I have built almost 20 AR 15s. Some for me, a couple for my son and the rest helping friends learn how to make their own. I am retired Army, have seen extensive combat and I am also a retired cop. There's just something about the Mauser action that is great. Oh, I'll admit, I have an Ishapore 2A1 that, even though it's not a Mauser, does a pretty good job but my absolute favorite is my Spanish FR-8. I need to find one of the Israeli 98Ks that they rechambered in 7.62mm and the FN made Peruvian M1935 short rifle is like the Holy Grail of Mausers for me. I guess it was just time I made a public confession, I like manual manipulated wood and iron firearms.
We have an old 1928 Turkish Mauser in 8mm. Might as well be a doorstop, we only have 20 rounds for it. But it's a neat old thing so I guess it will stay in the gun safe, taking up space beside its more popular roommates.
I held one in a .308 from Israeli , Converted German mauser in a swap shop 5 years ago, $200.00 buck's, Clean bore. For $200.00, I passed, I still kick myself in the a$$ for that.
I picked up an FR8 about 20 or 25 years ago for a little over $100. The bore was mirror bright (yes, it had those swirly thingys, LOL). Small ring Mauser, but useful, especially in the oh-so-common and available caliber that they're chambered for. Sights are kind of oddball with the rotating disc rear and the front sight that adjusts simultaneously for windage and elevation. But with a little practice I'm sure there'd be no trouble taking a deer down with it at reasonable ranges.
I wrote an article for The Truth About Guns about R Guns in Illinois. They have huge stacks of pallets of Mauser 8mm ammo for sale: Here's a link: AMMUNITION YUGO 7.92 (8MM) BRASS CASED LEAD CORE M75 MILITARY SNIPER AMMO 900 RDS bulk ammo - RGuns
HOLY CRAP! That's an awesome price too, everywhere else I've found it (which isn't very many places) it's run around a buck a round.
Take a look here, price includes shipping. Free Shipping on 8mm Mauser Ammo - AmmoMan.com Being a pacifist I no longer need weapons. Pacifist in Texas = All the guns fell in the lake.
Be careful about the Spanish .308 rifles. Most were actually chambered for the 7.62x51 CETME which has a lighter bullet at slightly less velocity but MUCH lower pressure than the 7.62x51 NATO.
Absolutely! And if the 8mm (7.9x57) WILL fit in your 7.62x51 CETME/NATO (which is just a .30 cal copy of the 8x51mm from 1888), it might not be safe to fire.
actually that is 100% wrong. It is an oft repeated internet myth but totally untrue as verified by the original manufacturer. The FR-7 was based on a 1916 small ring Mauser that fired 7mm and the FR-8 was made from the 1943 large ring Mauser which fired the 8mm (7.92x57). Both were more than able to handle full strength 7.62mm NATO. Here's a link to the truth about both rifles: SPANISH MAUSERS and The Spanish Mauser Inquisition
Nooobody expects the Spanish Mauser Inquisition. Amongst our many weapons are such diverse elements as fear, surprise, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope and our ability to safely fire 7.62 NATO. I'm sorry. I tried but i just couldn't resist.
Actually Bud, what part of what I said was wrong, or as you said "100% wrong"? That many were chambered for the 7.62 CETME? Many/most really were chambered for the 7.62x51 CETME. That is a fact. That the 7.62 CETME used a lighter bullet? Sorry, another fact. That the 7.62 CETME had less pressure than the 7.62 NATO? Nope, I was right (dare I say it? Why not?) again, about that too. Actually I don't see what the problem here is, or was. I was absolutely correct about everything I said and nothing was (as you put it) a "myth". I also stand behind the idea that if an 8x57mm Mauser cartridge fits in a 7.62x51 chamber that it may well be unsafe to fire.
The Modelo As and Bs, both the forerunner of the CETME rifle were chambered for 7.62 CETME. The FR-7 and FR-8 were both chambered for the 7.62 NATO and used parts from (mainly the barrel and flash suppressor) the CETME C. I have provided links to further my argument. Got any to advance yours?
I picked up a Parker Hale Model 1200 super .308 circa 1968 based on the mauser action.. a sweet shooting gun...