Roger46982

I have a German Mauser my Dad brought home from WWII and would like to get it out and do some shooting with it. Can anyone tell me what caliber it is? Seems it was 8MM but can't remember for sure. There is nothing on the rifle as far as I can tell.

Wingbone

The WWII mausers were all 8x57, aka 8mm Mauser. My uncle brought 5 back from Europe. They are all still in use by the family during deer season.

Paul L Mohr

I used to own one, nice gun and shot well for me. I gave it to friend for christmas when I was in the military. He rifle hunted in Texas and really liked the rifle. I didn't hunt at the time so figured what the heck.

Depends on what condition it is in on how well it will shoot most likely.

Paul

ray1301

It should be an 8mm. I own one that my great uncle brought back from Germany in WWII. It shoots very well. No kick-up, little recoil and the action is still silky smooth.. It is a very fine rifle.

Remmington and Winchester sell standard 8mm mauser ammo. Winchester is 180 grn and I believe Remington is 170 grn.

Roger46982

Thanx guys for the info. I remember shooting it with my Dad, who has passed on. I was just a youngun but remember it being a blast to shoot. I had put it in the gun safe when he died and decided it was time to get it out again. Oh, the stories he used to tell about how he came about the rifle!!! He was in the 101st Airborne and was one of the few who made it from Normandy to Bastogne without being wounded.

48thguns

Roger, your dad was a hero. You can shoot the heck out of it without a worry in the world. Factory ammo is extremely tame. If you post some pics or post the letters on the receiver, we can tell you where and when it was made. Is it still original? Sounds like a beauty and boy, will that thing shoot! Thanks for sharing your story....I miss my dad too and have his old Mod98 in the safe. Warm regards, Rick.

whelen36

do all of the parts serial numbers match ??? that would tell you if it is still all original .
my grandfather left me his as well but , his was sporterized but man is it a nice rifle , still has the original elevation rear sight and the original front sight and the stepped down barrel , the only thing different is it's got a sporter stock on it.
i've got some hansen 196 gr. ammo for her as well as some standard federal 170 gr. shells.

Roger46982

Yes, all the numbers match. It is just as it was the day it was issued. I can't get over how smooth the bolt is. Can't wait to run a few rounds through it.

eldeguello

In Europe, it is a 7.92X57mmS, or as we say in this country, an 8mm Mauser. European loadings for this cartridge are a lot more powerful than those made in the USA, andproperly loaded, it is in the same class as the .30/'06. A most excellent round!

uncle matt

Have to be quite careful here with caliber. Many war rifles were sporterized and rechambered for various offerings.

Mine has been sporterized and is chambered .30-06.

Oh, and I should add; it was my Father's also.