Pre-1898 Mauser
 

Sportsmansguide has working model 95 in .308 and 97 in 7x57. They are selling for $400. I don't know enough about them to know if they are a good buy. They claim they are used and in good shape. What would be the significance of being pre-1898? Any help will be appreciated.

Pre-1898 is considered antique and can be bought without needing an FFl.

That explains why Sportsmansguide is selling them. They state no cracked stocks or missing parts. The suggest that they may have been used in WWI. Did the Germans actually use nearly 20 year old rifles in WWI? Looks interesting to me.

Heck, These guns are old enough to have been used in the boxer rebellion. That's a pretty big leap, I guess.

Still, sounds like a chance to get a nice little piece of history there.

Regards, Canis

Boxer rebellion?? Do you mean the Bolsheviks? Sorry, but I am looking for actual knowledge.

The 95/96 rifle WAS used in the Boxer rebellion (China, 1900) By 1912 the 98 Mauser had replaced weapons for the FIRST LINE troops- could still have been used for reserves, support troops, etc- HOWEVER- in 1905 they rebarreled to go with a larger bullet (.318, went to .323)

so is POSSIBLE they were used in WW I- but not main force, 1st line troops.

IMHO, the 7mm Mauser is one of the all time great rounds. The .308 is likely a rebarrel, since the .308 is much shorter than the 8mm Mauser cartridge.

And yes, firearms made in 1898 or earlier or Antiques- under Federal law, they are not a gun. Mailman can deliver to your door. Even if rebarreled to a different caliber, still an antique.

And while my grandkids may have different opinions, I am not old enuff to have first hand knowledge of WW I weapons! :p

And some reading for you: German military rifles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks, c3shooter. I knew someone would come thru.

Btw, when are you gonna become a Supporting Member. I think there a more than a few who would like to see you make the commitment. :D

Nope, I really meant the Boxer rebellion. 1900, China vs. the World, pretty much. Germany had their hand in the pot and sent a strong force of marine infantry.

Sorry if this is not the sort of help that you were looking for.

Regards, Canis

I apologize if I offened you or overlooked your response. I had forgot my history lessons regarding the Boxer Rebellion. It was a familiar term, but I could not recall the dates or the countries involved. Thanks for re-educating me...:o

Anyhoo, I was looking for someone to let me know if that rifle is a good or bad deal for $400, or if the hype from the seller elevates the price? This is from a retailer of sorts. :confused: