7x57 Spanish Mauser

[Kalashnikov]

Ok, I'm not buying anything this time. I am currently designing a rifle for fun. I'm almost 100% sure it wont ever leave my notebook, but I love to design and build things. Right now I have little more than basic knowledge of firearms and I'm wondering what action would be best for a 7x57 masuer round? I want to make it in a semi-auto, probably based off the Kalashnikov. I am pretty sure the Kalashnikov action can be modified to the dimentions, since the Yugo M76 is basically a Kalashnikov strengthend to take the 8mm mauser. Maybe some more info would be helpful. The basic idea behind the rifle is a battle rifle concept. This means it might go through so harsh conditions and maybe without cleaning for days, another reason I chose the AK action. Is there a better, simpler system?

 

[Kalashnikov]

Nobody has any information to give me?

 

[jefnvk]

Why not design one?

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Okay, I'll bite

(Realizing we're talking nominal length here, but I don't have my reference books with me)

Look at the nominal length of the round shown in the name:

7mm x 57mm Mauser

compare that to the common AK round:

7.62mm x 39mm Communist

57mm - 39mm = 18mm of difference, not gonna work in your standard AK by any stretch.

Moving on, there are AK-related critters like the Saiga, VEPR, and various Dragunov imitations (but not real Dragunov-type rifles). These can be found in 7.62x51mm NATO and 7.62x54mmR Russian. Still shorter than your Mauser round.

However there is a much, much easier solution!

http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl09-e.htm

The Belgian FN49. I've never fired one, but I've heard great things. (Use the search feature to find past THR discussions on the FN49). And, best of all, it was made in 7x57mm (as well as several other chamberings).

I've seen them sold for reasonable prices online. Sure, nowhere near as cheap as an AK-variant, but for far less than it would cost you to convert an AK into a Frankenrifle, you can have a genuine historical article in 7x57mm.

Why the interest in 7x57? Do you have a lot of 7x57 ammo? Just curious.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, -MV

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Pic failed to post, here you go:

Belgian SA FN-49, available in your 7x57mm

If you can stand to go up 8x57mm, there's always the Hakim:

I'd also imagine that someone, somewhere would happily rebarrel/rechamber an M1 Garand to 7x57mm for you. I've seen them do .270 Winchester. Probably would take a little more tinkering with the boltface for a 7x57, but at least your overall length would be good.

Again, I can't help but ask, why the 7x57?

 

[Magnum Mike]

I like the 7x57 Mauser caliber, but I think it works best in a newer bolt action rifle because you can use modern loads for that caliber, that have higher velocity and energy, whereas with an old military semi-auto, you'll have to stick to the standard loads.

I had an old Spanish Mauser in the 7x57, and it shot okay, considering the fact the barrel was almost worn out.