If it is a K98 Mauser it should be chambered in 7.92x57, but Mauser`s were chambered in lots of calibers, as far as the Enfield goes if it is .308/7.62x51 NATO it is a Ishapore 2A/2A1 & yes they were purposely built, hope this helps............
C3,The ".308" Enfield would be an Ishapore, and it is NOT in .308 Winchester- they were made in 7.62 NATO. You should NOT fire civilian .308 Winchester in it.
Robocop,The vast majority of Mausers in 7mm were NOT 98's. They were small rings in the 96 pattern. It does make a difference. The Spanish Mausers in 7mm were very good guns, I have 2.
The Ishapore 7.62 Enfields I have handled had SCARY triggers. I have walked away from every one I have ever handled. The Enfield action is not as "tuff" as the Mauser. Replacement bolt heads were made to compensate for wear. Those have all but dried up. I am surprised no one has come up with commercial relacements.
The triggers I have snapped were highly unpredictable. They did not have a solid predictable feel. I know your trigger break should be "a surprise", but these took a surprise to a new level.Robocop,
What is wrong with the triggers??
And does the action fail??
I came across a unique final part (maybe 3/4 inch) of the bolt throw mechanism in the Enfield which some consider a good thing - allowing a faster cartridge change. Any truth here?
Is the Enfield just not a very desirable gun to own? Is it more of a wall hanging piece?
This particular one that I've seen is pretty nice looking - no refinishing and not overly beatup - but rather looking like a well cared for infantryman's battle rifle - showing some field usage.
If there were any Brits left from The Boer war, he should ask them!! They had their @sses handed to them.The triggers I have snapped were highly unpredictable. They did not have a solid predictable feel. I know your trigger break should be "a surprise", but these took a surprise to a new level.
The rear locking lugs allow the action to "stretch". When it stretches, the headspace grows. It can reach dangerous levels. The replacement bolt heads are thicker and take up that extra space.
The Enfield action is renowned as being fast to manipulate. The Brits could put a lot of lead down range in a hurry, far surpassing the rate of fire with Mauser actions. For precise shots the Mauser is superior, ask a Boer.
If the rifle is indeed in 7x57 and made by Mauser it is a great rifle. The 1909Many of the '98 actioned Mausers in 7x57mm were for South American countries. To my knowledge none of the European nations who were involved in the World Wars used 7x57mm '98 actioned rifles.
Spain did have '93 and '95 Mausers as well as 1916 Mausers in 7x57mm, but as someone else said, these are small ring Mausers, and not quite as robust as the '98s.
If the OP is really interested in these rifles as far as WWII history goes, neither is likely to be significant in that regard. Enfield MkIII and No. 4 rifles would be primary, along with some No. 5 carbines, in .303 British.
For Mausers, the '98s in 8mm would be the primary players.
If you want something that reflects Mauser or Enfield history in South America or India then these may be fine. They can be good shooters if you limit your ammo to that of similar pressures that they originally shot.
Good post. I would like to have a '98. The action is common to many sporting rifles, and for good reason. So if I wanted something historical and different I would and did choose an Enfield. Removing and replacing the bolt gives you that little extra historic rush. Very minor point, but I like it!Many of the '98 actioned Mausers in 7x57mm were for South American countries. To my knowledge none of the European nations who were involved in the World Wars used 7x57mm '98 actioned rifles.
Spain did have '93 and '95 Mausers as well as 1916 Mausers in 7x57mm, but as someone else said, these are small ring Mausers, and not quite as robust as the '98s.
If the OP is really interested in these rifles as far as WWII history goes, neither is likely to be significant in that regard. Enfield MkIII and No. 4 rifles would be primary, along with some No. 5 carbines, in .303 British.
For Mausers, the '98s in 8mm would be the primary players.
If you want something that reflects Mauser or Enfield history in South America or India then these may be fine. They can be good shooters if you limit your ammo to that of similar pressures that they originally shot.
I would love to find a 1909 in 7x57. I like the 98 action and also really like the 7mm round when it can be loaded a bit hot. In a 98 action it could be loaded more to its potential. With lower pressure factory loads it is a fairly gentle shooter.If there were any Brits left from The Boer war, he should ask them!! They had their @sses handed to them.
If the rifle is indeed in 7x57 and made by Mauser it is a great rifle. The 1909
is a vg rifle. The actions are still sought after to build custom rifles.