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old weapon new ammo concerns

chuck505chuck505 Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
edited March 2002 in Ask the Experts
I recently purchased an 1898 7mm Spainish Mauser and need the following advice. How should I go about testing an older rifle safely to determine it's shootablity? A friend told me that many older rifles cannot handle the newer type ammo due to the metallurgy content of the older chambers etc.How would you handle that? This is my first C&R purchase. It is supposedly a "small ring"7mm. Thanks for the advice
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Comments

  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Have your gunsmith check it over first.Standard factory ammo should be no problem pressure wise, but I would hesatate before trying any of the Lt.Magnum ammo's
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Always a good idea to have the weapon checked, especially one which could have been made 100+ years ago. That said, the ammo makers realize full well that older calibers are almost certainly going to be shot in such firearms and so load their offerings *very* conservatively. That doesn't mean it will be OK in an unsafe weapon, though, so *do* have it examined by a competent 'smith before you shoot it.
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    I have well over 30 antique firearms and have never had one checked, and have never had a problem. If you are leery, tie it to a tire and fire a few rounds via a string from a distance. If nothing bad happens, have fun. Seriously though, with a Mauser, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it so long as everythign looks ok.
    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
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  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have never had any problems with my old ones either Jonk, but he's there and I'm here, and I'd rather not have someone get hurt.Used the 'old tire' trick a time or two myself (when I couldn't get the neighbors brat to touch it off) just kidding folks
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