Custom Mauser 7X57mm

[Petrol & Powder]

The 7 x 57, AKA 7mm Mauser, is an iconic cartridge and has an amazing history. It has been with us for 130 years and is an incredibly useful cartridge. It has, unfortunately, been supplanted by the 7mm-08 but I doubt it will ever be totally killed off. The 7mm Mauser is just too entrenched to be eradicated.

The Mauser actions, particularly the “98” action, is the firearm’s equivalent of the small block Chevy engine. Ubiquitous, produced in massive quantities over a long period of time and revered for its groundbreaking design. Like the small block Chevy, the Mauser 98 action was refined over the years, but it never drastically departed from the basic original design. They got it right from the start.

In the world of mechanical things, every now and then something amazing comes along. For example, mechanical watches have been improved over the years but some of the basics never change. The mainspring, the balance wheel, the escapement, and gear train of a modern watch would be recognizable to a watchmaker of 140 years ago. The Mauser action is similar in its design. There were bolt actions prior to the Mauser’s of the 1890’s but the design of the Mausers became iconic.

When you put the 7 x 57 cartridge together with a Mauser action and do it with the best of materials and workmanship – you have created something far greater than the mere sum of its parts.

 

[Jeff H]

Well, we could argue all day, but the fact is, push feed works just fine, and it's likely that Howa would have made a more inherently accurate rifle. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Mauser fan, just never could understand the whole big rotating claw extractor thing really mattering.

I like Model 70 Winchesters and the Post 64 ones work and shoot just fine. Never really heard about extraction being a problem on Remington 700s, Savage 110s, etc. either.

Of course! It's not my intention to disparage push-feeds - I defer to @RicinYakima 's well-stated post regarding how we like what we like.

Howas are great actions and I also think very highly of the post-64 Winchester/WRA rifles.

My point is parallel to the gunsmith's point, that there are a lot of perfectly good rifles out there that don't cost near what a custom Mauser would, and which would do the job just fine. I won't try to convince anyone that CRF is absolutely necessary, but it's one of those little want what I want" things I'm willing to pay more for, regardless of whether it is "practical" or not.

@Ben used to use an avatar which was the top view of a Mauser action, a 98, I believe. To me, that's as beautiful as the top view of a Smith N-Frame. Either is a joy to use, even if there are less costly (usually uglier) and possibly more accurate alternatives. Sometimes you just gotta enjoy beauty for the sake of enjoying beauty. Might seem extravagant to some, but I'm personally thankful that I possess a little of that that particular impractical affliction, because scratching that itch derives such a wonderful sense of satisfaction.

 

[Glaciers]

Well Ben I recall you posting about this rifle and that it looked like it was heading your direction. You posted nice pictures which got me thinking about custom built bolt guns with fine wood, and that I should get one. Then this posting with more pictures. Thanks for sharing. That stock is a work of art in my book. I’m not going to repeat stuff that everyone else has written in this thread, but I will say, enjoy your new to you beautiful rifle.
Don’t get me wrong I have some nice rifles with fine wood, but the checkering hasn’t been in the budget. I have had the privilege of owning some deluxe Winchester’s, 1885’s and levers that were special ordered right from the factory that were works of art. There were a few other brands a Savage an occasional lowly Marlin and others that I’ve enjoyed over the years, but, it doesn’t really matter, a finely built rifle is just a pleasure to see, hold and own.
Thanks for sharing Ben.

 

[Jeff H]

.......When you put the 7 x 57 cartridge together with a Mauser action and do it with the best of materials and workmanship – you have created something far greater than the mere sum of its parts.

...and whether a 7mm-08 in a Howa would be "just as good" is COMPLETELY irrelevant.

No point in arguing the point. I'm not sure I can even articulate what I get out of holding or seeing a well-done custom Mauser, especially in 7x57.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

The push feed verses the controlled feed argument, is not an argument that I think is worth the effort to engage in. I understand the design differences and I get both sides of the argument. It’s not a battle worth fighting.

