Saw an ad in the local White Sheet for a Mas 36 in 7.5 x 54, and a K.Kale Turk 8mm Mauser, guy wanted $.250.00 each, after getting a look at them, got both for $400.00. I have seen them cheaper, but these I handled, got the bores cleaned, saw their over all condition and said what the heck.
The Mas configuration and S/N puts it post WW2 production. I thought it had no import markings, but found it stamped in very small letters in a inconspicuous place, C.I.A. St, Albs. VT, but no sorry/dangerous .308 conversion or the stupid import safety as Century Arms once did them. Is absolutely in pristine unissued condition, the bore is bright and shiny, whereas I have read the bores were not plugged before being refurbed and put into storage and they got parkerized too.
See where before being issued for service they had to group at least 1.8” at 100 meters. The rear aperture sight is very good and the leaf is stamped “N” (centered and neutral) if the rear sight did not comply as to POA and POI, they had many different rear sight leafs that would have the aperture drilled off center and stamped how many mm up/down, left/right it took to compensate. They went to a little effort in attempting to make the rifle trooper tamper proof with the odd screw heads.
I understand there are a lot of do’s and don’ts for disassembly (mostly don’ts) and it is a good idea to not take disassembly too far. With the 22.5” barrel the little rifle sure handles nice, almost like a carbine and the concealed spike bayonet (to cut down on weight, it will become a safe queen) is a neat idea, withdraws and mounts quickly. It sure has very large diameter bolt to compensate for the rear lock up, see where a mas 36 variant is still in use as military and police sniper rifles, some still in 7.5x54 but most are 7.62x51 arsenal chambered.
The K. Kale Turk is electric penciled as an import and the bore was almost plugged with cosmoline. The walnut wood has light handling marks but no cracks or missing chunks. All matching numbers but the bolt, so think I will have headspace checked before firing, or tie it down to a tree with a long string to the trigger, then check the brass if rifle survives.
Once got the bore cleaned, was pleasantly surprised to find it in very good condition, no pits with lands and grooves only slightly dark in corners. Haven’t disassembled yet, so will find out then if the rifle was made at the K.Kale Turkish armory or was a European mfg. retrofit to type 38, it is stamped 1945 on top of receiver. First thing I noticed was the rear sight sure has a tiny vee, was surprised to see this on a battle rifle, as one would have to draw a very fine sight when shooting, but have heard they are capable of good accuracy.
I am not very familiar with these rifles, so from those more knowledgeable, I would welcome your input. Especially as to cast boolit loads, choice of brass, etc.. (read a couple times that Prvi Partizan brass for this cartridge is not too good)
The Mas configuration and S/N puts it post WW2 production. I thought it had no import markings, but found it stamped in very small letters in a inconspicuous place, C.I.A. St, Albs. VT, but no sorry/dangerous .308 conversion or the stupid import safety as Century Arms once did them. Is absolutely in pristine unissued condition, the bore is bright and shiny, whereas I have read the bores were not plugged before being refurbed and put into storage and they got parkerized too.
See where before being issued for service they had to group at least 1.8” at 100 meters. The rear aperture sight is very good and the leaf is stamped “N” (centered and neutral) if the rear sight did not comply as to POA and POI, they had many different rear sight leafs that would have the aperture drilled off center and stamped how many mm up/down, left/right it took to compensate. They went to a little effort in attempting to make the rifle trooper tamper proof with the odd screw heads.
I understand there are a lot of do’s and don’ts for disassembly (mostly don’ts) and it is a good idea to not take disassembly too far. With the 22.5” barrel the little rifle sure handles nice, almost like a carbine and the concealed spike bayonet (to cut down on weight, it will become a safe queen) is a neat idea, withdraws and mounts quickly. It sure has very large diameter bolt to compensate for the rear lock up, see where a mas 36 variant is still in use as military and police sniper rifles, some still in 7.5x54 but most are 7.62x51 arsenal chambered.
The K. Kale Turk is electric penciled as an import and the bore was almost plugged with cosmoline. The walnut wood has light handling marks but no cracks or missing chunks. All matching numbers but the bolt, so think I will have headspace checked before firing, or tie it down to a tree with a long string to the trigger, then check the brass if rifle survives.
Once got the bore cleaned, was pleasantly surprised to find it in very good condition, no pits with lands and grooves only slightly dark in corners. Haven’t disassembled yet, so will find out then if the rifle was made at the K.Kale Turkish armory or was a European mfg. retrofit to type 38, it is stamped 1945 on top of receiver. First thing I noticed was the rear sight sure has a tiny vee, was surprised to see this on a battle rifle, as one would have to draw a very fine sight when shooting, but have heard they are capable of good accuracy.
I am not very familiar with these rifles, so from those more knowledgeable, I would welcome your input. Especially as to cast boolit loads, choice of brass, etc.. (read a couple times that Prvi Partizan brass for this cartridge is not too good)
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