Mauser. How to tell if it's 8mm or 30-06

[phoenix_iii]

Friend has a Mauser that his dad bought way back when, and was told it was a 30-06.

It has Nazi proof markings on it (stock was modified for a cheek weld, and tapped for a scope, boooo).

However, it chambers (IIRC) both 8mm and 30-06. Technically, couldn't you shoot 30-06 down an 8mm, but not the other way around? Please advise.

For comparison, I have a Yugo M48 (Mauser in 8mm) if I need to compare anything, like bolt face, or barrel somehow.

I do not have go/no go gauges. Just Azoom snap caps.

I suppose one way would be to see if the barrel has a matching serial (where?) or has a nazi proof mark on it... I doubt the Germans used 30-06 Mauser rifles... ever. =)

(Ideas welcome)

[wellcraft]

i don't believe any german mauser was ever chambered in 30.06, look for 7.92 stamped on the barrel or receiver and that will trell you for sure the rifle is in 8mm.

[spacemanvic]

Your best bet would be to take it to a smith. He/she will have the go/no go gauges and will be able to tell you for sure the caliber of the rifle. I did this with my 98a (1915 Erfurt) and it cost all of $10.

I wouldnt want to guestimate the right caliber. You might damage the weapon, or at worst, damage yourself.

[Lone Wolf]

Take it to a gunsmith. He can slug the bore, then there will be no doubt.

[Deanimator]

1. 7.92 Mauser has a case length of 57mm.
2. .30-06 has a case length of 63mm.
3. Case body diameter of both is similar.
4. Case head diameter is the same. (along with .243, .260 Rem, .308, 7x57mm Mauser and 7.65x54mm Mauser)

Therefore, a 7.92x57mm round SHOULD "chamber" in a .30-06, if the throat is long enough. Firing it would of course be extremely dangerous, since the bullet would be much too large and the headspace grossly too large, producing excessive pressures and blown cases.

You need to have the chamber cast and the bore slugged, to make sure that the chamber configuration meets the proper .30-06 dimensions AND that the bore actually is 7.62 (.30-06).

It is entirely possible that the gun is NOT a .30-06, but instead an 8mm-06, which is (for the most part) just the .30-06 with an 8mm bullet seated.

You have too many unknowns to just "wing" it.

[phoenix_iii]

i don't believe any german mauser was ever chambered in 30.06, look for 7.92 stamped on the barrel or receiver and that will trell you for sure the rifle is in 8mm.

I like this option. Who would frank 8mm-06? That's not fair!

Anything wrong with Wellcraft's suggestion?

I suppose I could just tell my friend to not shoot it until he takes it to a smith to be verified.

[Al-Mumit]

If it was re chambered there should be markings... Didn't Israel do a 30-06 mauser?

[rscheckler]

i don't believe any german mauser was ever chambered in 30.06, look for 7.92 stamped on the barrel or receiver and that will trell you for sure the rifle is in 8mm.

I believe you are correct. The only way it would be chambered for 30-06 is if it was modified which was actually quite common for the German Mauser since it was such an excellent firearm. I would have a smith check it out to be sure. I too have a German Mauser and it is chambered in the original 8mm but I wouldn't risk it.

[rovert97]

If it was re chambered there should be markings... Didn't Israel do a 30-06 mauser?

i believe that most Israeli Mausers were chambered in 7.62x51 (.308)

[Pukindog]

Real fasr check to find out if it is an 8mm or a .30 cal of some sort. Insert a .30 bullet in the muzzle. If it is very loose it is not any kind of .30 cal.

Jeff