 

[Jeff H]

The push feed verses the controlled feed argument, is not an argument that I think is worth the effort to engage in. I understand the design differences and I get both sides of the argument. It’s not a battle worth fighting.

Absolutely NOT where I was going.

The point was that it was intentionally a feature antithetical to the CRF, which was a play on the silliness by the gunsmith.

My apologies for not making that point and disrupting this otherwise enjoyable thread.

 

[RBHarter]

I enjoy Mausers , never did get along with the 03' , the M70 available to me is gawdawful heavy for anything resembling a hunting rifle , and 110 etc Savages are just as much tinkertoy rifles as the Armalite rifles that are all the rage they are also readily available in left hand versions .
M700 Dad's was pretty good but it left the factory basically an M40 in a wood stock and 25-06' . My buddy Jorge has one in 06' and lefty that's nice also about 2009 it preferred ammo changed and he's been looking for a shelf load since then to do the job .

As far as classic beauty , fluid lines , and carved in granite reliability go it's pretty hard not to love a 93-98' and even more so with almost any of the later safeties .

I don't care for the cock on close but that's probably because my example early on had about a 25# spring in it .....it was probably only 16# but it may as well have been a truck spring when I was 12 . The 95 Dad had in 257 was much easier to work when I was 50 .

If I had to choose just one and I had to throw out all of the sentiment and keep just one and base that exclusively on gross reliability field simplicity I'm almost ashamed to say I'd keep the 98. But it would be a strong second with the 110 . I hate the 110 extractor but getting the barrels fitted correctly in the double contact and the machine worked required for the claw retention off sets that but doesn't make up for the tools required bolt strip so there's the toss for me .

The M70 is just heavy it probably weighs as much as that bull barreled 700 BDL . The M70 is after all just an American 98 , the pre 64 that is . The 700s just don't make me want to take one home they just don't have that Mae West "hey big Daddy how's about you buy me a drink and get to know me better" appeal for whatever reason . They come off more like " I'm pretty , let's drink and go to your room" .
A Savage is just homely . But put them in nice wood get them new glasses and they're great cooks and you for the most part they will stay for breakfast, pick up lunch and milk the cow even after the barn raising and the cabin is built.

Aesthetically checkering is nice and it certainly has function. You know what I'd like to see or maybe even do on one ? A fish scale jeweled bolt that was blued over the jeweling I know what it looks like in my mind but I'd bet my 680p vision won't look the same in 1080p live def .

 

[Trapperscott]

What a beautiful rifle Ben. Your and the other craftsmen involved in building that rifle are to be commended. Sure glad you got it back.

 

[CZ93X62]

Such a gorgeous and practical combination!

Fiver's text way above describes the sitch in the 1990s--The M-70 Fwt, the Ruger 77, and the CZ-550 were all available in 7 x 57. It is the only "classic Mauser" chambering I have never owned,and is likely the most flexible and usable of the lot.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

Absolutely NOT where I was going.

The point was that it was intentionally a feature antithetical to the CRF, which was a play on the silliness by the gunsmith.

My apologies for not making that point and disrupting this otherwise enjoyable thread.

I wasn't suggesting that at all. Just commenting that the controlled feed/push feed debate has been argued at length.

 

[todd]

I tell everyone " If all you want is a deer rifle, don't build one, go to a Sporting Goods store and buy a $400 rifle."

ewwwwww......yuck!!!!!!!! lol!!!!!

I have come to kind of prefer the cock on closing feature. A lot of countries who adopted rifles which did this preferred it too, it evens out the effort of making the rifle ready between shots. I felt and still do that the SMLE, the variant in WWII with peep sights, was the best of the bolt action battle rifles and it is cock on closing.

As to the strength, what level of strength does one need? They were plenty strong for the cartridges they were designed for and still are.

i like the cock on closing, but on my small ring Husqvarna m46 it was just too hard for me to do (i have one hand). i went to Dayton Traister Company and got a speed lock kit. now it is cock on opening and all is right with the world. lol!!!

