Un-Sporterizing an Argentine

[TheAbe]

I’ve had this rifle for about a year and a half now, and it started as just a sporterized barreled Receiver and cut stock. Barrel (shortened to 24”) and receiver are matched, with a manufacture date of 1900 while the stock came from 1892. Rifling was like new. From there, I hit the usual suspects to buy everything I needed to make it functional again. Next time I take it out I’ll document the groups.
I was just going to leave it as was, with the oddly placed long handguard, but I didn’t have any way of attaching a sling...soooo I bought some walnut blocks, asked my neighbor to channel cut one of them with his CNC machine (he’s a cabinetmaker), and a couple of weeks, some AcraGlass, and several hours of rasping later, here it is. Almost complete minus the front plate and cleaning rod: an 1891 Argentine Mauser “short rifle.” Also got my son involved with the rasping and filing at one point since he was curious...
Before

During


Finished-ish not the prettiest work, but it’ll do for my first attempt...

[cwtebay]

I would say that it looks pretty darn good!
Well done - and it looks like you had good help!

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[mdatlanta]

Great job, IMHO. Not only does the rifle look great, but you probably created a life-long memory for your son. I look forward to hearing how it shoots. ��

[Baltimoreed]

Nice work. I did a similar build to a 1903 Springfield sporter that I found that had both the barrel and stock cut down. But I had to do all the work myself as I didn’t have a mighty fine helper like you. My ‘helper’ is 45 and not that much help. Now that is your son’s 1891.

[armoredman]

That looks quite nice, sir, well done!

[TheAbe]

Thanks for the kind words. I let him help when there’s a way he can appropriate to his age and skill. It usually adds time, but it’s time well invested. The only other task he’s been able to help with so far is hammer-sizing .303 British cases with a Lee Loader. He enjoys that, and my fingers have survived holding the die so far.

[Texas by God]

He is serious about his work, you can tell!
Yall did a good job.
I just got my first 1891 Mauser(sporter) this past summer- great rifles.


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[WILCO]

That looks quite nice, sir, well done!

Yes. Agreed. I like the results.

[TheAbe]

Took it to the range for the first time since the forend work. Nice round holes, and fairly consistent, though I have done serious work to do on my marksmanship. Maybe 6” group of 30 rounds offhand at 50 yards. I can improve. The barrel band does need a retaining spring though, as it slips around after a couple of rounds. Stays in place though if using the sling as a shooting sling as it’s all force toward the rear.
That being said, I did have some issues chambering some of the Hornady 174gr RN SP projectiles once it heated up. Not quite sure if the issue, but there was a lot of spring tension when closing the bolt. Not sure if it was the rounds or if something is catching the seer farther back than it should. It’s possible the rear action screw is a bit long/sticking too far through the receiver and was catching the seer. I’ll take a look and maybe file it a tad shorter if necessary.
Overall, I’m very satisfied, and if I can improve my shooting and work out these last couple issues, this one is prime for use as a hunter.

[WILCO]

Enjoyed the update.