Question on model 98 mauser

[rjohns94]

Anyone seen one done in 12 gauge? I saw one today and it really grabbed my attention. I dint buy it but for 275 I should have. I started my hunting days with a bolt action 20, but the Mauser action and 12 gauge would make a really keel cabin gun for walking the game lands with.

[Mainehunter]

Few years back a gunsmith north of me did one in 410 and 45-70. I'm kind of surprised if 12 guage would actually cycle.

Mainehunter

[Chuck 100 yd]

Opening a 98 to 12 ga. I have heard of such but never seen one. There must not be a lot of meat left in the barrel shank area. How about the bolt face and claw extractor? Feeding is another cat to skin altogether.

[yooper2]

I would really like to see some detailed pictures of the action on that one. Very interesting.


Eric

[765x53]

According to Frank de Hass in his book "Bolt Action Rifles", the rifle barrel was discarded.
The collar and locking shoulders were bored out and a shot gun barrel fitted.
The front of the bolt was bored and a special bolt head fitted.

[Pete44ru]

.

After WWII, German citizens were forbidden most firearms, but were allowed smoothbores as subsistence firearms, so, with literally mountains of 98 Mausers available, many were converted to shotguns - the GEHA conversion being one of them.

Mauser Gew 98 rifles were bored out for a 12, 16, or 20 Gauge shotshell, with 1 shell in the magazine plus 1 in the chamber, for a 2-shot capacity.

They were half-stocked, the wood usually military grade - and the military bolt handle was bent down.

They used a sprung, detachable bolt head that fits over the old GEW 98 bolt head, and utilized an added receiver strengthener/shell deflector, because so much metal was removed from the original rifle action.

A new single-stage trigger assembly (as opposed to the two-stage military unit) and a new/lighter trigger guard were also fitted, so as to be more suitable to a shotgun.

The GEHA trigger and trigger guard features are shared by the Remo and Hard Hit Heart - two other Mauser conversion shotguns.


.

[rjohns94]

I really liked it. The trigger was awesome. Now that I see what was done, that accounts for the differences I saw when I put a regular Mauser beside it. I'm intrigued by it. Chambered in 2 9/16, so I would have to use 2 1/2 inch shells. Article cautions to look at locking lug to make sure it's not cracked. I will have to take a look at it again. Cylinder bore in most cases (and in this one).

[AJMD429]

According to Frank de Hass in his book "Bolt Action Rifles", the rifle barrel was discarded.
The collar and locking shoulders were bored out and a shot gun barrel fitted.
The front of the bolt was bored and a special bolt head fitted.

The chamber pressure is so much less with a shotgun, vs. the bottleneck rifle cartridges, that I suppose nowhere near as much 'mass' is needed where barrel and action unite.

I think I'd rather have one redone in 45-70 though...

[RSY]

A buddy had a converted Arisaka in 12-ga. once. Odd beast, but cool.

Scott

[rjohns94]

Saw 3 on gunbroker. $199, then 2 at $400 or above. The one I saw at 275 was in better shape then all of them. I have a bunch of 2.5 inch shells loaded. I just may get this one if its there end of week

[Ysabel Kid]

Saw 3 on gunbroker. $199, then 2 at $400 or above. The one I saw at 275 was in better shape then all of them. I have a bunch of 2.5 inch shells loaded. I just may get this one if its there end of week

Good luck Mike! I can't wait for the range report on this one!!!