Retirement gift for my father... the 7.92x57 variety

[Schumi]

So my father's fully retiring in a few weeks, and I figured I should get him something. This is a man without any real big hobbies or vices, so this was tough.


I got to thinking, and with all the gun threads abound I struck and idea. My dad owns a real-deal WWI Mauser 98, it was sold to him by an old friend who knew someone who brought it back from the war as a keepsake. Thing is old as dirt. It has been sitting in his basement since the late 70's. I recently got it out in the light and looked it over and it is in remarkably good condition- no rust, seemingly true and very smooth actuation. Obviously a well built rifle. It's stock has some marks on it, and it was definitely used in battle. All original parts from what I could tell. I dropped some oil in it and cycled it a few times and boy it felt solid.

My father's never fired it. He bought it (For $25 I think) from his friend 35 years ago and never got around to using it. I offered to buy it from him once and he said no way, he wouldn't ever sell it, but I could have it after he was in the ground.

So as a retirement gift, I let my mother know that I'm going to take it and have it restored. It's currently in a case in his basement and he won't notice it gone for a month or so- right about the time he retires.

His first indication of his present is going to be a tin of this showing up in the mail:


That is, if the gun is still chambered original. A lot of them were re-chambered for 308 here in the US, so I have to check that first. I sure hope it hasn't been re chambered... those old romanian surplus 8mm mauser rounds are so neat, and you can't beat a tin of 340 rds for $100.

[m21sniper]

Great present. you're a good lad.

[Seahawk]

Great Lad.

[Looking_for_911]

Better than making him take up golf!

[futuresoptions]

Hey Schumi,

Great idea from the heart, but I must say this:

The Mauser is worth more unrestored. I would take it to a gunsmith only for a good cleaning and a okay in the operational deparment.

Also keep in mind most of that old 8mm is corrosive. Not a big deal, just make sure that the rifle is cleaned extremely well after each trip to the range.

[flatbutt]

you're a good boy Schumi.

[masraum]

Yeah, I'm no gun or antique expert, but I do know that for lots of old stuff, the real charm is in the patina. There is a time and place for restored stuff, but I don't know if this is it or not.

[Schumi]

yes- by 'restored' I really just mean thoroughly cleaned, oiled and made safe to fire again.

No new parts (action is complete and smooth, sounds like a strong firing pin as well) and no changes to the stock besides some good wood cleaner and a shine with a rag.

[emcon5]

Make sure you let him know that pretty much all 8mm surplus stuff is corrosive. Not really a big deal, but you need to make sure to clean the gun after you shoot it.

Collecting and Shooting the Military Surplus Rifle - Cleaning After Shooting Corrosive Ammunition

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by Schumi

yes- by 'restored' I really just mean thoroughly cleaned, oiled and made safe to fire again.

No new parts (action is complete and smooth, sounds like a strong firing pin as well) and no changes to the stock besides some good wood cleaner and a shine with a rag.

This is still way too much if it is a WWII "war trophy" or rare model. Get an expert evaluation before mucking around with it.

[azasadny]

Nice gift!