Model 71 pics & questions

[vonfatman]

Hello,
I'm new to Mausers....but somehow I managed to snag a few this week. Here's the first one.

It's a Model 71. I do not know how to judge these fine old firearms as to what condition to expect, so I've tried to put a few photos up.

It is incredible to me that this gun has some of the finest rifling I've seen on older milsurp rifles! Clean and sharp! The numbers match up too. It is missing a butt-plate and cleaninng rod.

Questions:

How would this gun be rated compared to other M71s in terms of condition?

Is it a pipe-dream to think I might actually locate a butt-plate (let alone a cleaning rod)?

This was a $100 purchase (don't have any idea what it's worth other than a conversation piece). What should I assume this rifle (in it's stated/photographed condition) be worth if thrown up on a Forum want-to-sell or an auction site?

If parts (butt-plate & or cleaning rod) were available, where might I look and what might I expect to pay to dress up this ol' girl? I do NOT plan to touch the gun other than a light coat of oil to the metal surfaces.

Thanks so much for any answers to my questions.

Bob

[vonfatman]

More Pics of the M71...







Thanks again!

Bob

[Dad]

Numrich seems to have parts for 71-84 Mausers.
See items 50, 51
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/...spx?catid=4218
D.

[vonfatman]

Thanks D! I'll grab a butt plate.

Bob

[vonfatman]

Any thoughts as to a fair price to sell this rifle?

Thanks.

Bob

[randy langford]

Around $300.00 -$400.00 and with butt plate and rod around $600.00 finding cleaning rod will be hard look on ebay for these items. They are fun to shoot but almost require you to be a reloader as ammo is expensive.

[vonfatman]

Thank you Randy. I will check Ebay.

Bob

[vonfatman]

Hey, I found some ammo in a box that came with the gun....not going to fire the stuff....looks to be pretty old, but it's .43 Mauser ammo and it chambers just fine.

Bob

[dogtag]

I doubt that a cleaning rod will add any value considering the condition
of the stock. If it were better, you'd need sling and bayonet too !
It deserves to be shot, as that is its raison d'etre, so, get cases, bullet mold
primers and powder - all easily obtainable - and enjoy !

[vonfatman]

dogtag,
I agree. I did get the butt plate from Gun Parts. I'm ready to get the gun ready to shoot. The stock was the reason the gentleman sold the gun for a good price.
Bob

[randy langford]

The stock is worth what you got the whole gun for. Can you post pictures of the rounds the case head or just tell me what is stamped on them?

[dogtag]

Is there a date on right side of receiver ?
This will be manufacture date.

[joem]

The stock is rough but it could be made to look much better with some elbow grease. First clean the wood and try to steam out most of the dents. Some very light sanding and a good application of oil stain should make it more presentable.

[dogtag]

The stock is worth what you got the whole gun for. Can you post pictures of the rounds the case head or just tell me what is stamped on them?

As vonfatman hasn't replied, I'll tell you what they probably are:
I have an original box of "Remington UMC Central fire 43 Spanish" cartridges.
There is nothing stamped on the case head which is berdan primed.
Also on the box: "For Remington-UMC, Whitney and other rifles"