Reworking Mauser Trigger Guard

[waksupi]

I've been working on a Mauser, and came to the trigger guard today, to get it ready for bluing.
Here are a couple things I do to them.
First, I like to scallop the rear of the trigger guard. It gives a nicer finished appearance, and makes for easier access for the finger.
Picture 1, as-issued
Picture 2, rough guidelines
Picture 3, finished scallop

Second, on this example, the magazine release was proud of the trigger bow. So, I file this down, so it is not sticking out.


All that is left to do is polish things up now.

[gnoahhh]

Very nice. I do the same thing. Do you put a slight camber (radius) on the outer and inner surfaces too? Were it not for the release on the forward surface of the bow, would you normally scallop that also?

[waksupi]

I do a slight radius sometimes, just depending on how much time and money is going to be invested in doing it.
I've never done the front, I guess I just never considered doing it on a bolt action rifle.

[TCLouis]

Looks like what I keep saying I am going to do,but have yet to get roundtuit.

[gnoahhh]

I do a slight radius sometimes, just depending on how much time and money is going to be invested in doing it.
I've never done the front, I guess I just never considered doing it on a bolt action rifle.


I used to not do the front also, but when I saw one done like that I fell in love with the style.

Another thing I started doing on the last couple was to grind the top surface of the tang into a more gradual taper, which allows the pistol grip to be just that little bit more graceful. I imagine guys have been doing that for years, but sometimes I'm a little slow on the uptake!

[waksupi]

I used to not do the front also, but when I saw one done like that I fell in love with the style.

Another thing I started doing on the last couple was to grind the top surface of the tang into a more gradual taper, which allows the pistol grip to be just that little bit more graceful. I imagine guys have been doing that for years, but sometimes I'm a little slow on the uptake!

I always reshape the tang area, to bring it down so the bolt does not need a clearance channel cut in the wood. It does make a big difference for making better lines on a rifle.

[DCM]

VERY Nice work and craftsmanship!!

[Joni Lynn]

It's looking nice Ric.

[bruce drake]

1909 Arg donor action? I love those mag catch releases. Just wish the design stayed with the entire Mauser line. I understand war-time expediency took that away but such a nice "custom" feature.

Bruce

[Joni Lynn]

A few years ago I bought an entire complete rifle just to get that bottom metal.
I was fortunate and found another bottom metal to replace that one.

[mstarling]

Have an Argie in progress. Is a .376 Steyr. Need to clean up the rear end of the bolt, contour the bottom metal, and do a rust blue.

Gotta say ... Darned! The .376 Steyr is LOUD!