Mauser 98 Barrel Profile

WebleyGreene455

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Hello everyone,

Per a couple of my other threads, I'm interested in building a Mauser 98 in 9.3x62mm. The project has suffered a few setbacks but I'm still determined to go through with it and I wanted a little help.

Here's what I'm going for: Military (preferably German) large-ring Gew98 action, turned-down bolt, Kar98k-style long side rail scope mount + vintage style 4x German scope, sporterized walnut Gew98 stock, modified floorplate with a lever latch for dumping the magazine, NECG 3-leaf express sights OR a standard Kar98k rear sight, ramped front sight with a low light bead and/or hood.

What I'm undecided on is barrel profile. On the one hand, a standard Gew98 military contour is fairly inexpensive and would not require much stock work aside from some extra inletting for bedding. It's the simplest option and one not inappropriate for a rifle that I intend to resemble something that your average hunter/explorer/obtainer of rare antiquities might have toted across the world.

On the other hand, I'm attracted to the octagonal/half-octagonal barrels I've seen on higher grade rifles of the pre-WWII era. They look great, they're a bit heavier by my understanding, and the one from Lothar-Walther does have an integrated rib and front sight. They are, however, considerably more expensive (especially the L-W) and the L-W barrel would have to be chambered by a third party, if I understand correctly, and that would add to the end cost.

If anyone has some thoughts or opinions on which barrel to go with, or has experience with round vs oct/oct-to-round in general, please do leave a comment. Keep in mind that due to the nature of the project I have in mind, contours/profiles besides the military round or oct/oct-to-round ones aren't really on the table. Manufacturer suggestions besides Lothar-Walter and McGowen would also be appreciated.

~~W.G.455
 
Do you mean the military barrel with the “step” in it?
FYI I love the military rear sights and would have never thought of putting one on a sporter.
 
Do you mean the military barrel with the “step” in it?
FYI I love the military rear sights and would have never thought of putting one on a sporter.
That's the one I meant, yes. As for the sights, they don't seem to have been especially common but I've seen military-style ramp/ladder sights on a few Mauser sporting rifles from the time (and on some converted military rifles as well). But I don't think a military sight for an 8mm rifle would be compatible with a 9.3 bullet; I expect I'd have to have the sight altered to reflect the different cartridge or have a blank one done up just for it.
 

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