It always amazes me when evidence, such as H.P. White testing a batch of 1916's, is presented yet people still choose to believe some, faceless, self-appointed expert on an internet forum and their own feelings. But, that's our world today!
35W
I wanted an M1903, could not find one, but I did find a National Ordnance M1903A3. This was back in the 1970's. According to Frank De Haas, in his book "Bolt Action Rifles", HP White tested a National Ordnance M1903A3 receiver and it passed with "flying colors". Based on that, I purchased that National Ordnance M1903A3. And in less than 100 rounds, it was extremely difficult to lift the bolt. I figured out the bolt was peening the receiver seats. I guess HP White did not test my rifle, nor any of the National Ordnance rifles that blew up. Like the one that blew up on this unhappy owner:
HP White was not certifying that all small ring Mausers, and all National Ordnance receivers, were good. HP White was not in charge of Quality Control of any factory, HP White tests one item, and people want that test to represent all items. However, times change, and quality changes. I remember a time when Boeing designed and built quality airplanes. Now the things are death traps. Period steels varied, period process equipment, who knows what they used, and period inspection techniques, does anyone know what they were doing on the factory floor? Vintage steels varied. Ole Joe remembered a 1930's National Geographic ad where Chrysler claimed you could drive 33, 000 miles before grinding your valves. Wow, is that not remarkable that an automobile owner could drive 33,000 miles before taking off the cylinder head off and grinding the engine valves? That's real metallurgy. Sure wish we had as good of steels as they had in the 1930's. (this is sarcasm) I did find a 1931 Chrysler Imperial owners manual on the web, and there is a section on valve grinding. The thing is, vintage steels, things made out of vintage steels are highly variable, and that increases the risk of vintage things coming apart.
I am not going to certify that all small ring Mausers were perfectly made in all respects, and therefore safe in all respects. Are you?
If a Spanish Mauser blows up, just who you going to sue? The nation of Spain? Better have good health insurance if you are injured, because the costs are all going to be on you.
I remember when a vehicle was considered worn out at 100,000 miles. Times have changed. I do remember when "blue printing" American engines was a practice, trying to hot rod a small block with the part tolerances all over the place would guarantee a rod through the engine block. And that period was decades after all these small ring Mausers were made.