Dayton Traister Home Page

The Dayton Traister Mark II adjustable trigger, speed lock kit and Mark II Safety fits Mauser M93-98 and M1903/1903A3 Springfields. For P-14/17 Enfield actions we offer our Tru-Feed magazine enhancement kit and the Mark II trigger assembly.

www.daytraco.com

Well, we could argue all day, but the fact is, push feed works just fine, and it's likely that Howa would have made a more inherently accurate rifle. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Mauser fan, just never could understand the whole big rotating claw extractor thing really mattering.

I like Model 70 Winchesters and the Post 64 ones work and shoot just fine. Never really heard about extraction being a problem on Remington 700s, Savage 110s, etc. either.

Paul Mauser was looking for a military contract, not hunters and shooters. back then, you have another bolt gun without the "whole big rotating claw extractor thing" (i don't it know what it is either). you are in a trench, fighting off many attackers. you already have shot about 100 times and then the non-Mauser rifle fails to extract. by the time you get out the brass, it's too late. the enemy bayonets you in the heart. the last thing that you think of is why doesn't my rifle have a "whole big rotating claw extractor thing". lol!!!!! if you were hunting deer, i would say no to the "whole big rotating claw extractor thing".

i'm a Mauser fan too. the whole thing about controlled round feeding to push feed is a bad joke, esp. in the hunting world.

 

[fiver]

i get a chuckle out of the controlled thing.
nobody seems to remember the later mauser rounds/rifles and their ain't got no big claw thingie bolts.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

The controlled feed / push feed horse was beaten to death years ago.

I understand both sides of that argument and I truly understand the operation of both systems. I don’t understand the ferocity with which some folks make their arguments on the subject.

Getting back to the OP’s rifle, that combination of a commercial Mauser action, a high-end barrel and the 7 x 57 chambering is marvelous confluence of quality. Then putting that mechanical work of art into that beautiful stock brings the total work of art to a higher level. The overall package is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and that opinion is only formed from viewing the pictures!

 

[Ben]

Getting back to the OP’s rifle, that combination of a commercial Mauser action, a high-end barrel and the 7 x 57 chambering is marvelous confluence of quality. Then putting that mechanical work of art into that beautiful stock brings the total work of art to a higher level. The overall package is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and that opinion is only formed from viewing the pictures!

When I realized, several yrs. ago, there was a possibility that this rifle could " come home " to me I was excited.

Over the weekend , holding this one, I'm really excited ! ! I'm really looking forward to a trip to the range with this one.

Ben

 

[RicinYakima]

Todd, The 1891 Argentine and Belgium Mausers have a tiny little claw extractor like the SAKO bolt face. While they must have worked well with a clean rifle and ammo, they never used it again. There are still thousands of those little extractors floating around and are almost always available on eBay.

 

[richhodg66]

Lee Enfield, cock on closing, no big rotating claw extractor and came out the winner every time over ones that did. Just saying.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

The non-rotating extractor, like on a Mauser 98, is certainly well proven and has the ability to control the cartridge before the cartridge is completely seated in the chamber. A lot of ink has flowed on this topic. The people in the controlled feed camp are just as fervent supporters of their system as the people in the push feed camp.

The same holds true for the people in the cock on opening camps versus the cock on closing camps. They both point to factors that they claim are critical and the debate lives on.

I do think the cock on closing system is a little bit harder on the sear surfaces, particularly if the action is handled roughly and is dirty. However, this appears to be a non-issue considering how long SMLE and Pre-98 Mauser have functioned despite some incredibly bad conditions and well over 120 years of age. As for which system is faster? I’m not sure I buy the arguments on either side.

In the cock on opening systems, the primary extraction and cocking of the action occurs when the bolt handle is lifted. I’ve never considered the force needed to open one of those actions to be significant or in any way a hindrance.

The cock on closing systems separate the primary extraction and the cocking of the action into two totally different phases of the loading cycle. Again, I do not see a significant difference here that would appreciably change the speed at which the action could be manipulated.

