doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion German & Austrian Sporting Guns @ doublegunshop.com Post WWI 98 sporter question UPDATE

Thanks to all who commented on this rifle. I have learned a lot about a model I had overlooked, that being this 7x57mm Model C. A utilitarian rifle, but very well made. I am generally not a believer in refinishing original guns; however, this one was in such bad shape there was virtually no original finish left on it and it had some severe rust issues everywhere but the bore which was pretty nice. So here it is after some grinder work, a dose of Brownell's rust blue, some nitre blue on the screws and small parts and some effort. Those are my thumb prints on the rear sight. The last two photos are of a Chr. Hoffacker, Munchen, just to show what the Bavarians could do to gussy up one of these rifles. Next stop the range.

Larry,

Very nicely done!
As for the shorty, ohlala...

With kind regards,
Jani

What makes this a Model C instead of a Model B, I see checkered cheekpiece stock, front ramp sight and no stepped bbl.
Thanks, you did a fine job.
Bob

As I understand it there are many variations of both the model c but mostly they have the plain Jane stock without the pistol grip cap, unmarked receiver ring and tangent sight. They came with both stepped and tapered barrels and single or two stage triggers. as pointed out to me earlier this one has an extra spring to change it from a two to a single stage trigger. It is a real job to figure out what came with what as authorities seem to differ.

I would have to agree with RJH on this one. All of the detail features ( location of sling swivels, non-step barrel, buttplate etc.) would indicate an early 1906 intermediate action Type B rather than a Type C.

RJH and DONS may very well be correct. Let me explain my confusion.

In "Mauser, Walther & Mannlicher Firearms" by W.H.B. Smith, the Type B Sporter is described in five variations all of which having "hinged magazine plate with lever release, walnut stock with cheek piece full checkered and steel capped pistol grip". On page 158 a photo of a type "B" Model 98-08 (which appears to be identical to my rifle) is shown having neither the hinged magazine plate with lever release nor a steel capped pistol grip the caption mentions that it has "special hunting sights" but shows a tangent sight. No mention is made of a type C.

In "Mauser Bolt Rifles" by Ludwig Olson Third Edition, on page 224 shows a photo identified as a Type B. Pattern No. 60 with scope that has a full checker ed stock with double triggers, steel cap pistol grip and lever release magazine plate. On page 228 is a photo identified as and "Early Oberndorf sporting rifle", that appears identical to mine. Perhaps it would be better to describe my rifle as "early" with out reference to Type A , B, or C, I don't know. What do you all think?

Page 227 shows a rifle as described by RJH with stepped barrel identified as an "Oberndorf Mauser Army Hunting rifle". No reference to Type A or B.

Thus my confusion and I am ready to call it what ever is deemed appropriate and I am just looking forward to shooting it.

This is a great forum and I appreciate all of the comments.

I�m quite sure yours Mauser is Model B`s early export version No.80. All attributes as single trigger, stock with cheek piece and rounded pistol grip but without front checkering, round barrel with tangent curve rear sight (to 1000 meters ?) tells it.

This description you could find from Jon Speed`s Mauser Original Obendorf Sporting Rifles -book.

Than is the one book that I have not been able to get a copy of, but I am glad to see that this is the consensus of opinion. Thank you all. Larry

PS: I will probably have more of these rookie questions.

Larry,
I think you can get a copy from the German Gun Collectors Assn. and I'm sure you can get a copy of Jon Speeds latest book, The Mauser Archive, from them.If you join, the member discount on the books would go a long way toward the dues.
Mike.

Larry,

On Nitro Express Forums there is a thread under one of the Mauser topics that has a short synopsis by Jon Speed of the "Original Oberndorf M98 Sporter Variations" with some of the important points of Commercial Mauser Sporters.It was an article for Man Magnum Feb 1998. I can't seem to locate this article, maybe someone here knows where its located on NE forums. I do have a hard copy that I could scan and email to you .
Bob