Mauser 98 action help

The photos don't show much. Contours of bottom metal looks like it could be 1909 Argentine, or similar, after some modification. Bolt handle modification is semi-professional looking, plus being D&Ted indicates probable former conversion to sporter.

Tiny pictures, might as well have taken them from 20 feet away. From what I can see, it is a military action because it has a stripper clip slot and the thumb cut. What markings are on the top of the receiver and the side of the receiver?. And, what does the bolt face look like?.

If it was a carbine, it could have had the bolt forged in the 90 degree position. Regardless there should MAUSER MODELO ARGENTINO on the side of the receiver:

Additionally, If its an Argentine the moron who reworked it removed the Image on the top This emblem consists of a wreath enclosing three symbols important to the country’s national identity: a pair of hands in mid-handshake representing unity, a wooden pike representing power and a Phrygian cap representing freedom. At the apex of the crest, the sun shines down in a metaphor indicating a national aspiration and optimism that would not follow Argentina through the politically complicated 20th century.

It's not at all uncommon for milsurp rifles, especially with prime Mauser 98's that have been sporterized or otherwise altered (AKA Bubbaed) for identifying marking to have been removed. As I expect the OP would have easily noted original markings had they not been removed. Which is why accurate ID must sometimes be based on other identifying features, such as configuration of bottom metal, as noted in my early post. Attached is a photo of a custom rifle built around a 1909 Argentine action, from which most original marking have been removed. The purpose of which, on this case, was to give the rifle a sleeker, more finished professional look.

IMHO the 09 Argentine is the pinnacle of the Mauser 98, with an action that cycles like butter. To remove the markings doesn't make it sleeker, just plain..

Some, not all of the Mausers coming from South America have their receivers scrubbed before taking them out of service. Other markings were often left but sometimes scrubbed by whoever had it as the receiver ring artwork was already defaced or gone. Having bought quite a few receivers via auctions, I generally do not try to pay much and prefer receivers that have not been refinished for the following reasons.

Refinished receivers, especially using paints, can often hide some problems such as pretty bad pitting or color changes in the steel if Bubba, during the D&T procedure or removing a barrel, ruined the temper of the receiver steel. It can also hide mixmasters of composed of different model 98's parts as generally that would be indicated if the bluing and wear do not match.

The no serial number thing is a bit more problematic and some FFL's don't like doing transfers on them. Some recent THR posts regarding this problem are around if you want details but this is not an insurmountable problem.

At risk of getting too far off the subject, but since 1909 Argentine Mausers have been mentioned anyway, here are a couple more 1909's that have suffered the Bubba treatment with markings removed. Receiver rings of each have been "crested" which gives an even smoother profile. And one has even had the "Extreme Bubba" treatment with the action shortened by a full inch, making it just right for short cartridges like the .250 Savage. The "crest" of the other, you'll notice, is part of the scope base, which is somewhat better than the average Bubba work.

Offfhand said:

At risk of getting too far off the subject, but since 1909 Argentine Mausers have been mentioned anyway, here are a couple more 1909's that have suffered the Bubba treatment with markings removed. Receiver rings of each have been "crested" which gives an even smoother profile. And one has even had the "Extreme Bubba" treatment with the action shortened by a full inch, making it just right for short cartridges like the .250 Savage. The "crest" of the other, you'll notice, is part of the scope base, which is somewhat better than the average Bubba work. View attachment 786463 View attachment 786469

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That .30-06 is a beaut!

NIGHTLORD40K said:

That .30-06 is a beaut!

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Here's what the rest of it looks like.

Offfhand said:

Here's what the rest of it looks like.
View attachment 786767 View attachment 786768

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Beautifully figured stock and a very nice overall sportered Mauser.

That '06 is art work.No other way to put it.And I'm not much into pretty rifles,but that one is just beautiful.

Beautiful rifle. I like keeping matching milsurps "as is". But they're were many done like yours that is a great conversion. We all have seen the chop the stock and/or barrel that makes the "Bubba" milsurp. This one is classic. Enjoy it.

Offfhand said:

Here's what the rest of it looks like.
View attachment 786767 View attachment 786768

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Bubba’s of the world take note. This is how it’s done.