I have a change to buy a really old Swedish Mauser rifle in 6,5x55 and I'm wondering whether to pass it or take it (it's $200). It's made in 1900 and looks to be in pretty good 100% original shape overall.
My question is, what kind of accuracy can I realistically expect from a 112 years old gun? Should I be worried about the age of the rifle? What do you think about shooting ergonomics of this Mauser?
The plan is to use it for casual target shooting and maybe even hunt with it! Would you take it for that kind of use or is this kind of rifle only to please collectors..?
I have little experience with old military rifles: I've shot Mosin M44 (which was pain), and a Finnish Mosin M39 (pretty nice). I guess I would be happy with the old Mauser if it performs equal to Finnish M39 but with lower recoil and smoother action, but will it do that? For more serious shooting I have Tikka M65 in .308 and Mauser would be my second rifle if I decide to go that way.
My question is, what kind of accuracy can I realistically expect from a 112 years old gun? Should I be worried about the age of the rifle? What do you think about shooting ergonomics of this Mauser?
The plan is to use it for casual target shooting and maybe even hunt with it! Would you take it for that kind of use or is this kind of rifle only to please collectors..?
I have little experience with old military rifles: I've shot Mosin M44 (which was pain), and a Finnish Mosin M39 (pretty nice). I guess I would be happy with the old Mauser if it performs equal to Finnish M39 but with lower recoil and smoother action, but will it do that? For more serious shooting I have Tikka M65 in .308 and Mauser would be my second rifle if I decide to go that way.