Recently was asked to clean up some old guns by the widow of an acquaintance. One of the guns is a Mauser Sporting rifle. I just started today trying to get the rust off. Markings "Waffenfabrik Oberndorf Mauser" Also a Crown over a " B". Chambered in 8mm, beautiful walnut stock with delicate forearm ending in a schnabel tip. The checkered pistol grip has a bad crack ,and there is evidence of some repair effort.
The receiver has a square top scope mount,the other square tp mount is in a dovetail on the barrel approximately one inch forward of the receiver. Serial number 143xx. So far I've figured out it is a commercial sporting rifle made by mauser ,probably between 1900 and 1920, model designation B. On the forearm is a curious device a fixture into which fold two odd flat-tipped prongs ( one to each side) . I haven't figured out what those are for,though I've come up with a few theories.
I would appreciate it if anyone can tell me anymore about this rifle,in particular what those prongs are for and whether one can purchase a similar style stock and if rings are still made for mounting on this type rifle.
I never understood before why some people rave about mauser rifle,but this piece of history has built some appreciation in me for them.
Thanks
TWBryan
The receiver has a square top scope mount,the other square tp mount is in a dovetail on the barrel approximately one inch forward of the receiver. Serial number 143xx. So far I've figured out it is a commercial sporting rifle made by mauser ,probably between 1900 and 1920, model designation B. On the forearm is a curious device a fixture into which fold two odd flat-tipped prongs ( one to each side) . I haven't figured out what those are for,though I've come up with a few theories.
I would appreciate it if anyone can tell me anymore about this rifle,in particular what those prongs are for and whether one can purchase a similar style stock and if rings are still made for mounting on this type rifle.
I never understood before why some people rave about mauser rifle,but this piece of history has built some appreciation in me for them.
Thanks
TWBryan