1891 Mauser Sporter

[303 hunter]

I recently pick up this sporterized 1891 Argentine Mauser. It has Williams sights, 22” cut and crowned barrel, and a Fagen walnut Monte Carlo stock. It’s still in the original 7.65x53 caliber.

Whoever did the work on this rifle was a true craftsman. Wood to metal fit is great, and the barrel is free floated. Estimated weight is around 6 pounds. I’m thinking it was probably sporterized in the 50’s or 60’s. Metal has a dark gray patina that’s very interesting.

I’ve only shot PPU 180gr soft point so far, but it’s very accurate. I’m planning on reloading for it as soon as I get some dies. I think I did well for $150.

 

[db_tanker]

for 150 dollars you got a screaming deal.
that is one beautiful rifle sir and I am somewhat jealous.

 

[303 hunter]

for 150 dollars you got a screaming deal.
that is one beautiful rifle sir and I am somewhat jealous.

The young man I bought it from acquired it from a friend, who inherited from his great grandfather, who paid someone to work on it many years ago. It’s found a home with me.

 

[Riomouse911]

My grandfather had a pristine, unaltered 1891 with the long (29”?) barrel in his gun cabinet for years. He had a box of Norma 7.65 ammo that had about 3 rounds missing. I doubt he ever shot it again before it went off somewhere after he died...

Yours looks a lot more practical for modern use than the full sized gun was. Nice find!

 

[Scooter22]

Nice find. Just use the standard loads posted in the manuals. Don't try and load hotter. The 91 action only has 2 lugs and plus it doesn't have the gas handling of the 98 style actions. Plus the metallurgy from when it was made isn't like more moder guns. The velocity of the loads in most manuals will be from a full length barrel so you won't get that from your shortened one. Still should be a good deer rifle. You might want to slug the bore to get the actual diameter. If jacketed don't shoot well cast bullets might be better. Good luck.

 

[303 hunter]

Nice find. Just use the standard loads posted in the manuals. Don't try and load hotter. The 91 action only has 2 lugs and plus it doesn't have the gas handling of the 98 style actions. Plus the metallurgy from when it was made isn't like more moder guns. The velocity of the loads in most manuals will be from a full length barrel so you won't get that from your shortened one. Still should be a good deer rifle. You might want to slug the bore to get the actual diameter. If jacketed don't shoot well cast bullets might be better. Good luck.

I’ll definitely load on the light side with this one. It’ll mostly be used for targets. 180gr PPU Factory loads are pretty accurate, and the Williams peep sights are pretty easy to use even with my aging eyes.

 

[22250Rem]

Looks like an excellent deal.... On a very interesting rifle. Old sporterized military rifles have always fascinated me ever since childhood when there were more of them sitting in the used rifle racks for us kids to see. Some were beautiful and some were "Bubba Specials" and while I could never sporterize a nice old bolt gun nowadays there are still some nice old ones turning up for sale occasionally. They are actually a piece of firearms history as once upon a time it was cheaper to sporterize an old mil-surp bolt gun than to buy a new commercial hunting rifle and thousands of those sporters appeared. It was sort of the "golden era" of both home gunsmithing and professional gunsmith conversions.

 

[boom boom]

Nice workmanship on the rifle and a very good price. Fortunately factory new ammo is available along with bullets and brass if you want to reload. I would however pick up a few spare parts while available such as a firing pin, springs, etc.

 

[troy fairweather]

here is mine its got a j.p sauer and son barrel in 8x57

 

[303 hunter]

Looks like an excellent deal.... On a very interesting rifle. Old sporterized military rifles have always fascinated me ever since childhood when there were more of them sitting in the used rifle racks for us kids to see. Some were beautiful and some were "Bubba Specials" and while I could never sporterize a nice old bolt gun nowadays there are still some nice old ones turning up for sale occasionally. They are actually a piece of firearms history as once upon a time it was cheaper to sporterize an old mil-surp bolt gun than to buy a new commercial hunting rifle and thousands of those sporters appeared. It was sort of the "golden era" of both home gunsmithing and professional gunsmith conversions.

I feel the same way. I could never modify a piece of history, but still like the craftsmanship on some of these old rifles. Like you said, some are much better done than others.

Another treasure I found years ago is a no 4 MK1 Enfield that was also sporterized by a craftsman. It’s barrel was also cut and crowned to 24”, and it has a Bishop walnut stock. It also has an S&K scope mount. I paid $75 for it, and added a Nikon ProStaff scope.

After hunting with it for several years, I found out that it’s a “T” marked sniper rifle. Far too modified to restore, I’ll just leave it like it is. It’s kind of a weird feeling knowing you’ve got a rifle that’s mostl likely hunted 2 and 4 legged critters.

 

[Maj Dad]

That looks like a carbon copy of the 91 in the old Williams Sight catalog with the sporterizations of various Mausers & others. I still have it, and the antique M1891 I was going to apply it to - either would be good. If I ran across that rifle, it would have been mine...

 

[303 hunter]

Rifle was missing the front sight hood, and after some research I found out that Williams still has replacement hoods, so I ordered one. I’ll post pics when it arrives.

 

[troy fairweather]

Rifle was missing the front sight hood, and after some research I found out that Williams still has replacement hoods, so I ordered one. I’ll post pics when it arrives.

Is the rear sight still there. What kind of ramp style is on there. If u need the oem sights i can send them to u.

 

[303 hunter]

Is the rear sight still there. What kind of ramp style is on there. If u need the oem sights i can send them to u.

