Wil a 98 gas shroud fit a pre-98 bolt?

[backbencher]

Have a 7x57mm Lowe Chileno, but I'm always worried about the gas handling. Is there a way to fit the 98's bolt's gas shroud onto a pre-98 bolt?

[lefty o]

not that im aware of. a couple simple things will keep you out of trouble. wear glasses while shooting, and dont hotrod your reloads for that rifle, and being a small ring your loads should be fairly mild.

[seaboltm]

No, but there are aftermarket shrouds for small rings that do that:

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...prod20645.aspx

But you would lose your safety, meaning you would need an aftermarket safety built into the trigger, which means altering your stock.

If you go with the shroud and new safety, you should add this too:

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...-prod5690.aspx

Of course if you don't mind spending some money, this is a fabulous option:

http://edlapourgunsmithing.com/3-***...ies/mauser-96/

[backbencher]

Thanks fellas.

[UBER7MM]

Here's how to make one yourself, if you're handy with metalwork. Take a look at this:
http://www.mausercentral.com/98izingapre98bolt.htm

If you ever add a custom trigger with side safety, you'll have to cut the shroud's gas shield down on the bottom right corner for clearance.

I hope this helps,

[backbencher]

Now that's slick, Uber. Sadly, I'm not handy w/ metalwork. A Political Science major's got to know his limitations, so I stick w/ Legos. But that would be easy enough to have fabricated & installed.

[leadman]

I have a couple of 1893s also and have been thinking of drilling gas vent holes in the left side of the front receiver ring. Also saw an article in a book where a washer was welded on the front of the shroud to help block the gas.

If you get the chance look at a Japanese Type38 or 99 rifle. The put the Mausers to shame for gas handling, along with some other features.

[backbencher]

True. Albeit you have to go back to the Type 30 to find an antique, which is the clear legal advantage of the early small-ring Mausers in the US.

[EDG]

Good cartridge cases are the best item that you can own for good gas handling.

[bruce drake]

Uber7mm,

Nice link! the OP could print that page out and take it to any respectable gunsmith and have a gas shield fabricated for his small-ring.

Backbencher,

I will repeat what others have said about small rings. keep the loads reasonable on those old girls. Loads under 40K PSI is still more bullet than most medium game can handle.

If you can find a 1908 Brazilian in good shape, you will have a Large Ring Model 98 in 7x57 that you can load that cartridge to it's full 50K PSI potential.

Bruce

[backbencher]

My brother may have a post '98 Brazilian, but @ the moment, my interest in military bolt actions is squarely on the far side of the artificial line Congress drew in 1968. Won't do anything soon, and when I do something w/ the Chileno, I'll be careful & read a lot.