Mauser oberndorf sporting rifle question

[dave]

The problem of using S bullets in a J bore rifle (.323 vs. .318) is not bore diameter but the tight chamber throat, which will not allow the case to expand and release the bullet, thus causing hi-pressure. When rifles were converted they were NOT re-bored or re-barreled but the throat was relieved, that was it! I am talking here about the German military and conversions done in Germany. The difference in bullet dia. (5 thou.) was not dangerous.

[kcw]

The problem of using S bullets in a J bore rifle (.323 vs. .318) is not bore diameter but the tight chamber throat, which will not allow the case to expand and release the bullet, thus causing hi-pressure. When rifles were converted they were NOT re-bored or re-barreled but the throat was relieved, that was it! I am talking here about the German military and conversions done in Germany. The difference in bullet dia. (5 thou.) was not dangerous.

Which is what the Germans did to some of their M 1888 rifles and carbines. Those so modified had a big S stamped on the receiver ring. I had a S modified 1888 carbine which shot everything I put through it very well, including that "hot" Turk surplus. LOUD, and kicked like a mule, but it handled it.

[da gimp]

Thanks dave, when we move that safe (soon I hope) I'll dig out that rifle & get all the markings...

[dave]

Pictures would be nice too!!

[kcw]

Thanks dave, when we move that safe (soon I hope) I'll dig out that rifle & get all the markings...

I believe that a relatively small number of "recovered" WWI GEW 98 actions were "converted" to the 98k configuration, more or less. Those will still have the original maker's mark. I say "more or less" because not all 98k features may be present. Most commonly that shows up in the form of straight bolts. A friend of mine has one of those. My understanding is that some were converted as field prototypes for what would eventually become the common 98k, most as a war time expediency.