Mauser actions converted to commercial calibers?

[Nameless_Hobo]

I've had the chance recently to acquire a Mauser action converted to a .308 "hunting rifle."
I've always wanted to make a semi-custom hunting rifle, do you guys think that'd be a good place to start? I'd rather start with something that's been messed with already than ruin the history myself.
I've also always heard that Mauser's make the best actions to start with because of their strength.
I didn't get to examine it well, but it seemed to be in good shape and I'm pretty sure it started it's life as an 8mm.

Is there any real downside to this? I assume the bolt throw will be longer than necessary, but that' s no big deal.

Should I be wary of anything? I don't have a set of head space gauges, so on that front I'm not doing very well...

Also, does anyone know if .308 stripper clips will work with the clip grooves in the Mauser?

ETA, Excuse me, please, if I seem to be rambling, I'm remarkably tired tonight.

 

[Z71]

I owned a Brno M98 actioned rifle that had been converted to .308 and sporterized. Was ok, but didn't feed all that well. I don't think they reconfigured the action feed lips when they modified it.

I screwed a .30-06 barrel on(at gunsmith school, with proper tools), and it fed normally then. A bit more to converting an 8mm to .308 caliber than meets the eye.

I've managed to accumulate a M48 Yugo 8mm that the bore is rotten, bad rotten on. Stock is junk as well. The action is beautiful though. I also aquired a clean military 8mm Mauser barrel too. I intend to build myself a 8mm early Mauser sporter style rifle with the pieces.

 

[IndianaBoy]

308 ammunition will fit on Mauser stripper clips.

Same case head. So you are good to go there. Unless you scope it.

It will PROBABLY be a good candidate for a custom project. Not all actions are created equal, but most mausers are good quality.


If it is a build from a yugo mauser, it is an intermediate length action ,and will be just right for 308, and you can seat the bullets out long. This is a good thing.

If it is a long action. You will have tons of room. Can you post a picture of it. Any markings or lettering? Some guys here will be able to tell you what you have.

I commend you for not wanting to chop a 'correct' mauser. I am keeping mine stock. I hunt with it that way and it is a great shooter.

 

[bl4ckd0g]

There are plenty of commercial bolt action rifles that utilize the Mauser action. They might not have the smoothest actions since they're created to function when wet or dirty.

I have a sporterized Siamese Mauser converted by E. R. Show into a 45/70 bolt action rifle.

 

[highorder]

I have a sporterized Siamese Mauser converted by E. R. Show into a 45/70 bolt action rifle.

How well does yours feed? I hear they vary in quality.

 

[Nugilum]

Yes the actions are strong. Back when I was working at a gun shop in Albuquerque an individual had a bubbaed Mauser in 30-06. When he reloaded his bullets, he said he "accidentally" used pistol powder. My boss said the ONLY reason this was not the Darwin Award winner for 2003 was the Mauser action.

He couldn't open the bolt after the "surprising recoil" from his first shot. My boss ended up taking the barrel off the receiver after he BROKE the bolt handle trying to open it. The entire face of the bolt was literally shattered. He was one lucky $*%@.

 

[Onmilo]

Always headspace a used and converted Mauser action rifle.
Pay a gunsmith if you have to but have this done and also have him feed some action proving dummies through to see if the feed is correct.
Depending on the length of the action, some .308/7.62X51 NATO converted Mausers have feeding issues when using the box magazine.

There are fixes to the feed issue but it is nice to know if you will, or will not, have an issue before you lay your money down.