M48 Bolt - What's typical?

[MilSurpFan]

Hi all,
New to Mausers, and bolt guns in general, was looking at an M48 today. was in generally good shape, but not unissued either. Some scuff on the floor plate, and some wear and crushes on the wood. (Just to give some idea of condition.)

Whe the bolt was all the way open there was definitely a lot of play.

What's typical or "in spec" here?

P.S. Numbers matched.

[6mmintl]

Any matching bolt # to serial #.

Its a proven combat weapon, get over the trouble free loose fit.

[NOTABIKER]

the M 48 is the last Mauser made, the material and workmanship are very good. most hard core Mauser collectors shun them because they have no German history. most of the K98 mousers are miss match capture parts. i have a M- 48 and like it. if you are a shooter and could care less what somebody else thinks get you a M-48. i got a all matching 1950 M48 for 240 bucks at big 5. if you do not plan to shoot it and want the WW11 history find a K 98

[tujungatoes]

It's a military rifle not a bench rest gun. What you have is typical. They were made loose so they would still function in less than optimal conditions. If you want super tight tolerances forget about mil-surps.

[MilSurpFan]

the M 48 is the last Mauser made, the material and workmanship are very good. most hard core Mauser collectors shun them because they have no German history. most of the K98 mousers are miss match capture parts. i have a M- 48 and like it. if you are a shooter and could care less what somebody else thinks get you a M-48. i got a all matching 1950 M48 for 240 bucks at big 5. if you do not plan to shoot it and want the WW11 history find a K 98

Oh, nah, I'm not all concerned with having German History in the gun. Or what anyone else thinks of my rifle. Just want a good example. I pretty much buy them with the intention of keeping them, and that they must be reliable and reasonably accurate. I probably get as much enjoyment out handloading as actually shooting or hunting.

I'll keep it as close to original as possible, But, I simply can't justify the $$$ to be a serious collector, much as I might like to go find perfect representatives, etc. .

I'm just concious of the fact that I really don't know what the design spec is. And since it may be the only one I ever own, would like a good one. For whatever reasons the just felt like a nice handling rifle, a good fit to me.

So, I went ahead and bought it.

I guess now I'm going to be trying to dredge up as much M48 and 7.92x57 info as I can.

As a side note, was surprised to see the Lee doesn't offer a Lee Loader Classic in the caliber. But does for .303 Brit. I'd have thought that 8mm Mauser would've been a very popular choice. I like to have the Lee kits for what I have even though they aren't a replacement for a serious press.

[0321jarhead]

It is 8mm (8X57mm). I know its confusing but get that die.

http://omegacrossroads.com/GunCabinet/8X57/8mmMauser.htm

[NOTABIKER]

my bolt is so loose in the receiver when it is open that you might think it will slide out. also my safety lever is very sloppy.

[NOTABIKER]

i find Egyptian Mauser 8 mm ammo at gun shows for 20 bucks for 3 paper covered 15 round packs [45] rounds .I am sure somebody here can help you find it even cheaper. 8mm at retail gun stores is more than i paid. good for you buying the M 48. it is very well made.

[MilSurpFan]

i find Egyptian Mauser 8 mm ammo at gun shows for 20 bucks for 3 paper covered 15 round packs [45] rounds .I am sure somebody here can help you find it even cheaper. 8mm at retail gun stores is more than i paid. good for you buying the M 48. it is very well made.

Thanks. Couldn't resist, it just literally felt like it was engineered right. Still curious how an '03 Springfield compares, as well as a straight up K98K. But yeah I'm all grins, LOL!

Hopefully it shoots well. Kinda like the fact that you can fabricate brass from '06 if you need to. Gives it a slight + vrs. the Mosin for me. Not that there's any need to do that at the moment, brass is out there. But good to know you can do it without too much trouble.

I will say this though... I'd swear the partridge sights on any ol' Ruger 6 shooter give a better sight picture than any of the milsurp rifles I've ever owned. LOL! Least for me.