Don't know if this belongs in this section or not, but here goes: I inherited an old family gun. It's a 1895 Mauser made for the Chilean Government I Assume. What Caliber do I shoot in it? Everyone who shot it is dead now. I want to say my dad once told me it was a 7mm, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions?
- Status
Inherited a 1895 Chilean Mauser: What do I shoot In It?
Here's a suggestion that might help...*Google*:
https://www.google.com/search?q=189...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
https://www.google.com/search?q=189...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
I just recently inherited a similar Argentine 1895 Mauser. Apperently its the gun my grandfather carried across Europe during WW2. It shoots 7mm Argentine, which is 7.65x53. I can't find it ANYWHERE. Apparently others shot 7mm Mauser, which is 7x57. What I would do is take it to a gunsmith for a good looking over, and while you're there ask all the questions you want about it. There are a lot of versions of these rifles and it seemed when I was looking for info on the internet there was lots of stuff to sift through to get the info I wanted.
Good luck finding what you need!
Good luck finding what you need!
If it is really a Chilean Mauser, it should fire 7x57mm. You really should have a gunsmith check the headspace, but if it is sound, you can fire factory ammunition. Personally I'd try the Federal 175 gr Round Nose or S&B 173 gr first since those are closest to the original military load, but the 139 - 145 grs are more popular it seems. If you reload, you shouldn't try to hot rod it, just stay with the published SAAMI standard loads, the action doesn't have the third locking lug or gas-handling abilities of the 98 Mauser. Even at the the rather sedate pressures the 7x57 operates at, it is an excellent big game round, or so I've heard. 
I owned a really slick little sporterized '95 carbine years ago that was a joy to shoot. Wish I hadn't sold it.
I owned a really slick little sporterized '95 carbine years ago that was a joy to shoot. Wish I hadn't sold it.
op, if the rifle is in good condition i would shoot it and yes you might have a hard time finding ammo for it.
start looking here:natchezss.com they might have what you need , check in nosler or s&p they have some but pricy.
metalman, i got a 1891model argentine and yes i got some ammo for it , but i didnt see any at natchez for one, and no you cant have some of mine. you might check at midway for norma ammo and yes it's very expensive but only one i know that makes it now days. or you could check the gun shows might find someone that has it wanting to get rid of it.
sry best i can do for you and op.
start looking here:natchezss.com they might have what you need , check in nosler or s&p they have some but pricy.
metalman, i got a 1891model argentine and yes i got some ammo for it , but i didnt see any at natchez for one, and no you cant have some of mine. you might check at midway for norma ammo and yes it's very expensive but only one i know that makes it now days. or you could check the gun shows might find someone that has it wanting to get rid of it.
sry best i can do for you and op.
also you can check ammoseek.com you'll find what your looking for there but from what i seen that ammo is defintly not cheap at all, but better than none at all.
metalman they had some argentine 7.65 there on ammoseek too , go check it out .
metalman they had some argentine 7.65 there on ammoseek too , go check it out .
I'm working on pics. It was sportarized by my Grandfather at some point in time. Some of the wood was taken off to make it lighter. For some reason it was always referred to as the "Jap" gun. Not sure why, no one seems to know. My grandfather fought in the pacific theatre, but I doubt he would have come across this. Who knows? No one even knows how he got it. I've tried googling, and there is tons if info, what is correct is a different matter. I've ruled out 7.62, and 8mm. Pretty sure it's 7mm and I doubt Wally World Carries that. Oh well, I guess I have to go to the gunshop Ann's see what they've got.
Took pics with my iPhone but can't figure out how to get them on here. I'll post them when I get to my lap top.
"You really should have a gunsmith check the headspace, but if it is sound, you can fire factory ammunition."
Seriously, that's the best advise you've gotten - go to a good gunsmith & get the gun checked out first. They may be able to help you with the ammunition situation (exactly what & where to look) that way.
"I'm working on pics. It was sportarized by my Grandfather at some point in time. Some of the wood was taken off to make it lighter. For some reason it was always referred to as the "Jap" gun. Not sure why, no one seems to know. My grandfather fought in the pacific theatre, but I doubt he would have come across this. Who knows?"
Family stories are not always easy to figure with guns. This I have learned myself.
Seriously, that's the best advise you've gotten - go to a good gunsmith & get the gun checked out first. They may be able to help you with the ammunition situation (exactly what & where to look) that way.
"I'm working on pics. It was sportarized by my Grandfather at some point in time. Some of the wood was taken off to make it lighter. For some reason it was always referred to as the "Jap" gun. Not sure why, no one seems to know. My grandfather fought in the pacific theatre, but I doubt he would have come across this. Who knows?"
Family stories are not always easy to figure with guns. This I have learned myself.
I, too, would figure it to be chambered in 7mm Mauser (or 7X57). It is still a very useful cartridge and still chambered in modern rifles, I beleive even in the newest iteration of the Winchester M70 made now by FNH in S.C. I happen to have a 7x57 in a Ruger #1 and it makes for a great deer rifle. I shoot S&B 173gr ammo in mine (already mentioned) and the cost is about on a par with typical .308, '06 or .270 ammo, for the most part. Many loads are out there today featuring 139gr to 175gr bullets with the 139/140gr perhaps the most popular. Midway, right now, has 3 different types adequate for deer hunting at under $19/box.
Always best to have an older war "return" checked after all these years to ensure the headspace is still fine in it. If it checks out, get yourself some ammo and enjoy it. It is as fine a deer cartridge as has ever been used for 95% of all deer hunting. Effective in an accurate rifle to 400+ yards on deer-sized game with proper loads.
Always best to have an older war "return" checked after all these years to ensure the headspace is still fine in it. If it checks out, get yourself some ammo and enjoy it. It is as fine a deer cartridge as has ever been used for 95% of all deer hunting. Effective in an accurate rifle to 400+ yards on deer-sized game with proper loads.
Took it to the Gunsmith today and he looked it over and said it was safe to shoot, and that it was definitely a 7mm. Went to Wally World and asked if they had any 7mm Mauser, and the older lady replied they had several boxes. I was really excited until she handed me a box of 7mm magnum. After I explained the difference we realized they had none. Went to the gunshop and found a box of S&B for about $21.00. Gonna try to go to the range in a couple of days and see what she'll do!
- Status
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
