rifles are going for. You can't compare it to collectibles because it isn't any more. I'm guessing a $400 (tops) market with maybe another $50 for the scope and $100 for the stock making it worth around $550 (tops) to you. That's assuming good action and bore.

Upon further research, it is definitely a chilean 1895. Initially it looked liked and 1893, but the presence of the auxiliary shoulder on the receiver behind the bolt handle was a dead giveaway; a feature endemic to 1895 mausers. Every 1895 Ive seen previously has had Ludwig loewe markings, but apparently DWM also produced this model for chile starting in the year 1900. If you can get that rifle for $300 or less I’d buy it, my chilean mauser proved to be very accurate, and a much stronger receiver than its given credit for.

If you ever get the chance to handle it,, I would love to hear about that slide button safety that has been added. (I am assuming its a safety) Love to see who made that.

Alaskan Ironworker said:

Every 1895 Ive seen previously has had Ludwig loewe markings, but apparently DWM also produced this model for chile starting in the year 1900.

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Loewe reorganized as DWM in 1896, so this marking may also help to define the production period.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsche_Waffen-_und_Munitionsfabriken

I'm just hopping in to concur with @Dave DeLaurant on the value of this piece. $250-300 would be my expected selling price on it, maybe $350 at the absolute top if the bore is good and the metal finish is excellent. To my non-Mauser expert eye, it's definitely a pre-98, cock-on-closing Mauser action. The bolt knob is definitely a gunsmith reworked part, and I find the slide safety in combination with the original flag safety to be an interesting set-up.

I'll also channel a little Slamfire here and caution that these old actions aren't made with the steels, heat treatment or gas handling we're accustomed to on modern guns. I'd certainly shoot it, but I'd be sure to limit it to SAAMI-spec ammo. I don't remember for certain, but I believe a lot of the old military Mauser actions are basically surface-hardened, and remain fairly soft below that layer.

wanderinwalker said:

I find the slide safety in combination with the original flag safety to be an interesting set-up.

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Id guess its carrying a timney trigger with safety, as opposed to going for a low throw safety which is required if one wants to go with a low scope mount.....less work, and you get a nicer trigger pull.
The in letting of the stock is nicely done around the safety....as is all the work actually. I doubt this was a home job, or at least not one done by your average Bubba.

Wouldn't it be nice if it was a 6.5X55 ?

I love 6.5x55, but 7x57 has really grown on me. Id be happy with either chambering.