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barrel replacement question
bullshot
Member Posts: 14,680 ✭✭✭✭
I have a Swedish Mauser 6.5x55 that has been sporterized, it has the original military barrel. What do you think it would cost to re barrel it, what barrel manufacturer is best. Never had a rifle re barreled so I have no clue where to start, I know - a gunsmith but I want to know what I'm looking at before I get to that point>
Appreciate any info or pearls of wisdom , maybe an occasional snide remark.
"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you"
Comments
Whats wrong with the barrel thats on it?
600 to 800 dollars
Consider that while Swedish steel was the world's best, the 1896 Mauser is still a small ring action without the third safety lug that 98 Mauser had engineered into the design.
It is best to stick to the original Mauser family of cartridges- the 6.5 x 55, 7x57, 8x57 so that you won't have to have the bolt face and feed rails altered. Many have been re-barreled to 250 Savage, and 257 Roberts.
You can't go wrong with a Douglas or Shilen barrel. And I have put ER Shaw barrels on that have been tack-drivers.
A good action, still performing yeoman duty in Sweden and Norway for moose.
I bought a Mauser receiver in the white about 20 years ago. As money permitted, I sent it to E R Shaw to have it chambered for 25.06, a fluted barrel installed, and a beautiful blued finish. Then a year or two later I sent it to TX to a pal that glass beaded and installed a stock with an oil finish. Without a doubt the most accurate rifle I owned after I put a Leupold scope. The whole process took 5+ years. I just don't have the money as most of you members.
You're in Florida there is a good gun smith here in Orlando that is very reasonable he works thru a gun shop in Winter Garden
Cheaper and more logical to just buy a NIB mid-grade current model rifle.
Over 25 years ago I had a custom rifle I had built from a model 98 Mauser, I won’t go into all the details on what I had done, but my chose of barrel was a Shilen. It had custom cut riflings, and I broke the barrel in as they recommended, I’ve been well pleased and satisfied with it over the years. At that time to have the barrel fitted to the receiver, chamber cut and head space fitted by a very reputable gunsmith, it ran around $360 barrel cost and all.
For custom Mauser work send it to MrMike ,,,,,,,, Bwahahaha !!
Been thinking about making it a "Worlds class" rifle. Think he still does custom work?
Another thing to ponder: In 1997 a 'custom' re-barrel military rifle nearly took my life. Shattered jaw, severe blood loss, life flight, 12 weeks with my face wired together, and still feeling the fall out of the injury.
This can happen w/o notice. Is it really worthwhile????
The Swedish Mauser in 6.5X55 caliber makes an excellent hunting rifle. But, with it's thumb piece sticking up on the end of the bolt and stepped military barrel it can never be considered a "pretty" rifle. Best to use it as-is and buy another rifle that meets your expectations. Just my opinion.
Added: That is a very nice looking rifle with a high grade Bishop stock. But, keep in mind that it is still the 96 Swedish Mauser action as compared to the classic 98 Mauser action that is more desireable to build a sporter on. Good luck.
He still customizes deer mounts, with steel screws and someone’s else’s antlers.
This is a picture of the rifle, it's in a Bishop stock ;
That is one beautiful rifle!!! What caliber are you thinking about rebarreling it to???? I say go for it, if you can afford it. Do what makes you happy, as we only live once.
I was in my shop trying to make a knife.My son came in and said "Dad you can buy a good knife for 25 bucks".I told him I can't buy a knife I made at any price. Same holds true for building that rifle you want.
brownells lists 'good' barrel blanks for about $250 + and 'fitted' small ring barrels for $435 (short chambered, threaded, & contoured.@250
I was thinking, if I rebarrel the rifle the stock would be an issue as it is cut for a military barrel.
Sounds like it would be cost prohibitive, would cost more than the rifle's worth.