K98 Mauser Efurt 1916

[ChampionCreed]

New to Forum.

A few years ago I received my great grandpa's old 8 mm mauser he had hunted with for over 50 years. Apparently it was quite a shooter. It is stamped with an Imperial Crown and Efurt 1916. I figured it was from WWI. The rifle was a tool-nothing more. When I received has pitting on the almost every part of the rifle. If for nothing more than sentimental reasons I would like to turn this battle axe into a nice european sporter to give to my son. I would like to keep as many of the original parts as possible.

I have been able to remove most of the pitting from the receiver. The barrel seems to be in good condition internally. The exterior is something else. The barrel is not a 3 teired military barrel but it is a heavier sporter contour about 24 inches long and you can still see the lathe marks on it along with the gunsmith who must have put the barrel on with a pipewrench. I was wondering if any of you have had any experience in having any older military barrels turned to smooth finish quality? I had some concerns with possibly the barrel warpping. Any input would be welcome.

 

[monsternav]

Are you sure it's 8mm? If it was re-barreled inter-war or post-war it might be re-chambered to an American cartridge (8mm was harder to get then). Check the barrel for a caliber stamping.

There are plenty of new mauser barrels in military profile in various chamberings.

I have a couple of Mausers and their barrels do not have machining marks on them, so I don't see any need to "smooth" them out. YMMV of course.

If the wood has not been sporterized, and is original it can be sold for some good money to help fund the project (although I see you want to retain as many parts as possible).

Questions about shootability (Bent barrel, pitting) need to be answered by a gunsmith who sees the rifle in person (no internet diagnosis here).

Pictures are always good.

Add: Good to see you want to keep the old warhorse going for the next generation.

 

[ChampionCreed]

I am know for a fact it is 8 mm mauser I remember talking to my grandpa and everyone in between. The Barrel toward the muzzle had a stamp 1-17 with a stamp of a smoking bomb on it so I figured that they turned the barrel into a sporter contour. The stock is not original and is very beat up with wood peiced in and putting in holes and nails holding it together. I see no value except for sentimental.

 

[monsternav]

That date and the Flaming Bomb are US markings. M1903's are marked like that. I assume it has no front sight? It was probably just taken off and makes it look like a sporter barrel. Pictures would be most helpful at this time.

Also go here if you want, you have to register, but a bunch of nice knowlegdable guys.

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/index.php

Stocks for Mauser actions are pretty easy to find. Offhand, Boyds makes them, there are others.