Mauser Barrel Replacement...

[Maverick223]

I am looking for a cheap (< operative word here) but decent bbl for a Commercial Mauser build I am working on. I have $200.00 in the rifle, so I would rathe not dump a ton of cash into it. Don't get me wrong i'd love another Krieger, but this is destined to become a LR, medium game hunting rifle (my definition of LR hunting is sub-500yds and medium game is deer/elk/pig/sm. bear/et al), and I don't feel that sort of accuracy is needed, and the cost is certainly unwarranted. Only Chrome Moly (CM) barrels with a sporting contour (not terribly picky, but no heavy bulls for this one) will be considered for this build. Looking at some Adams & Bennett barrels, but have no experience with them, and they have some great reviews along with a few very poor ones. Will be chambered for some variant of .280Rem. (likely the original to ensure smooth/reliable feeding). This is not an optional re-barrel because the current chambering is 6mmRem (and is scuffed up pretty bad). which I have no interest in, so don't waste your breath tying to convince me to keep the factory barrel.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Here you go

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=131/k=/t=P/mfg=01P/Products/Barrels/BROWNELLS

No 7mm/.280 bores though. If your Mauser action is a small ring I have a .280Rem. barrel I would sell.

 

[Maverick223]

I appreciate the link, Jimmy, but I am pretty well dead set on the .280Rem. The similar specifications and pricing makes me wonder if those are the same as the Midway's barrels, Adams & Bennett (henceforth referred to as A&B), though. Something to ponder.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Mav, there are a lot of Mauser 98 barrels on Gunbroker,from new never installed and new pull-offs to worn-out sewer pipes. I have bought several off of GB. Sometimes you can find a deal at Surplusrifle.com. I bought a Husqvarna 640(Mauser 98) barrel in 30.06 WITH sights for $40.

 

[Maverick223]

I didn't come up with anything (except for a couple of complete rifles) with a search for a .280barrel. Keep in mind I am pretty intent on this chambering. This is a project rifle, so I am in no big rush; I'll keep looking from time to time, and hopefully luck into one. Thanks again;

Mav.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I understand. I'll keep my ear to the ground and will pass along anything of interest. Good luck!

 

[Maverick223]

I appreciate it, Jimmy.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I'd send it to E.R.Shaw and let them put the barrel on for you. Their services are decently priced and their barrels of known quality. You can get a stinker from just about anyone. Shaw, however would likely replace a bad one, if they put it on....

I've got a M98 in .257Roberts that was rebarreled by a gunsmith using an Shaw barrel in 1983. I had it sweat in my attic during an extended vacation in 1990, which left a few pits in the bore. It however, will still shoot sub-moa and has killed many, many deer and prararie dogs. Before the pitting mis-hap, it would occasionally shoot three shot one-hole groups at 200yds.... Not bad for a 7lb rifle, WITH SCOPE, SLING, AND AMMO.....

I can't recommend the A&B barrels, but they may meet your requirement. I've got one on an Interarms MkX, in .338/06. Its a 2-3 moa rifle, generally. However, one cast bullet load, and several jacketed loads will shoot to at or under 2moa, but this is good enough for a Moose, Elk, and Bear rifle.

Personally, I think that your choice of calibers is impeccable. If I were to rebarrel my Colt Lt Rifle in .30/06 to another caliber (other than to have the present one bored and reamed to .35Whelen, It'd be in .280.

 

[Maverick223]

Personally, I think that your choice of calibers is impeccable. If I were to rebarrel my Colt Lt Rifle in .30/06 to another caliber (other than to have the present one bored and reamed to .35Whelen, It'd be in .280.

We think alike. I too, really like the .35Whelen, it is a real nice thumper (have to step up to the .375H&H to do significantly better IMO). An outstanding cartridge from a .30-06 case. I will be giving ER Shaw a call to see what they can put together for me. I have used their barrels (for a rimfire build) and found it to perform well, and at a reasonable price. I think that might be the best option, thank you for the advice.