DocRock
member
Mauser number 2 of a lot won several weeks back at Rock Island Auction Company.
It was listed as an “1871 Mauser” and, as far as I can tell, it was built on an 1871 receiver, full octagon, originally case hardened with some coloring still visible below the stock line. 25.5” heavy full octagonal barrel. Tiny bead front sight in extra wide dovetail for windage adjustment. Large rear sight with replaceable insert (only one) to be used for different heights.
Signs of bodging from a vice clamp on lower left receiver when barrel was removed at some point. Light, well executed engraving on receiver and bolt. Large dramatically turned down bolt handle with fine checkering both sides.
Fenced trigger guard also engraved. Double set trigger, and a remarkably simple, elegant trigger mechanism.
Stock is a quite nice Walnut, pretty beat up on left side, fine checkering at the wrist and a dramatic wedge cheek piece that I don’t know the name for. Swivels in stock and barrel but not dove tailed or soldered. Not sure how that’s connected.
Barrel measures 9.32mm grooves .368”, 9mm lands .355”. Rifling is bright and crisp, obviously deep.
Suspect cartridge is 9.3x48r, or 360 Kurz, a shortened version of the 9.3x72r. But rim diameter is a little wider than the 12.98 of that case. Indeed, it takes a 30-40 case rim 13.78mm (.542”). Can’t find an image or chamber drawing for 9.3x48r anywhere. Any help there would be welcome!