1893 Spanish Mauser

[mewalke]

I have an old 1893 Spanish Mauser that was given to me as a birthday gift a few years ago. It has suffered from some pitting on the barrel and outside of the receiver but otherwise appears to be in good functioning order.

I have yet to fire it. Since it is an old gun I would like for a qualified gun smith or expert to examine the gun before I attempt to fire it. I am also leery of using full-pressure modern 7x57 loads on an old gun.

Any suggestions on someone in the mid-cities DFW area that is qualified to inspect the rifle for me?

And any suggestions on mild 7x57 loads? I want to start reloading, but for some reason have been procrastinating.

Thanks in advance

[mewalke]

Thank you, I will contact them first thing next week!

[MoJo]

I wouldn't worry about shooting factory loaded 7X57 ammo in your 1893 Mauser. Because of the wide variety and age of guns chambered in 7X57 the ammo manufacturers load these old time rounds to low pressure. As long as the gun is in good shape modern factory ammunition should be OK. The 7X57 is a cartridge with a lot of potential. In the hands of a skilled reloader near 7mm Magnum velocities are possible. These loads should only be fired in modern rifles.

[mewalke]

Thanks for the input. I remember reading somewhere that the pressures should be kept to no more than 44,000 PSI, but that many modern commercial loads clock in around 50-55,000 PSI. Since I had never shot the rifle and haven't had it inspected to ensure there aren't any issues with the receiver, chamber etc... I was being overly cautious.

I am anxious to shoot the rifle though. I've had it for almost 2 years and it has just been sitting in the safe.

[MoJo]

The 7X57 Mauser is one of those rare "Do Anything" cartridges. It was the Spanish military round until the 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) came on the scene. The 7mm Mauser has been used on all the big game of the world. Walter D.M.“Karamojo” Bell a British Ivory hunter of the early 20th Century used the 7x57 to kill untold numbers of elephants for the Ivory.

Enjoy your rifle, and may it give you many hours of pleasant service.