Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Mausers and Military Rifles Iskra, A Mauser for your consideration

Interesting rifle with a somewhat interesting story.



This rifle came into the shop with a gentleman who wanted it checked out as he was interested in selling it. It was stocked in a black Bell & Carlson synthetic thing and had been drilled and tapped for a scope. The scope it had was one of those old Redfield 3x9 Trackersfrom back in the 80’s.

The fellow said that his father brought rifle home after the war. And it was in some cartridge they couldn’t find ( he mentioned 6.5, so possibly 6.5x57. Speculation on my part). So he said his father "sent" it to Winchester and they allegedly fitted it with it’s current 1956 dated 30/06 barrel. I told him that I reLly doubted Winchester installed the barrel, but whoever did, did a great job on it.

He went down stairs and sold the rifle. He came back up and told me he had done so. I mentioned that it was a shame that they had modified the old piece. He said "well, I still have everything that came off of it except the old barrel!"

This intrigued me. I went down and got rifle at put it on my bench. The gentleman in turn brought in everything. Stock, Mauser buttplate, clawmounts (sans rings), the works. I ended up with the rifle and went to work.

More pics shortly.

As you see, it has all the necessary proofs for a finished rifle. I added the Lyman 48 aperture sight ( another story). And reinstalled the front claw mount into receiver. Refitted Mauser buttplate with a thin black spaceras it had been fitted with an old Pachmayr pad. Tried to return it best I could to original condition. Installed some old Win Model 54 slinghook eyes I had in the existing stock holes. It’s a pleasant rifle to carry. I usually tote it around pasture.

I forgot to mention that it had someones aftermarket bolt shroud and ill-fitted low scope type safety on it. I had a like new complete 98 Mauser shroud and safety that I replaced it with.

Well done Kaywoodie. That is a nice "old school" rifle. You did well.

kwg

Well played, Bob!!

I love the lines of the rifle. Slim forend, double trigger, etc.

Well done

The stock has Oberndorf Model B dimensions.

Thanks to all for comments.

That is a truly interesting rifle...a "Mausenchester"? I was intrigued by the other story about the Lyman.

When I was working at the shop there was always interesting stuff came in thru the door. The shop manager always did his best to help folks out. He was always buying boxes of old ammo, gun cleaning gear, parts, etc. Little old lady came in with a box of cleaning gear. Mostly old patches, brushes, bottles of Hoppes. The usual. Stuff like that got bought and run up to gunsmithing for us to use.

I was sorting thru the mish mash of old cleaning stuff and lo and behold that sight was buried in the bottom of the box amongst old oily cleaning patches. Only real gun part in the box. I bought it. So one slow day I stuck it on. Didn’t figure it would detract from it’s value. And besides, I can see it too! 🤣.

Not much of a story.

I really like the Lyman on there. With my eyes, I need one of those over the original irons. I have a pretty nice Husqvarna 146 but just can't see those old sights anymore. Really do like that one, though. Thanks for the back story.

Kinda cool! I was always more of a Model 54 Winchester fan over the Model 70. Nothing against the Model 70. Great rifle. But this old Mauser had my favorite bold action and a Winchester barrel. Winning combo!

I've always admired that rifle,

Thanks for posting pics and the story of the of how you acquired it.

Hi Mr. K! An interesting rifle for sure and thanks for all the quality photos which really help!
In my vocabulary the term "Mauser Hybrid" (a "Winser" perhaps sounding more of the English custom gunmakers perhaps more appropriate?) It's indeed a convergence of Oberndorf Mauser and Winchester The receiver as you likely know was made in the Mid Thirties and that era as the older siderail nomenclature "Waffenfabrik Mauser" had yielded to the new "Mauser Werke" nomenclature. The notch in the receiver ring aft is typical of a 30-06 or so length cartridge. Assuming factory original, it wouldn't have been for any of the "x57" or shorter length rounds. The floorplate release lever was less common as the inside the trigger guard bow type was more popular, but the lever was still available. A tilt exists between the very nice stock and the bolt handle was was of "spoon" style which was factory offered exclusively on the full stock Model "M". Your replaced striker assembly components reflects a cocking piece of the earlier, longer style from era where greater 'mass' equated to better ignition assurances. The stock shown in the "centerfold pix" is very handsome and does a lot to 'make' the visual presentation of the rifle!

The real wild card of course in the Winchester Model 70 barrel as you've noted! A "Featherweight" barrel profile and that Model wasn't even introduced until 1952. The barrel would ordinarily be dovetailed for an aft barrel sight and with the forward ramp as noted. In all this, I've frankly never had any idea idea that the barrel shank area would adapt at all and such matter does introduce some interesting 'vistas'... Perhaps!

I do fully concur with the addition of the Lyman receiver sight which looks to be a Model 57. Myself, as many 'senior folks, the iron sight accuracy improvement potential is certainly 'there'. Interestingly, though the Oberndorf Factory didn't install Lyman sights, the exclusive U.S. Pre WWI Importer, Hans Tascher, did offer certain Lyman receiver sights installed.

So what do I think? I view your rifle as "novel adaptation". As referenced, once an Oberndorf Mauser Sporter is materially altered, "fresh creativity" far better than half-vast attempts to resuscitate "Humpty"! Congrats on a nice & certainly unique rifle!

And re the Winchester Model 54, I'm a big fan there too! Best for me, the Carbine Model in 30 WCF!


Best!
John

when i hear "Mauser" my ears tingle. when i hear "Oberndorf" i get a tingle up my leg!

Just came in from checking the cedar dozing in back pasture. And I’v been packing this rifle in my lap while cruising in the old Kawasaki mule. Pleasure to carry.

Thanks again gentlemen for the comments. Especially Iskra! Thought you would enjoy it.

That is a great looking old school rifle. Butter knife bolt handle, set triggers, very nice well proportioned stock, iron sights.
I pretty much like everything about that old Mauser. Even the chambering. 😎😁