I'm Screwed

[Carlos]

I have a 98/22 Chech Mauser. My Dad's old rifle, which I'm sure he got from his. Anyway, neither of them are around to tell me the history.

The rifle's metal needs refinishing, bad. So, I removed the metal from the stock. While doing this, I note both screws that go through trigger guard area into the stock are in bad need of replacement (one's broken).

I've attempted to find replacements at Numrich and other places, but have no idea how to find them.

Also, I'm thinking of Super Bluing the metal. Good? Bad? I've heard of Oxpho paste before, but have no personal experience with it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rust collector]

Carlos, you're blessed to have Dad's old gun. There are parts aplenty out there, so don't panic. If you can find a gunsmith who's been at it for awhile, the smith will have the sources, salvage and savvy necessary to replace the screws.

Metal finishing is one of the higher art forms, in my estimation. I would certainly want to practice on a gun that had no sentimental value before taking on one with historical significance. If the gun has waited a long time for refinishing, it can probably wait a little longer. Patience is the hallmark of a good renewal job. I've winced at Sportmodell .22 rifles that lost a lot of original finish because someone saw a little surface rust and took after it with emery cloth or other abrasive. Most cold blues look, smell and act a lot different than the old rust blue or other surface treatments. They may do a practical job, but you may find yourself wondering "what was I thinking?"

Now that the wood is off, cover the metal with WD 40, wipe off with a sturdy cloth, and listen to Hippocrates: "above all, do no harm". And ask yourself "do I want to make this a new gun, or do I want to retain the character it had when Dad held it?"

 

[DMK]

Also try asking your question over on the restoration section of this forum:

Gunsnet C&R Forum

Some of those guys do some very impressive cold bluing with Brownell's Oxpho Blue. They may be able to help you with finding the parts as well.

 

[Stickjockey]

Carlos-

Try The Powderhorn out in Forest Grove. (503) 357-4570.

 

[Carlos]

Awesome post, Rust Collector. Yes, this rifle will be sweet. I will massage her well. I appreciate a good rifle.

This particular rifle is good for clay pidgeon, iron sites, 200 yards, standing up, as it sits, no problem.

Unfortunately, either my Dad or Grandad bubba-ized it with a replacement stock, which is a very nice piece of wood.

So, OK: Any news about the screws??

Is there an actual tool that will help me measure thread sizes? I have the original screwed screws, but have no idea about turns per inch/cm stuff. That way, I can do a reasonable replacement, from any good hardware store/auto shop?

Thanks.

 

[Carlos]

Thanks Stick Jockey, I'll try that tomorrow morning.

If you're into shooting on Sunday, there's a shoot on Sunday, at the Dump.

Bang???

 

[rust collector]

Machinists have screw pitch gauges they can hold up to the thread. If you don't have access to one of these, simply take the old screws with you to the hardware store and hold them against screws of a known metric size and pitch. If the threads mesh, try your gun screws in the appropriate nut and if it works you should know the diameter and pitch. Unfortunately, head configurations also vary a lot but you may get lucky and the standard oval head may fit. Allen or cap screws may stick out and look unsightly but can do the job while you're working on the wood and be replaced later.

Good luck on your overhaul. I hope you will let us know what works.

 

[Carlos]

I thought about that, but had friends tell me, NO, I won't find such screws at an ordinary hardware store.

I want real gun screws.

 

[0007]

Go to Home Depot with original screw. Get correct thread/scew size by comparing yours against theirs. Go to Brownell's website. Order correct screws Be prepared to pay a premium for this.

 

[Elarski]

Mauser Triggerguard Screws are 1/4"x22 thread size, and are available through Brownells.

Forster Slotted Head Triggerguard Screws

I hope this helps.

 

[Elarski]

Here's an alternative to the slotted screws.

Socket Head Triggerguard Screws

I doubt you'll be able to find these at any hardware stores. Good luck!

 

[Zeke Menuar]

Post your request here

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/

Somebody on this forum will probably have your parts.

ZM

 

[Carlos]

Outstanding!!!!

Your replies are greatly appreciated. I'll make the rounds today.