ORIGINAL: rjhans53
Just to throw a monkey wrench in this whole deal. There are a # of small ring barrel/calibers you could change to, one of them being a 300 savage. I my self would go to a 7 x 57 (7 mm mauser) or a 35 rem. But I am a big fan of the 7 x 57 (I've only got 3) and feel it's an excelent choice for deer size game and ammo is availble on line or in a select few gun shops. If I did a barrel change I would put a bold trigger on it (just a lot nice trigger) then a new stock, and still just have a pigs ear. But it's sort of cool to go to the range with an old beat up mauser and out shoot some of the newer stuff, good luck with your desicion.
ron
If one were to load the 7.65X53mm cartridge to the proper level for use in the M1891 action, it would just about duplicate the performance of the .300 Savage exactly. In 7X57, you would see some differences, but not much. Any of the three, 7X57mm, .300 Savage, or 7.65X53mm, will shade the .35 Remington by quite a margin..........
IN OTHER WORDS, LEAVE THE GUN ALONE, AND USE YOUR MONEY FOR RELOADING EQUIPMENT FOR THE 7.65x53MM CARTRIDGE.........