Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing 93 Mauser

I just purchsed a Mauser 93 in 7X57. I understand it's not the strongest of actions. I've seen 257 Roberts barrels for this gun for pretty good price. My question is, would this be a safe combo if I limited ammo to factory loads and starting loads from the reloading manuals?

the '93-'95 Mausers are very fine weapons. Alot of people dislike them because they are not as strong as a '98.They will take almost any factory fodder but would shoot the Remington or Winchester before shooting the Hornady.If it shoots OK w/the others I would hunt w/the Hornady. powdr

Would this be a 93 carbine that you are going to rebarrel? Does it have the military rear sight?
Wes

yes, does have military rear sight. Appears to have around 22" barrel, haven't measured it.

The carbine I have in mind has a 19" barrel, wood to the muzzle, top handguard to the muzzle & a nosecap. The rear sight is very short, about 2" & not graduated for very far, 800 mtrs(?). I need the barrel band and all. If we are talking the same critter and you wish to part with it.
Wes

fishster,
To get back to your original question, there have been many individuals who have tested the '93-'95 Mausers with gross overloads. As with all rifles, if you get wild enough, bad things happen.

The '93-'95 Mausers have several things that are less desirable than the '98 design:
1. The '98 has an internal collar in the receiver ring which strengthens the receiver and limits the gas escape from head failure.
2. The '98 has a deflecting shield on the bolt shroud which directs gas away from the shooter's face in case of head failure.
3. The thumb cutout for loading in the left receiver wall of the '98 gives a good exhaust port for escaping gas.

Supposedly the third lug on the '98 bolt makes it stronger. Since the safety lug does not bear any of the thrust of firing, it may protect the shooter in case of an accident, but is plays no part in holding the gun together at the time if discharge.

The 257 Bob has the same pressure spec as the 7X57, as long as you stay away from +P loads. A reloader must be aware of whether data being used is for the standard pressure loads or +P. As a practical matter, shooters got along just fine for decades using the standard pressure loads.

I have a '93 that I rebarreled to 257 Bob that shoots just fine, and I have no qualms about using standard pressure loads. I also rebarreled another for my son in 300 Savage, another modest pressure cartridge. The NRA Gunsmithing Guide gives the OK to rebarreling to those cartridges and several others of the same intensity level.

What it all boils down to is that it is your choice.

Fishster,
I have an original DWM sporter M93 Mauser. In my experience, after more than two thousand rounds fired in it, it is perfectly adecuate for a standard 7x57 round. Even the hotter European loadings, specially RWS and Norma brands that are standarized at 30-06 pressure. After all those rounds fired in my rifle, including many Max. pressure (not more than 0.0004` web case expansion at the first firing) handloads, the headspace is the same as at the first time I gauged it, 2000 rounds before.
I agree that the gas escapes handling in the M93 is not as good as in the M98. But anyway with modern cases and components, and with sane handloads in any standard cartrige that works in the action size it is perfectly adecuate and safe.
Regards
PH

30 years ago I customized several 93 and 95 s and never had a problem.the only case I have ever had blow was a 22 rimfire and I got hot powder in my R eye sold the damm gun and told the buyer about it..he diden't care...

Hubert - it wasn't this guy was it?

Thanks to all for you replies. WesJ, doesn't appear to be the sight that you have mentioned. As far as reloads and factory loads go, I am aware of the difference between "standard" and "+P". I definitely see this rifle becoming a .257 Roberts. In standard form, it'll do all I will ask of it. Thanks again to all for your advice.

If the rifle is in good shape, it has real value as a collector's piece. 50 years ago, I "sporterized" several WW2 rifles (03-A3, Mauser 98, Mauser '93). the work was professionally done and looks OK, although the stocks are the California style that I no longer admire.

I probably have $180 in each rifle (1957 prices). BUT, if I had not altered them, they'd each be worth about $500-800 today. Think of the future value of this rifle (if in good condition), buy a new Ruger or Remington and don't hurt the value of the '93.

The Springfield 03 was copied from the 93 Mauser. The Winchester 70 was adapted from the Springfield. They all share the lack of a bolt gas shroud. The 93 mauser will hold loads that back the primer out. If a case head lets go there is not a lot if metal left over the right locking lug. The receiver may fail there. Used properly they are good actions.
Good luck!

The Springfield 1903 was copied (we paid Mauser for copy infringement) from the Mauser Model 98. The '98 was an evolutionary development of the Model 93/94/95 actions. Each incorporated evolutionary improvements over the previous generation.

The Model 93 is a good smooth action that worked well, just keep the loads to 45,000 psi.

Jack O'Connors' wife, Elenor, had a custom rifle built from one of these into a .257 Roberts. She and both boys used this rifle many times. I wouldn't overload it.

Thanks...Bill

From what I've read, she shot a 7mm Mauser. OBTW, why would anyone want/need to "overload" anything? Regards, Rick.

Maybe we read two different books by O'Connor. He did, you know, use his stories over and over.

As to why anyone would overload any firearm, who knows, I gues that's why the major reloading manuals have "maximum" loads?

There is always some bonehead who just has to get a little more power. Thanks..Bill. BTY, my book's indicated a .257 Roberts. What say others?

If you list the differences between a 93, and a 98 Mauser none appear in a 03 Springfield. The 03 was a cross between a Krag, and a 93 Mauser. In fact the Army had a large number of Spanish 93's from the war and probably never saw a 98. The patent infringement was for the stripper clip.
Gun writers have always copied each other and made this mistake.
Good Luck!