It’s got Williams streamlined front sight, and peep rear. I’m still figuring out this rifle, and it’s been very informative. I’ll get more pics when everything arrives. Many thanks for your offer, but this rifle is far from factory equipped. It’s been a fun project that I think will be a very accurate shooter!

 

[troy fairweather]

It’s got Williams streamlined front sya theyight, and peep rear. I’m still figuring out this rifle, and it’s been very informative. I’ll get more pics when everything arrives. Many thanks for your offer, but this rifle is far from factory equipped. It’s been a fun project that I think will be a very accurate shooter!

Ya most of the 91s do they were made very nice. these will like the heavy bullets best 7.65x53 is a great cartridge even at the old power level. One day i will finish mine the barrel is from a 88 mauser i fitted to the 91 its 8x57 but has a true 8mm bore .309 bore and .315 grove. Hawk makes bullets but i dint have the spare cash for that right now. I my paper patch some .308 bullets or just try some 303 bullets i have u never know.

 

[gsbuickman]

Congrats . You straight up stole that beautiful Chilean Mauser. Around here that would be nice for showing up the 308 Fanboys at the range and perfect for deer hunting from horseback. I really like my 1891' Chilean & if you hand load for this you can get 308 accuracy all day long & imo you'll never find a smoother bolt action than a nice Chilean ...

 

[303 hunter]

Is it possible to improve the trigger pull on the 1891? I’d like to keep the factory trigger, but have no problem with aftermarket if available.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Get the aftermarket trigger, and keep the original parts somewhere where you can find them. You can then restore the gun to original condition if you wish.

I have an M96 Swedish Mauser (sporterized by Kimber) that had a horrible trigger. I replaced it with a Bold trigger and couldn't be happier.

 

[troy fairweather]

Is it possible to improve the trigger pull on the 1891? I’d like to keep the factory trigger, but have no problem with aftermarket if available.

just get a lighter trigger spring anyone that will fit will work fine. just make shore the gun will not go off with a jar on the floor. mine is 2 3/4 pounds and brakes nice.

 

[303 hunter]

I’ve been collecting extra parts. Found a new old stock bent bolt housing from Liberty Tree Collectors for $32. New parts for a 120 year old rifle are gtg. Huber Concepts makes an adjustable trigger that I’m planning on getting.

 

[troy fairweather]

I’ve been collecting extra parts. Found a new old stock bent bolt housing from Liberty Tree Collectors for $32. New parts for a 120 year old rifle are gtg. Huber Concepts makes an adjustable trigger that I’m planning on getting.

id like to get one of these bent bolts for mine the one on it was bent and dont think they heated it all the way when they bent it it cracked i welded it but to many bubbles to get a good finish.

 

[303 hunter]

id like to get one of these bent bolts for mine the one on it was bent and dont think they heated it all the way when they bent it it cracked i welded it but to many bubbles to get a good finish.

These are original carbine bent bolts in like new condition. I’ve never dealt with Liberty Tree before now, but will from now on.

 

[troy fairweather]

ya i have been eyeing them for some time.

 

[boom boom]

These are original carbine bent bolts in like new condition. I’ve never dealt with Liberty Tree before now, but will from now on.

One piece of advice, don't push the Liberty Tree guy on shipping etc. Some of his stuff is cross listed on Ebay. He is reliable, his stuff is what he says it is, but he ships from Maine which can take a bit and is a small business. I haven't had an issue but some people apparently offended him in the past.

As far as current aftermarket triggers, the Huber is probably your best option as the 91 doesn't use the same trigger system as the later 93-98 models. Timney apparently used to make such a trigger but it is not listed on their website anymore. Might find this thread useful, https://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?308699-Trigger-for-1891-Argentine-Mauser. One piece of advice, do not try the grind the trigger to make it a single stage. Triggers and sears are case hardened on these rifles and it is easy to cut through the thin case hardening. That can make your rifle unsafe, generally results in a bad trigger pull, and can result in an AD due to sear/trigger wear. Polish or use Sentry systems moly coating to reduce friction if you must. If the trigger/sear surfaces are damaged/pitted, then replace these parts (keep the originals though for resale). Belgian 1889 and Turk 1990 parts work on the Argy 91 for the most part but may require fitting as tolerances were looser then.

 

[303 hunter]

One piece of advice, don't push the Liberty Tree guy on shipping etc. Some of his stuff is cross listed on Ebay. He is reliable, his stuff is what he says it is, but he ships from Maine which can take a bit and is a small business. I haven't had an issue but some people apparently offended him in the past.

As far as current aftermarket triggers, the Huber is probably your best option as the 91 doesn't use the same trigger system as the later 93-98 models. Timney apparently used to make such a trigger but it is not listed on their website anymore. Might find this thread useful, https://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?308699-Trigger-for-1891-Argentine-Mauser. One piece of advice, do not try the grind the trigger to make it a single stage. Triggers and sears are case hardened on these rifles and it is easy to cut through the thin case hardening. That can make your rifle unsafe, generally results in a bad trigger pull, and can result in an AD due to sear/trigger wear. Polish or use Sentry systems moly coating to reduce friction if you must. If the trigger/sear surfaces are damaged/pitted, then replace these parts (keep the originals though for resale). Belgian 1889 and Turk 1990 parts work on the Argy 91 for the most part but may require fitting as tolerances were looser then.

Trigger has already been modified to single stage, and I don’t like it. I’m going to order the Huber in the next few days. It’s about my only choice.

I am happy with Liberty Tree. Communication was good, and I got the bolt in 5 days. I’m gonna have to do a bit of grinding for it to clear the rear Williams sight, but it won’t be bad.