Mauser .308 sporter

[no.5enfield]

I am looking at purchasing an old mauser sporter that is in really good cosmetic shape, but the bolt seems really sloppy when open. When the bolt is all the way to the rear it has quite a bit of side to side and up and down play however it does lock up tight when closed. I really like the feel of the rifle and don't currently own a .308, so I am pretty interested in having it. Will it be safe to shoot like this? I borrowed it to check the accuracy, but want to make sure it's safe to fire first.

Thanks,
Brad

 

[highorder]

Don't worry, the bolt is supposed to have that play in the reaward position.

I would have the headspace checked on any non-factory rifle before firing. it just takes a minute and can save serious injury.

 

[Ringtail]

Mausers do that. Their bolts have a lot of end play, especially compared to something like a #4 Enfield.

 

[SaxonPig]

One more supporting opinion. They all do that.

 

[no.5enfield]

Thanks for the quick responses, I will get the headspace checked Monday. It's a sweet little gun, hope it's a shooter, I would love to try it on some of these hogs around here.

Thanks,
Brad

 

[no.5enfield]

I finally got around to getting the headspace checked, and the gunsmith said it was a little tight, but that was ok. He told me it is a Turkish Mauser with a Remington barrel and that it was a good deal on an excellent rifle. I don't know the first thing about Mausers, but I like the way this one feels and it shot a tight group when I tried it out today. I guess I found my new hog-rifle!

Brad