Scoping my new old Mauser?

[.333 Nitro Express]

I have recently acquired this little gem:







It's a 1919 Mauser in 8x57JS, with a lovely engraved action. Best thing of all, it fits me like a glove, and it comes up to my shoulder like a custom-fitted shotgun. I am planning to make it my primary hunting rifle.

Although the open sights on it are great, I was wondering if I could give myself the option to scope it. Naturally, I don't want to alter it in any way, but I haven't found any mounts that require no drilling--only the ones that fit on the sights of a 98K, but this rifle has different sights.

I thought I would ask here if any of you know of any aftermarket product that may fit a Mauser action without alteration (the rational part of me doesn't see how, but I never place a limit of good old Yankee ingenuity).

 

[texas chase]

that thing is a beauty! need more pic's!!!

 

[CraigC]

That's a gorgeous rifle but the comb is setup for iron sight shooting. Really be tough to get a good cheek weld. Personally, I would mount a receiver sight and be done with it.

 

[RPRNY]

Very nice looking rifle. Two issues on scoping. First, as per above, your comb is not set up for a scope. Of course you can do it, but it is less than ideal. Second, any scope mount will require some drilling and tapping. Two weaver style bases is probably the way to go if you choose that route.

I believe Mojo does a 98 peep sight that will work for your rifle without alteration. A good peep sight will take you out to 150 yards Minute of Deer with average eyes.

Are you certain of bore diameter on that rifle? You specify 8x57JS, so I take it that you are. But many sporters were built using the earier .318 bore well into the 1930s so if you aren't certain, it's worth checking.

 

[dak0ta]

Leave it as is... please don't ruin it!

 

[Art Eatman]

Another yowl for trying a peep sight (might need to change the front sight as well) and not doing the drill-and-tap thing.

The comment about the stock and cheek-weld is well-taken, also.

 

[dirtyjim]

if you want to scope it without seriously affecting the value of the rifle it will not be easy or cheap.
i would suggest recknagel claw or era swing mounts with the front foot out on the barrel shank to preserve the engraving on the front ring.
i would also suggest having a weibe square shank oberndorf bolt handle welded on by accu-tig to get the boly handle down low enough to clear a very low mounted scope.
you could forge it but its not much more to do it right and get it realy low.

the stock will not be a problem with a low mounted scope.
many of my rifles have more drop than that and still work well with a low mounted scope.

 

[.333 Nitro Express]

Thanks, all--don't worry, I would never take a drill to this rifle or alter it in any other way. I'm a purist, sometimes even too much of one.

It looks like (unless I'm mistaken) the Mojo peep fits only the military-style sights, which mine does not have. I did see a Mauser bolt-mounted peep that the German firm Prechtl sells, but it looks like it would be a lot of trouble--I may have to replace the whole striker.

Perhaps a new pair of eye-glasses would be the best solution for this. I've never done badly with open sights (and these are better than the afterthought-style sights you get on many current-production rifles), although I'm not getting any younger, and neither are my eyes.

 

[RPRNY]

Skinner's barrel mounted peep sight might work, although it's hard to say how large the dovetail on your rear sight is - looks large?

http://www.skinnersights.com/barrel_mount_6.html

 

[.333 Nitro Express]

No worries, that rifle will never see a scoop.

 

[Boxhead]

I would hunt down a bolt peep, so no drill/tap anywhere. There is a guy making them over on AR I believe. Goggle will likely find it. Probably cost about what you have in the rifle.

 

[CraigC]

Well, .333NE, thanks a bunch, kind sir. You just made me buy a sporterized Mauser 98 8x57 on Gunbroker this afternoon. Luckily, it already has a Lyman receiver sight installed so all I have to do is shoot the damn thing. Now to round up some dies, bullets and brass.

 

[tahoe2]

333ne

That is one beauty of a Mauser, I would just leave it be.

 

[RPRNY]

My recent sporter purchase. Done by Bubba's somewhat older and wiser cousin @ 1964 as someone here described it. Persian M49. Not nearly as nicely done as yours but I'm a sucker for a full stocked carbine:

 

[.333 Nitro Express]

Wow, RPRNY, that's a sweet little rifle! It's WAY too nice for me to agree with you that Bubba or any in his lineage had anything to do with it--a fine sporter with a fine action!!!

Craig, I look forward to seeing pictures of what you bought!

Boxhead, I'm not familiar with "AR"--I tried to Google the bolt peep sight and the acronym as you suggested, but I didn't come up with anything. If you have any more information, I'd be very grateful.