Elk Gun from Ceck Mauser

Elk2901 · 05-31-2005, 06:48 AM

Now I have my mauser action. What should I chamber it for if it is to be an elk only gun?

35 Whelen AI
350 Rem Mag
.338-06
Other

oldelkhunter · 05-31-2005, 07:01 AM

35 whelen AI
338-06
280 or 280 AI
30-06

350 remington magnum is equal of a 35 whelen. I wouldn't go to the expense
of modifying the action rails to accomodate that round. Good Luck and let me know
how it turns out. Have you had the safety modified, reciever drilled and tapped etc etc ?

Elk2901 · 05-31-2005, 07:04 AM

I have not done a thing to it. We have a very good local gunsmith that can handle the conversion. I just need to make up my mind on the calibur.

rick_reno · 05-31-2005, 07:19 AM

I'd chamber it in something he's already got a reamer for.

frizzellr · 05-31-2005, 07:45 AM

You can leave it as an 8mm Mauser if you reload, or ream it to 8mm-06. Either one of those cartridges will work well on elk. If you don't reload, you might think of a cartridge you can get off the shelf, such as a 30-06 or 35 Whelen.

Sniper151 · 05-31-2005, 08:01 AM

7mm Rem. Mag.

oldelkhunter · 05-31-2005, 08:15 AM

All I know is the last 1909 I had converted cost a small fortune to convert over and I got the action basically for free. I have been looking at FN mausers(JC Higgins) the last few weeks as well. Only thing I have to change is the safety to a winchester 3 position.

Rustyaxecamp · 05-31-2005, 08:26 AM

I've never hunted elk, but I understand the 35 Whelen or Improved would be sufficent.

I just completed a Turk Mauser conversion into 35 Whelen, and it all worked pretty slick. I did 90% of it myself (everything except chambering and bluing), dropped it in a Boyds Laminate stock this weekend, and will have a scope on it by this weekend.

In the big picture, you can buy a factory gun for just about as cheap, but theres something about using a gun you put together yourself......

35 Whelen or Improved version gets my vote.

Erik

Rusty Axe Camp

gorse · 05-31-2005, 08:59 AM

8mm Mauser is quite sufficient for Elk...with the proper loads. In that case, you would have something somewhat unique, as this cartridge is not very common in hunting rifles, in the US. Further, you'd avoid any additional work or expense with sorting out magazine/ feed issues.

If the rifle were mine, I'd stay with 8mm Mauser.

Roskoe · 05-31-2005, 11:26 AM

A few years back, a friend gave me a very clean Carl Gustaff Mauser 96 in 6.5 X 55. Even with my labor being free, it still wound up costing me as much as a Remington 700 ADL. Unless you can use the existing barrel - or rechamber it - it really isn't all that cost effective of a project.