Converting to "Tanker" Mauser

[lgm270]

How tough would it be to convert a standard 23.5" mauser to Tanker confidguration? 

Obviously shortening the barrel is the easiest part.  The stock work would involve cutting out a middle piece and then gluing the two ends back together, like shortening a rifle action. 

Any thoughts?

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mauser.org/rifles/M63%2520Tanker/M63-Tanker.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.mauser.org/rifles/M63%2520Tanker/index.htm&h=167&w=642&sz=18&tbnid=SkFpSmj20Aqa9M:&tbnh=36&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTanker%2BMauser&hl=en&usg=__VpQdvyBlAzqQRpRX5aK15H5l9aM=&ei=XKNkS4iPH43IsAPYzs2dAw&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=5&ct=image&ved=0CBMQ9QEwBA

[Brithunter]

Errrr why not just buy a carbine?




Even with an original turned down bolt handle. Oh that one is antique too being an 1895 manufacturere M93 by DWM  . I don't have any photos of the Persian carbines  but I sort had them in mind.

It would also be salable after you lose interest in it unlike a butchered rifle  .

[Swampman]

Mauser carbines are very expensive when you can find one.  I've been wanting a Chilean 7mm but I'm not paying what they ask for them.

[lgm270]

Mauser carbines are indeed expensive and hard to find.

The rifle in question is already "butchered".  I found a replacement stock and wondered about just shortening the stock and the barrel.  How hard is that?   

[Brithunter]

Ok................. you will to add a splice in the stock to hold the two bits together under recoil. Gibbs didn't do this it seems and theirs often came apart on firing .

I thought that the Persians and Columbian carbines were quite cheap in the US  that DWM cost me about the same price as a used P-H sporter so over here they are not that expensive when that's taken into consideration. Of course all our prices are expensive when compared to US ones  .

[GatCat]

If you going to chop a section out of your buttstock, I'd suggest you drill a good-size diameter hole going fore-and-aft in the buttstock, that goes beyond ( more forward ) then front cut. That way, once the piece is removed, you can place a dowel in the hole to tie together the two pieces, add strength, glue, then taper the two sectons to the new contour. Maybe even two holes, one on top of the other, as far apart as will work out??
I'm not saying to do it, but if you do, I thnk the above will help.
As far a shortening the barrel, it's no big deal at all. A new cut and crown job may add accuracy, depending on existing condition. Probably easiest to put on a new, sporter type front sight, rather then try to remove and reuse existing one.

[Swampman]

Steel pins coated with epoxy work really well for piecing a stock together.  I've made repairs on old military stocks that way.

[D Humbarger]

Here is one that I am doing.  I want a M98 20" carbine which was never produced.  I am coping off my Queen juliana Dutch carbine (17" barrel).  You will need to machine the original barrel steps back to the correct carbine barrel location for starters.  I am useing a stock from a VZ/24 that I shortened to be exactly like an original would be. There IS a lot to if if you want to do it correctly.

The Juliana Dutch carbine is the top one.

[Dances with Geoducks]

I have a project 30-06 Parker-Hale Belgium Mauser.

This might be a very cool option, thanks for the link

[deerhunter]

why not check out the Tankers at Mitchels?  I know they arent the greatest company, but they are rebarreling yugo mausers to 17" in .308, 3006, and 7-08, back at the factory in yugoland.

I think they are going for around $500, probably what a gunsmith wouyld charge you after buying all the parts.

[lgm270]

why not check out the Tankers at Mitchels?  I know they arent the greatest company, but they are rebarreling yugo mausers to 17" in .308, 3006, and 7-08, back at the factory in yugoland.

I think they are going for around $500, probably what a gunsmith wouyld charge you after buying all the parts.

Great point.  Unfortunately, they're not offered in 8x57 which is the caliber I want.

[blacksan]

why not check out the Tankers at Mitchels?  I know they arent the greatest company, but they are rebarreling yugo mausers to 17" in .308, 3006, and 7-08, back at the factory in yugoland.

I think they are going for around $500, probably what a gunsmith wouyld charge you after buying all the parts.

Great point.  Unfortunately, they're not offered in 8x57 which is the caliber I want.

They where made in 8X57 and a local shop has one on the rack. I spoke with Mitchel's and they told me non where being brought in this year because it competes with there other offerings. The one I looked at in 8X57 was done well and I would have purchased it but they weren't willing to haggle very much and I thought $490.00 out the door was steep. On the other hand if you where able to find an example with the pre "Bubba" treatment (I would never alter original myself) and have a smith do the work you would have more in it considering the additional purchase cost of the rifle..................

[deerhunter]

I called Mitchels last week.  They said that the American caliber M63s would be ready around April or May.  And that 8x57 versions would be available next year.

They cost about $500, but if you add all the cost of a rifle and the gunsmithing, I think it would still be better to get one from the factory than to take a chance on a conversion.

I am planning on trying one in 3006 when they are available, when I get it, I'll give it a test and write here what it was like.  Whether its worth it, or to save your money.

[lgm270]

I called Mitchels last week.  They said that the American caliber M63s would be ready around April or May.  And that 8x57 versions would be available next year.

They cost about $500, but if you add all the cost of a rifle and the gunsmithing, I think it would still be better to get one from the factory than to take a chance on a conversion.

I am planning on trying one in 3006 when they are available, when I get it, I'll give it a test and write here what it was like.  Whether its worth it, or to save your money.

You're right about the cost.  Cheaper to buy an 8x57 Tanker than to "convert" an existing rifle that has a corroded, shot out bore. Or, I could take an old beater, put a Shaw Stainless Steel barrel on it with  scout  scope and go from there. Id have to shorten the stock and round off the forend, but I could have an 18.5"-20 Inch barrel instead of the 17.4" barrel on the MItchel.