FIRST TIME POSTING HERE: Good day all!
I have in my collection an 1888 Gehwehr Commission Rifle, (1894 DANZIG). I want to shoot cast Boolits through it but need some help identifying which variant it is and what would be the safest diameter boolit to use. It bears the (S) on the receiver, has the receiver notch cut, charger clip guides, dust cover on bottom of mag well, Turkish markings on the bolt and rear sight. It also bears the letters (NM) under the stamping (Gew.88) on the left side of the receiver. I slugged the bore twice and came up with .311 diameter. I also used digital calipers to mic the muzzle end of the bore and also came up with .311 diameter. In my research i have seen refernce to barrels that were referred to as (CZECH replacement Z barrels) that were allegedly turned down 1893 mauser barrels that had a much smaller bore diameter and were meant to fire a .315 diameter bullet or there about. I have also read posts about South African barrels and Turkish barrels of varying diameters. I am well aware of the sometimes heated controversy over the exact specs of these rifles, their variants and upgrades, where they have been, who did what to them, the meanings of all the makings, the specifications of the different versions of the 8mm cartridge, and if Erich Luddendorf really did wear women's undergarments while he was Chief of Staff of the Imperial German Army during the Great War. (Insert canned laughter here).
Below I have attached photos of the rifle and all markings in hopes someone could tell me with relative certainty which barrel I have and what to shoot through it.
I do know a bit about these rifles but I am here for good solid fact based knowledge and advice so lets pretend I don't know jack-diddley about them. Class is in session and I am your apt pupil! I thank you all for your input on this subject.
V/r
Terry