Mausers Question

[Downwindtracker2]

On the way home there a gunshop I sometimes stop by. Normally there's not much of interest but this time he had a estate collection.A couple of sporters,one a 1904 FN Brasil with a peep sight and the other a D/T 19?6 GEW 98 270 (Waffin munc,Berlin or something like that)caught my eye.It will be 2 or 3 weeks before they are freed up for sale.Good,bad or indifferent?The young owner is into black rifles,so he might price them within my range

[Gil Martin]

Downwindtracker2,
It depends, but both rifles you describe merit closer inspection. The first rifle by FN began its life in Belgium and if made in 1904 is probably a Model '98 Mauser action. You did not say, but if the barrel is original and if so it should be a 7x57mm Mauser caliber. The second rifle is a German '98 Mauser infantry rifle from WWI that has been rebarreled to .270. These are desirable arms and depending on the condition of the bore and other features can be real bargains. Sporterized Mauser rifles usually bring low resale prices around here unless there is something unique or special about the arm.

My recommendation would be to return to the shop soon, look over these rifles carefully, check the bores, stocks, bluing, look for altered bolt handles, replacement safeties and note if they are drilled and tapped for scope bases. Then if you really like them, offer a modest price and either buy or put them on lay-away. Better yet, tell me where the shop it and I will handle this (just kidding). All the best...
Gil

[Downwindtracker2]

Thanks,Gil
I couldn't read any caliber on the FN registration tag,in fact I couldn't read anything that was typed and recopied in the boxs, ,but with the third lug, a 98,and the step in the barrel I assumed it was orginal cutdown barrel.7x57mm interesting.The 7x57 is high on my list of interesting and maybe even useful calibers.It should work well for local blacktail,peep sight,not withstanding.If nothing else,it would be fun at the range and spell off my P-14 303.

The 270 caliber is not on that list.The front ring has two sets of holes even for a base.But I do have bases,rings and a scope I don't have a rifle for.How's that for an excuse?

Both have military safetys,bent down bolt handles and very ugly 60s styled stocks,one a roll-over no less,the other a international,almost.Pretty wood though.The blueing is a very shiny black?