7.65 Mauser rebarrel Worth it or not?

[Hillbilly Marine]

I need some input to make a decision. I came across what I believe is a commercial action Mauser sporter chambered in 7.65 Argentine or Belgian. The rifle handles like a dream, shoulders and points like a dream, and operates smoother than a babies butt. I have been haunting pawn shops for years looking for little gems like this and from time to time I find a winner. Handling this rifle I had a vision of WDM Bell with a trim 7 X 57, slipping around a herd of elephants. The question I have for y'all is this.

With the asking price of $ 299 would it be worth rebarrelling to 7 X 57 Mauser? I haven't been able to figure out what all would be required to make the switch from 7.65 to 7 MM other than the barrel swap and chamber. Is there any other work that would be required I.E work on bolt face, magazine spring or follower, etc.

 

[mdwest]

All that is required is a barrel swap and to finish the chamber...

Depending on what manufacture of barrel you want and whether or not you are willing to do the work yourself, total investment could be less than $200.. or upwards of $1k.. it just depends on what you want to spend and who you want to do the work...

If you own a simple bench vise and a barrel wrench, you would be amazed how simple a barrel swap can be...

And if you are even remotely competent with hand tools, you can rent a chamber reamer, go and no go gauges, and a t-handle for $60 and finish the chamber out yourself in less than an hour pretty easily...

 

[BuffaloCreek]

If you hand load it might be better not to rebarrel as the 7.65 is a great chambering in its own right. Even better than 7x57.

If you don’t load your own then a rebarrel to 7mm08 is the way to go. Better in every respect than 7x57. Good luck and good shooting!

 

[CTDolan]

Another option is to ream the existing chamber to 30-06. Yeah, the bore is slightly oversize, but running 4350 with Partition bullets you’ll never notice (I don’t with mine).

 

[CTDolan]

If you do want to re-barrel, though, PAC-NOR can provide a pre-fit barrel that'll only require setting the shoulder back for headspace (you'll need a lathe for this operation).

 

[HWL]

If you don’t load your own then a rebarrel to 7mm08 is the way to go. Better in every respect than 7x57. Good luck and good shooting!

7mm08 is just another cartridge,.... 7x57 is legend!!!



HWL

 

[Von S.]

The days of the cheap military makeover are pretty much well over.

For that matter so are cheap military bolts.

If you have an accurate rifle in good shape that you can shoot well then why do anything to it?

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

7mm08 is just another cartridge,.... 7x57 is legend!!!



HWL

I think the same as HWL.

 

[nztimb]

7mm08 is just another cartridge,.... 7x57 is legend!!!



HWL

And a legend that will never be overtaken by the wannabe pretender.

 

[IvW]

a rebarrel to 7mm08 is the way to go. Better in every respect than 7x57.

 

[7x57Joe]

If you don’t load your own then a rebarrel to 7mm08 is the way to go. Better in every respect than 7x57. Good luck and good shooting!

Would love to hear your explanation of that remark.

 

[Rob404]

I own and like both the 7-08 and the 7x57, I also have the desire for a super nice 7x57 just need to find an action

 

[Spooksar]

Leave it as it is PPU has ammo for it and the one I have shoots not bad.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi Hillbilly.

If your rifle is an Original Sporting Mauser in good shape it would not be too smart to change anything.
Sporting 7,65x53 cartridges are made by NORMA and PRVI Partizan. So try to use the rifle as is. By the way, the 7,65 Mauser is a truly great cartridge, as modern in design and performance as any other.

Good luck!

CF

 

[Hillbilly Marine]

Thanks for the input! I have come to the conclusion that I will get this rifle in about a week or so. I usually decide to buy a gun and then wait a few days. Keeps me from going crazy wasting money.

I appreciate those who point out the advantages of the 7.65 round. I had one rifle so chambered and was impressed with it. With that said I have never had a 7X57 and when I first held the rifle that round came to my mind as perfect for the rifle.

In any case, before I decide to go ahead with a barrel swap or not will depend upon my gunsmith and barrel condition. If the barrel gets swapped it will be stamped .275 Rigby just for grins and chucks.

 

[Spooksar]

Hornady makes 275 Rigby stamped brass, I bought a Cooper rifle stamped 275 Rigby and took it to Africa a couple of years ago.

 

[Milehighshooter]

I'd buy it in a heart beat. If you want it to be a 7x57, go for it. If you're not changing anything else, it won't be too big of a hurdle. You could even have the factory barrel profile copied if you don't charge the handling

 

[yumastepside]

Stick with the 7.65, Norma's are a good round......over simplified, its a rimless 303, powerwise between a 308 and 30-06.....despite its age its a modern, straight walled,short neck case......handloads can be made to match 30-06 in a good action.

Roger

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi,

Agree, Roger!