Finally got the Mauser '71 to the range

[David LaPell]

I finally got a chance to get the Mauser 1871 rifle to the range. I ordered a box of twenty rounds from Buffalo Arms, these are blackpowder with 385 grain bullets. I do have dies and bullets now so I can at least reload the empties.

I set out a cutout target at 50 yards. The first three shots I aimed dead center from a rest, one shot clipped the target frame and the other two were in the "head". I fired two more, this time aiming towards the bottom of the target and got two hits dead center. Recoil isn't at all bad, but it seems like a mile from the rear sight to the front, but the gun overall was very pleasant to shoot, better than my last big rolling block in .43 Spanish. The Mauser though just seems much more fun to shoot, can't explain why.

I have already decided that one day during hunting season, I do want to take this thing out hunting, just to say I did it.

https://i.imgur.com/WRSEP7r.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/8YYle8a.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/HY6Icdz.jpg

[mazo kid]

That is a nice looking gun. I have a rifle in the repeater version, but had been shortened before I got it. I have a friend who got an '84 over 60 years ago, bought it for $5.00! I loaded up his brass and we fired it in my backyard! He was like a kid in a candy store!

[BigAlofPa.]

Agreed very nice gun. I had my 1891 out yesterday. I ordered a new scope for it today. It already had the mounts on it. I had a rimfire scope on it. Wanted to be sure it grouped before upgrading.

[oconeedan]

Very nice rifle! I recently bought one that has been sporterized, I am anxious to get started loading for it. I do plan to take it to the woods. Bring it out of retirement. Dan

[smithnframe]

Very nice!

[mazo kid]

I make my brass from 45-90 brass trimmed to length. I use the Lee 43 Mauser die set to form and load the ammo. This works quite well for all the shooting I do with my rifle. I have the molds made for the rifle made by RCBS and Lyman in .446".