Spanish Mauser 1915

[Kman1]

Hello,

I happened across this while rummaging through some used weapons at a gun shop. I got it for pretty damn cheap and it is a 1915 Spanish Mauser, supposedly in 7mm.

https://postimg.org/gallery/34ixv8qbi/4ef3c817/

Everything seems stock except it's missing the bayonet lug and the front piece of wood on the barrel. Also in the image of the action it has a circle with a cross in it. No idea what that means. I'm just wondering the value and if it is safe to shoot.

Thank you!

 

[Acera]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Kman1]

Thank you!

 

[WestKentucky]

Nice score. just don't hotrod that old shooter. Rumor is that the metallurgy was not great and they don't do well with high pressure rounds. I have not seen anywhere where that rumor was substantiated though. Are you sure that the stock is original? It sure doesn't appear to be a military type stock from that era.

 

[kwg020]

My dad bought me one just like it in 1968. I still have it. Mine has lot's of head space and stretches the brass. I haven't shot it in years and I have been taking parts off of it to use on other projects.

kwg

 

[Kman1]

Nice score. just don't hotrod that old shooter. Rumor is that the metallurgy was not great and they don't do well with high pressure rounds. I have not seen anywhere where that rumor was substantiated though. Are you sure that the stock is original? It sure doesn't appear to be a military type stock from that era.

I didn't plan on messing with it in any way short of trying to reauthenticate it, like finding a barrel band. Would it be safe to shoot modern ammo? I just wanted something to take in the woods on top of my handguns to feel safer (biggest things out here are black bear but I've never found one.) And I'm not 100% sure. The metal buttplate looks about as old as the rifle and looks pretty well attached (small gaps in some places.)

 

[Jim Watson]

1. It was heavily sporterized. The military stock was cut down and varnished. I don't know if stock and fittings are readily available to "re-mil" it.

2. Actual value is pretty damn cheap.

3. 7mm Mauser is not loaded any "hotter" than it ever was. If the rifle is in good mechanical condition, it will shoot.

 

[Kman1]

Yeah I saw one online that said "sporterized" and realized that's what they did with the barrel. I have a hard time noticing the stock but I trust you all over my lack of knowledge. This is my first rifle (I'm a handgun guy) and just wanted a gun for defense in the woods. I didn't pay much over $100 for it (haggled over some things) and am wondering how much I could get out of it if i end up flipping it. But I like it and it's a piece of history (I'm a Great War enthusiast). Forgive the newbie question but how do I check if it's in good mechanical condition? The action is super smooth and I don't notice any gaps or anything.

 

[tahoe2]

Spanish 7x57 Mauser

Kman1, welcome aboard, well those Spanish Mausers' can be good; or bad little rifles.
I have two, #1 is an 1893 (mfg 1921) rifle that was cut down to 20" and shoots like a dream !
#2 is a 1893/1916 (mfg 1932) with a 21" barrel that was totally shot out !
ended up completely going through that one. new barrel, stock, trigger, scope , etc...
didn't pay much for either one, so not to worried about it.
As far as parts go , check out Numrich gun parts, or Liberty Tree Collectors, bringing one back to original form isn't cheap but a lot of fun. Good Luck