Need info on an Argentinian Mauser

[timbo40]

Saw an interesting Mauser at a gun shop this afternoon. Its an Argentinian model 1895 that has been converted to 7.62 caliber. There is a 7.62 stamped into the bolt handle at the top. Don't know anything about these. Question I have is, can it be trusted not to blow up in my face if I shoot 7.62x51 surplus ammo in it? Gun dealer wants $100 for it. Rifle looks real good. Very nice wood, minimal bluing left. Bore is dark, but has very good rifleing.
Can anyone clue me in on this rifle? They are holding it for me for a couple of days. All I have to do is bring in a copy of my C&R (he can't find the original copy I gave him two months ago!), and pay the man.
Is this a decent rifle for a decent price?
Thanks in advance.
Timbo40

[hagar]

One of the best Mausers ever made. It will not blow up, but might not shoot that well, as 7.65 Argentine uses a .311 bullet instead of a .308. You can always load cheap AK47 bullets in 7.62X51 cases to improve accuracy. For that price, snatch it up.

[vorbek]

I think you mean 1895 Chilean, originally in 7mm Mauser. .308 Nato= no problem. Uncle Bubbas 300 grain 4700fps custom load= problem.

[VALMET_M76]

They would have had to set back the barrel to rechamber it for 308. The Original Mauser round for the Argentine rifles was 7.65x53 wasn't it? I also do not believe that the 7.65 round produces anywhere near the pressure of 7.62x51.

For shooting mild handloads sure, go for it. For shooting Nato spec Ball? Not me.



Mike

[bouncer50]

I thing Vorbek right about it being a Chilean mauser and not a Argentinian Mauser. If it a Chilean mauser it was rebore from 7mm to 308. The Chilean chamber was sleeve and rechamber. In my opinion if i had this rifle i would load it to 7mm pressure.

[wildwilly]

Is it argentine crested ? and is it a 1891 two lug bolt or a 1895??? or a 1909? The argentine collections I have seen do not include 1895 action mausers. Ball or Olson book on Mausers will explain the differences with pictures. Lots of mausers converted to 308 but Most of us get leery on 95 actions or even 96 actions with .308 chambers. Keep after it is not a bad price especially if it is a odd setup.

[alphadog58]

Is it .308 or 30-06? I've seen Argentine mausers in 30-06, but not in .308.

[Terick]

Might want to do a chamber cast of that just for fun. No telling what it really is without that. I got a bunch of .270 cases with mine that the previous owner had fireformed to use in the original chamber. A lot of things will (sorta) fit. :biggrin:

[timbo40]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I didn't get a chnce to go back today to take a closer look. It might be a Chilean, but I thought I saw Argentinian. Only had 7.62 stamped in the rifle, so it could be 30.06 like alphadog58 suggested. Guess I better make sure on the caliber before shooting... Huh? :biggrin:
Timbo40

[HawaiiFALer]

Timbo40,

The Argentines had an 1895 Mauser (features cock-on-closing, no so-called third or safety lug, single stack built-in magazine which sticks out below the stock line, Argentine crest sorta oval in shape) in original form using a cartridge now designated 7.65 Argentine or Belgian (same cartridge), sometimes designated 7.65x53, sometimes erroneously called 7.65x52. The bore size is an actual .310/.311.

Later the Argentines used a 1909 Mauser ('98 Mauser action and basic configuration, cock-on-opening, has safety/third lug, '98 type double stack magazine which does not extend below the stock line, same Argentine oval-shaped crest) and uses the same cartridge mentioned above.

I know of two chamber modifications done by importer/sellers to increase sales. I have seen them. One is a rechamber to .30-06 which basically required running a chamber reamer which completely removed the old chamber. The .308/7.62 NATO rechambering required setting the old barrel back then running a chamber reamer, in order to remove the old longer chamber. The bore was kept the same, so the .308, American .30 caliber, bullets were a bit "looser" fit.

The .308/7.62 NATO cartridges are specced to higher pressures than the original 7.65 Argentine which are the 7mm Mauser pressure levels.

Be cautious. Check the new chamber. Watch your pressures. Choose the bullet diameter for accuracy/gas blow-by AND watch your pressures. :biggrin:

Some of these rifles can be found with a lot more blueing on them. Check for rust/pitting under the wood. A lot of the 1895 Argentines were made in Germany by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). If this sample is, then the workmanship should be impeccable. Is the rifle cut down in any way?

HawaiiFALer :)

[timbo40]

This rifle is not cut down in any way, or sporterized. I don't believe it has a magazine that extends down below; this looks like a regular 5 round magazine like a typical Mauser. Still haven't gotten back to the gun shop. I had almost convinced myself to not buy it; but now think I need to reconsider. Guy on another board suggested handloading some reduced pressure loads. That might be the route to go. I wouldn't need too many rounds because I doubt I would shoot it too often. I have just too many toys to play with, and never enough range time.
Thanks for the info. I'll get to the shop as soon as I can, and post an update on it.
This is really gotten me curious as to what it is. Wish I had paid better attention the other day.
Thanks,
Timbo40

[timbo40]

I finally made it to the gun shop to take a second look at the Mauser. It is a Chileno Modelo 1895, converted to 7.62 NATO. I bought the rifle despite the warnings about shooting 7.62 in it. My next quest is to find someone to help me handload some mild loads ammo for it.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Timbo40