I have run into an opportunity to buy either a Mauser or Enfield rifle. I don't know much about these guns but I have seen and handled these guns and they both appear in good original condition - not refinished or otherwise "doctored up". These rifles interest me from a traditional/historic point of view. They were important field rifles in the World Wars. I appreciate historical.
Offeror describes the first as a Mauser 98 - said it is chambered in 7mm. Is this possible - normal - desirable? What would be the full descriptor of the cartridge? Availabliity? I don't know the chambering history of the guns and whether the guns were rechambered and if so, what was involved and was it a sound thing to do to a gun.
The second gun - looking to be in good condition also - was described as an Enfield 308. He said chambered in .308. Was this gun originally chambered in .308? - I thought .303. Were some converted? How was the conversion done? Successful?
I've begun searching online - but these guns have a lot of info available on them - many books and guides written. I don't have time enough to find the books and research, and I don't have particulars - serial numbers, markings - from the two guns.
They do appear to be nice examples of original or near original military working condition, though.
Any help on these two rifles would be very much appreciated.
Offeror describes the first as a Mauser 98 - said it is chambered in 7mm. Is this possible - normal - desirable? What would be the full descriptor of the cartridge? Availabliity? I don't know the chambering history of the guns and whether the guns were rechambered and if so, what was involved and was it a sound thing to do to a gun.
The second gun - looking to be in good condition also - was described as an Enfield 308. He said chambered in .308. Was this gun originally chambered in .308? - I thought .303. Were some converted? How was the conversion done? Successful?
I've begun searching online - but these guns have a lot of info available on them - many books and guides written. I don't have time enough to find the books and research, and I don't have particulars - serial numbers, markings - from the two guns.
They do appear to be nice examples of original or near original military working condition, though.
Any help on these two rifles would be very much appreciated.