rifle question

[bench shooter]

So wondering around cabelas today. I found a 257 roberts that someone had built on a mauser action. Stock is in decent shape shows signs of use. Slight surface rust on barrel and bolt handle. Looks like a good cleaning and it would be in pretty good shape. Didn't get to look at the bore as my 2 year old started having a melt down and was time to go. My question is they only wanted 200 bucks for it. Would this be something worth going back and having a closer look at. I'm new to mauser actions always had remington or winchester. I would either like to get it and refinish it and leave it a 257 or turn it into something else. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[Clint M]

It could be costly involving a gunsmith to check the rifle for safety, and have a chamber cast made etc. I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as many here on Mauser actions etc, but I know where you are coming from with a 2 year old. The next time be sure to be able to check the rifle out good without any distractions. Maybe they will let you have a gunsmith check it over before purchasing.

 

[witchhunter]

There are different Mauser actions also. Do a little research before you buy it and are unhappy.

 

[Reloadron]

If the gun was in the Cabela's Gun Library room you should be able to find it online and link to it. For example I may say I was in the Columbus, Ohio Cabela's gun library and looking at this Colt Gold Cup Trophy .45 Auto and wondering if you guys think it is worth the money? This way forum members get a good look at the gun and a good description of the gun. So if the used gun you were looking at was in the used gun library section it should be pictured and described online.

Also, while I doubt it would matter on a $200 rifle Cabela's can be flexible on many of the guns in the gun library, I have gotten them to come down on a few prices for me and also I discovered that on guns they give vets a 5% discount. Last gun I bought the guy at the sales register asked if I was a vet and I asked how he knew or why he asked. Duh? I forgot it is marked on my Ohio Drivers License. I got a $1200 dollar gun down to $1000 and then they dropped it another 5%.

Ron

 

[bench shooter]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm thinking I'm going to go back tomorrow and see if it's still there and look at it better without my son in tow. Anyone got any advise on what to look for or good websites to look at. I'm starting to search now see if I can figure out what it may be.

 

[redneck2]

There are about 87 thousand gazillion Mausers. First thing I'd do is see which one it is. Post a picture of the stamp on the receiver and you'll get a answer here in about thirty seconds.

Also want to check the quality of the barrel and chamber job. I got a custom rifle with a chamber that looked like like it was cut with a hammer and chisel. But, with the scope it was worth more than I paid.

Just remember that adding a good barrel to a custom action ends up costing more than a factory new rifle and worth less at trade in. But, it's YOURS.

If it's a good Mauser and the inside of the barrel is decent I'd go for it