Ultimately, I think the differences are just not that significant.

But gun people love to debate things.

 

[L Ross]

I view hunting rifles as single shots. Some just have spare ammo carriers, I think so the extra three cartridges I take out don't jingle in my pocket.

 

[Bret4207]

I enjoy Mausers , never did get along with the 03' , the M70 available to me is gawdawful heavy for anything resembling a hunting rifle , and 110 etc Savages are just as much tinkertoy rifles as the Armalite rifles that are all the rage they are also readily available in left hand versions .
M700 Dad's was pretty good but it left the factory basically an M40 in a wood stock and 25-06' . My buddy Jorge has one in 06' and lefty that's nice also about 2009 it preferred ammo changed and he's been looking for a shelf load since then to do the job .

As far as classic beauty , fluid lines , and carved in granite reliability go it's pretty hard not to love a 93-98' and even more so with almost any of the later safeties .

I don't care for the cock on close but that's probably because my example early on had about a 25# spring in it .....it was probably only 16# but it may as well have been a truck spring when I was 12 . The 95 Dad had in 257 was much easier to work when I was 50 .

If I had to choose just one and I had to throw out all of the sentiment and keep just one and base that exclusively on gross reliability field simplicity I'm almost ashamed to say I'd keep the 98. But it would be a strong second with the 110 . I hate the 110 extractor but getting the barrels fitted correctly in the double contact and the machine worked required for the claw retention off sets that but doesn't make up for the tools required bolt strip so there's the toss for me .

The M70 is just heavy it probably weighs as much as that bull barreled 700 BDL . The M70 is after all just an American 98 , the pre 64 that is . The 700s just don't make me want to take one home they just don't have that Mae West "hey big Daddy how's about you buy me a drink and get to know me better" appeal for whatever reason . They come off more like " I'm pretty , let's drink and go to your room" .
A Savage is just homely . But put them in nice wood get them new glasses and they're great cooks and you for the most part they will stay for breakfast, pick up lunch and milk the cow even after the barn raising and the cabin is built.

Aesthetically checkering is nice and it certainly has function. You know what I'd like to see or maybe even do on one ? A fish scale jeweled bolt that was blued over the jeweling I know what it looks like in my mind but I'd bet my 680p vision won't look the same in 1080p live def .

I'm with you. The 700 never spun my prop and yes, the 110 Savage series is butt ugly. Not as bad as the 340 series, but still homely. The 1920 Savage bolt gun had everything going for it IMO, but it was a lot of $$$ to make. Too bad, it was a nice little action. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that's true. I look at some of Ians rifles with the cans on the prow and I know they just aren't for me, but he's happy and that's the way it should be. I never got the hot and bothereds for a lot of rifles other folks did. That's personal preference. Good thing too or our selection would be a lot more limited!

When you get down into the various fine points like extractors or gas handling it's back to arguing what is most suitable for a bolt action battle rifle. I've seen the time you had to get a cleaning rod to knock a case out of a 98 and I've done the same with a rifle with the little spring wire extractor, forget the brand. They all work until they don't. 99.9% of us will never have an issue of any kind regardless of which type we have. If it was 1948 and I was going on safari to get the Big 5, maybe I'd worry about. But it's 2022 and a safari for me is more likely to be a fantasy than ever. Use what ya like and be happy.

In the end, Ben has one real nice rifle in a great caliber on a great action. I've got a commercial FN Mauser 98 I also wanted to do something with. Probably I should rebarrel it in something with a designation ending in "Magnum", stick it in a plastic stock and trade it towards something I really want more!

 

[Jeff H]

When I realized, several yrs. ago, there was a possibility that this rifle could " come home " to me I was excited.

Over the weekend , holding this one, I'm really excited ! ! I'm really looking forward to a trip to the range with this one.

Ben

You have bleachers out there, Ben?

I doubt there are many on this forum who wouldn't love to tag along on that range trip and cheer you on.

QUIETLY, of course, so as not to interrupt your concentration.