8mm Mauser vs 7.62x54r?

[rockman6]

I have both and found that for plinking, go for the Mosin, for hunting, I found more selection in bullet type on the Mauser.

[Jonnin]

There were 80 Kazillion Mauser rifles produced. They arent exactly rare artifacts. If some of them hadn't been used, sporterized, dropped in a lake, etc., the remaining unaltered versions would be worth next to nothing. For some people, a military rifle is next to useless, while a sporterized version is a useable hunting tool. As the value of the rifles go up, using the action to construct a custom gun becomes less attractive.

That is fine, I just said to check it first, there are rare variations. I was all set to lug mine thru the woods this coming season until I discoverd that all matched incluing bayonette, barrel cap, and the rest + all but unfired condition = much, much more $$$ than the common ones. Estimates ran closer to 3k for it, I had no idea, and am certainly glad I checked before banging it up. If I had converted this gun it would be hard pressed to have retained 10% of its value.

I have both and found that for plinking, go for the Mosin, for hunting, I found more selection in bullet type on the Mauser.

7.62 mosin is the same as 303 british, it is what I use in my mauser, .311 or .312 diameter bullets are not hard to find and you can get nice hollow point, soft point, etc bullets. I am using sierra designed for 303 brit, 180 grains, and I am willing to bet the mosin would eat that happily. A non-reloader would be in a mess but it should be possible to pull the bullet from a FMJ surplus round, poke in a new hunting bullet, and proceed, if you kept the bullet weights close. Edited October 4, 2011 by Jonnin

[Guest HvyMtl]

Are there new hunting rifles based on the mauser design? If you want a hunting rifle, go buy a hunting rifle. Today's technology would point to buying a modern rifle to hunt, and keep the older, heavy military rifles for collecting, and plinking.

Of the two "systems" of rifles, both have positives and negatives. Mauser is the better action: smoother, and quicker to the second shot. Mosin is much less expensive to purchase, and ammo is cheap, too.

Mosin ammo - most milsurp - is magnetic, and is an issue for some gun ranges, and some states/localities (none that I know off around here) due to ricochet, and the remote possibility of sparking (supposedly could cause brush fires?)

Edited October 4, 2011 by HvyMtl

[Jonnin]

Are there new hunting rifles based on the mauser design? If you want a hunting rifle, go buy a hunting rifle. Today's technology would point to buying a modern rifle to hunt, and keep the older, heavy military rifles for collecting, and plinking.Of the two "systems" of rifles, both have positives and negatives. Mauser is the better action: smoother, and quicker to the second shot. Mosin is much less expensive to purchase, and ammo is cheap, too. Mosin ammo - most milsurp - is magnetic, and is an issue for some gun ranges, and some states/localities (none that I know off around here) due to ricochet, and the remote possibility of sparking (supposedly could cause brush fires?)

Its not the *design*, its the *workmanship*. Old world workmanship vs mass production, and nothing made today comes close at a reasonable price. You can get a fine mauser or other old rifle for $300 or less, even as low as $100 at times for a beater. A gun made equally well new would be a $1000 gun. But you can remake a milsurp into an amazing custom rifle for a low cost investment and the action will be better made than anything produced today outside the high dollar stuff. The bimetal jackets are thin and are no more prone to ricochet than anything else... lead or copper can bounce just as well if you hit the wrong thing. Copper jacketed will spark on a rock same as bimetal. Its not much different IMHO. I have seen 223 copper rounds give off a tremendous spark upon hitting a rock. Personally, I do tend to agree with you --- buy a cheap deer rifle, shoot it your 20 times a year, and it is fine. But the same money into a milsurp conversion will be a better gun, for a job that does not require a better gun. The milsurps were made to be shot hundreds of time a day in war. The $250 deer rifle was meant to be fired one time a day...

[gregintenn]

I'll second whay others here have said; If you want a deer rifle, buy a deer rifle. For deer hunting, I'd much prefer a beat up 30-30 or a Wal Mart sale counter special bolt rifle to either the unaltered Mauser or Mosin. The fact is if I were faced with the choice, I'd pick my muzzleloader over either as well.

[Guest TnTnTn]

That is fine, I just said to check it first, there are rare variations. I was all set to lug mine thru the woods this coming season until I discoverd that all matched incluing bayonette, barrel cap, and the rest + all but unfired condition = much, much more $$$ than the common ones. Estimates ran closer to 3k for it, I had no idea, and am certainly glad I checked before banging it up. If I had converted this gun it would be hard pressed to have retained 10% of its value. 7.62 mosin is the same as 303 british, it is what I use in my mauser, .311 or .312 diameter bullets are not hard to find and you can get nice hollow point, soft point, etc bullets. I am using sierra designed for 303 brit, 180 grains, and I am willing to bet the mosin would eat that happily. A non-reloader would be in a mess but it should be possible to pull the bullet from a FMJ surplus round, poke in a new hunting bullet, and proceed, if you kept the bullet weights close.

Jonnin I would like to see a picture of your $3000 Mauser. TTT

[Jonnin]

I will see what I can do. You are just going to have to trust me that all the stuff matches I am not making 20 photos of all the SNs stamped on every lil thing.

Edited October 5, 2011 by Jonnin

[Jonnin]

The marks are storage, sight on wood damage The bayo is put up but its number matches and scabbard as well.

[roverboy]

Very nice Jonnin. I like Mausers. I own 2 myself.

[Guest TnTnTn]

Nice rifle Jonnin-it appears to be an Argentine 1909. Thanks for the pics. TTT

[Jonnin]

It is a 1909. Bad pic of the coat of arms, hard to take a pic of shiny, round surfaces with a cheap camera

[gregintenn]

1909 Argentines make very nice custom rifles. Seriously, they are the cream of the Mauser crop, in my opinion. Looks like you have a very nice one.

[TN Outlaw]

ok after watching this thread for a week i got to have a Mauser! lol wish i had the cash they seem pretty high all i got is 250$ i would like to have a K98

[Garufa]

ok after watching this thread for a week i got to have a Mauser! lol wish i had the cash they seem pretty high all i got is 250$ i would like to have a K98

Keep your eye out for Yugo M48's or 24/47's. They can be found in like new condition, unmolested, for that price.

[Jonnin]

You are old enough to buy a rifle, right? You should be able to find one at that price, if you are not totally struck with the 98 type. I think the good condition 98s are a little more expensive. I see a K98 for $300 here: The Trader - WTS and WTT listing board you might keep an eye out on that forum.

Edited October 6, 2011 by Jonnin

[TN Outlaw]

Yeah im old enough to buy one and i would like to find one local where i dont have to pay shipping if, im not completely set on a K98 but after watching so many WWII movies it makes me want one

[TN Outlaw]

decided to Get a SKS since i still have ammo for one, i will get a Mauser at some point tho .

[Garufa]

decided to Get a SKS since i still have ammo for one, i will get a Mauser at some point tho .

I bet by this time tomorrow your mind will change again.