Mauser 1895 History?

[mattx109]

I recently traded some of my less frequent range toys for a Mauser 1895. The stock shows a fair amount of abuse, but not too much, and the bore and all metal parts have been decently maintained. All in all, I'd say it's about 80%, and came from Chile.

I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a good source of information about this model, such as dates of manufacture and such. I'd like to get an approximate date with my serial number (in the low "K 300's" if possible.

I've searched the web, but found only cursory information.

Thanks.

 

[vanfunk]

If you haven't done so already, try posting over on the "Collector's" forum at www.gunboards.com

The Chilean 1895 small-ring Mauser rifle is a wonderful firearm. IIRC they were made at Ludwig Loewe in Berlin (maybe DWM as well, can't remember). Though not as strong as the later '98's, the '95 is a slick action and the 7mm Mauser is a marvelous but underappreciated round.

It's a good (nay, great) idea to get any antique bolt action checked out by a trusted gunsmith before firing it.

HTH,
vanfunk

 

[mattx109]

Thanks for the info.

The mechanical pieces and parts are all in good working order, and it fires just fine. It shoots to the right a few inches at 100 meters, and I can't see any way to adjust for windage, so I'm working on that problem.

 

[nvrquit]

Chilean M95 1895 Mauser

The only two sources that I have readily available at this time(still unpacking from the recent move to new digs) list the production of the Chilean M95 Mauser as Loewe in Berlin and Mauser(DWM) in Obendorf. These sources, "The Mauser M91 Through M98 Bolt Actions" by Jerry Kuhnhausen and "Bolt Action Rifles, Expanded 3rd Edtion" by Frank de Haas, both list these as the production facilities for the 1895 Chilean Mauser.

The M95 Chilean differed from the preceeding early SR(small ring) production Mauser designs, in that it had a small "safety lug" located on the tang just to the immediate rear of the bolt handle base. If all the numbers match and it is in good shape, I'd say keep it in original condition and enjoy your find.

Vanfunk is correct though. Any older ex-military(Mauser or whatever) firearm should at least be checked for proper headspace. It may seem to shoot okay, but that little extra precaution may save you in the long run.

 

[mattx109]

The range where I shoot is run by a reputable gunsmith, so I'll stop by and have him take a look next time I'm down there.

Thanks for the advice.